Start your journey in Colombo by exploring the country's history and culture at the Colombo National Museum. Get a glimpse of the city’s rich past, including art, sculptures, and exhibits.
If you’re a shopping enthusiast, this day is perfect for exploring the vibrant markets of Colombo. Start at Odel for clothing, home décor, and accessories, then head to Majestic City for more shopping options.
Visit the famous Gangaramaya Temple to explore the beautiful Buddhist temple complex and learn about the culture of Sri Lanka. This temple features a library, museum, and colorful architecture, offering visitors an authentic and immersive experience.
Dedicated to Sri Lanka’s independence, the Independence Memorial Hall is a museum featuring a range of exhibits, including pottery, traditional costumes, and historical items. It is also a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the beautiful gardens and surroundings.
Take a break from the city hustle and bustle by visiting the Dehiwala Zoological Garden, featuring over 3,000 animals and species from around the world. Also, watch animal shows and feed animal species up close.
Make your visit complete by ascending the Lotus Tower, offering a panoramic view of the city from the top. Take in the beautiful sunset in the evening and enjoy many photo opportunities.
Located on the Kelani River, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a sacred Buddhist temple featuring beautiful pastel colors and soothing peaceful atmosphere offering a respite from the city’s busy lifestyle.
This grand colonial building served as Sri Lanka's parliament until 1983. It now serves as a museum, featuring some of the country's most important historical relics and architecture, like murals and grounds.
Take a break from sightseeing and head to one of the best beaches in Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach. This stunning beach offers crystal-clear waters, great food, drinks, as well as various water activities like riding Jet Ski.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting the Viharamahadevi Park in the heart of Colombo. The park offers beautiful flower gardens, a large Buddha statue, a playground, and various activities to relax and have a picnic.
Visit the Arcade Independence Square for some window shopping and a quick bite to eat. This colonial building turned shopping mall offers various stores, restaurants, and an excellent cinema for fun and relaxation.
Learn about the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka at the Dutch Museum, featuring ancient Dutch artifacts and colonial-era exhibits. The beautiful gardens outside and the antique pottery are some must-visit experiences.
If you loved the Dehiwala Zoological Garden, consider visiting its counterpart, the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala. This zoo offers many different types of animals and exhibits that you couldn't find at Dehiwala.
Experience the beautiful architecture and serene holy atmosphere at Saint Lucia's Cathedral. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of Catholicism in Sri Lanka and witness the beautiful stained glass and frescoes in the church.
Your visit to Colombo would not be complete without trying sri Lankan street food, and Galle Face Green is the perfect spot in Colombo for street food. This beautiful oceanfront urban park is a perfect place to explore and enjoy a variety of fancies and food offerings.
For transportation in Colombo, there are plenty of options. From buses and taxis to tuk-tuks and bike rentals, you can enjoy total flexibility in your movement. All transportation modes are easily accessible, and fares are budget-friendly. Do note to avoid rush hours as it might delay your plans with traffic.
If you have a longer stay in Colombo, consider visiting the following places: Seema Malaka Temple, Vihara Maha Devi Park, The National Museum, The Pettah Market, Geoffrey Bawa House, and The National Art Gallery. In case you have limited time, you may want to skip the Dutch museum and visit the national museum instead.
There are two major airports in Colombo. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the major airport with plenty of arrivals/departures all-day. It is situated approximately 32km north of Colombo city, and traveling from Bandaranaike International Airport to the city center takes around an hour depending on traffic. Ratmalana Airport (RML) is the second airport in Colombo and mainly serves domestic flights.