A Guide To Authentic Shopping In Sri Lanka 2024

Places for shopping in Sri Lanka are a lot, but only in some places, you’ll find the authentic blend of natural and raw Sri Lanka. Shopping in Sri Lanka is a must-do activity.  With vibrant markets, charming boutiques, and friendly shopkeepers, it’s a shopper’s paradise.

You can find everything from handcrafted jewellery, clothing, teas, and handicrafts that capture the essence of this tropical paradise. While booking your Sri Lankan Tour Packages, don’t forget to list souvenirs, as it would be difficult to resist the urge to buy authentic flavours and wooden carvings. 

Some of the best places for shopping in Sri Lanka include Colombo’s famous Pettah Market, Galle Fort Shopping Street, and the bustling Kandy Market. Each site offers a unique shopping experience, whether for traditional handicrafts or modern fashion.

Places For Shopping In Sri Lanka

1. Pettah Market
2. Galle Face Green Fair
3. Liberty Plaza
4. Crescat Boulevard
5. Galle Fort Shopping Street
6. Galle, Barefoot
7. Kandy Market
8. Nuwara Eliya
9. Tea Factory Outlets
10. Ella Village Shopping Center
11. Negombo Fish Market
12. Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center
13. Anuradhapura New Town Market
14. Hikkaduwa Beach Road

Plenty of places to shop in Sri Lanka cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether in the bustling city or relaxing by the beach, you’ll find charming shops and stalls waiting to be explored.

Some of the best places to shop in Sri Lanka are Ella Village Shopping Center, known for its handmade crafts, and the Negombo Fish Market, a vibrant seafood extravaganza by the shore. Both places offer a unique shopping experience that’s to be noticed.

Immerse yourself in the Shopping in Sri Lanka and make the most of your trip. Take home a piece of its beauty, grab your shopping bags and be ready for a retail therapy experience.

Shopping Places In Sri Lanka

1. Pettah Market

It also has a wide range of gadgets, accessories and mobile phones. The market also offers a culinary infusion to the Sri Lanka flavours.

You can buy authentic species and herbs from the Pettah Market.

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What to buy?

Fabrics, sarees

2. Galle Face Green Fair

You can also have delectable street food to cherish the flavoursome delicacies in Sri Lanka. Isso wade, or shrimp fritters, are famous, as is kottu roti, roti with vegetables and meat are some dishes you can try. 

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What to buy?

Electronic gadgets 

3. Liberty Plaza

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You can also purchase beauty and wellness products for retail therapy. The mall also has several bookshops and dining services where you can relax and simply enjoy your meal. It is a one-stop shopping complex for necessities, but there are better places to shop for souvenirs.

What to buy?

Cosmetics, dresses 

4. Crescat Boulevard

You can find a wide range of souvenirs and the latest fashion trends here, and if you get tired or hungry, you can go to the ground floor for delectable dining options. 

It’s a go-to place for locals for a weekend shopping spree. Tourists seeking to discover the best of Colombo’s market can visit this place. 

What to buy?

Fashion clothes, packed food

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5. Galle Fort Shopping Street

You can buy artisanal products, from handmade jewellery and clothing to exquisite homeware and antiques. It’s the perfect place to discover one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts with a touch of history.

You can explore historical sites like Galle Fort ramparts, lighthouses, and museums while visiting this shopping street in Sri Lanka.

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What to buy?

Sarong, Craft showpieces 

6. Galle, Barefoot

You can buy handwoven textiles, colourful spree colours and unique home decor items to buy as souvenirs. There are many places to shop in Sri Lanka, but only some can give you authentic products. 

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The artisans and the locals make it with ceramics, style and a unique touch of authentic Sri Lanka. Indulge in a bohemian culture like never before.

What to buy?

Handwoven textiles, clothes

7. Kandy Market

You will encounter aromas all around with rightful flavours and clothing. You can easily bargain in this market. Remember to taste the mouthwatering local delicacies like samosas, kottu roti and tropical fruits. Along with the places for shopping in Sri Lanka, this place also gives a chance to connect with the warm local people. 

What to buy?

Raw species, fresh fruits 

8. Nuwara Eliya

You can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and have a joyous time in Nuwara Eliya. You can buy Ceylon tea, which is locally produced in this region and has great flavour and aroma.

You’ll also find several local handicrafts and warm woollen clothing with welcoming vendors.

What to buy?

Fresh flowers, fruits

9. Tea Factory Outlets

The staff in these outlets are happy to assist you with all kinds of knowledge you may need about the product. You can buy these flavoursome souvenirs. You can also taste the premium quality teas and feel the difference. You can buy loose tea leaves and tea bags The prices may vary as per the quality.

What to buy?

Variety of tea

10. Ella Village Shopping Center

Ella Village Shopping Center is also an excellent place to pick up delicious local snacks and spices. Try the Sri Lankan spices and teas, perfect for recreating the island’s flavours in your kitchen.

What to buy?

Wood carved jewellery, showpiece. 

11. Negombo Fish Market

As you wander through the market, you’ll be greeted by fishermen unloading their fresh catches of the day. The sheer variety of seafood is staggering, from giant prawns and crabs to a colourful assortment of fish. The market’s atmosphere is lively and chaotic, with vendors negotiating prices and locals haggling for the best deals.

You can watch as fish are cleaned and prepared right before your eyes, ensuring the utmost freshness. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even purchase some seafood to return to your accommodation and cook a delicious meal.

What to buy?

Seafood

12. Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center

From succulent tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples to a wide variety of vegetables and herbs, you’ll find an abundance of locally grown goodness. 

It is more of a cultural experience as you can interact with sellers and buyers and get tips on selecting the best produce. It’s a great place to engage with the warm-hearted locals and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s agricultural heritage.

What to buy?

Fruits, vegetables

13. Anuradhapura New Town Market

As you wander through the market’s stalls, you’ll discover a wide range of products, from traditional Sri Lankan spices and handwoven textiles to everyday essentials. The market reflects the town’s rich history, where you can find unique souvenirs that embody the local culture.

What to buy?

Handwoven textiles, Showpieces

14. Hikkaduwa Beach Road

As you stroll along the road, you’ll find a range of shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up beachwear, jewellery, and unique trinkets to remember your time in Hikkaduwa.

What to buy?

Beachwear, Jewellery