colombo-sri-lanka

Top 15 Things To Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka (2025 Guide)

18 Sep, 2025

5 minutes read
Written by- Kavya

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18 Sep, 2025

5 minutes readWritten by - Kavya

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

  • Things To Do in Colombo: Highlights
  • Things to Do in Colombo Sri Lanka
  • 1. Stroll along Galle Face Green
  • 2. Explore Colombo’s Local Food
  • 3. Visit Gangaramaya Temple
  • 4. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the city
  • 5. Visit Pettah Market
  • 6. Visit the National Museum of Colombo
  • 7. Wander through Colombo Fort
  • 8. Watch a cultural show at Nelum Pokuna Theatre
  • 9. Cruise along Beira Lake by Swan Boat
  • 10. Explore Colombo’s Art Scene
  • 11. Shop at Local Boutiques
  • 12. Take a day trip to Mount Lavinia Beach
  • 13. Relax at Viharamahadevi Park
  • 14. Visit the Red Mosque
  • 15. Enjoy the views from the top of Lotus Tower
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Colombo might be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Sri Lanka! This coastal city has an old charm and an enthusiastic city buzz that lightens up the vibe. Going through the ancient temples of Sri Lanka , exploring the trendy rooftop cafes, and much more - it’s going to be a little bit chaotic, chilled, and packed with memories.

If you are looking for the coolest things to do in Colombo, start with the streets, they will lead you to vibrant markets, open-air food stalls, and some of the warmest people you will meet. And when you are ready to explore beyond the Capital, these Sri Lanka tour packages will take you into the island’s beauty.

Things To Do in Colombo: Highlights

  1. Stroll along Galle Face Green
  2. Explore Colombo’s Local Food
  3. Visit Gangaramaya Temple
  4. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the city
  5. Visit Pettah Market
  6. Visit the National Museum of Colombo
  7. Wander through Colombo Fort
  8. Watch a cultural show at Nelum Pokuna Theatre
  9. Cruise along Beira Lake by Swan Boat
  10. Explore Colombo’s Art Scene
  11. Shop at local boutiques
  12. Take a day trip to Mount Lavinia Beach
  13. Relax at Viharamahadevi Park
  14. Visit the Red Mosque
  15. Enjoy the views from the top of Lotus Tower
best sri lanka packages

Things to Do in Colombo Sri Lanka

1. Stroll along Galle Face Green

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Start your trip with an easy seaside walk at Galle Face Green. It’s a big open lawn by the ocean where the wind is cool, kites fill the sky and everyone’s just relaxing. Grab a hot cup of tea and a crispy isso wade (prawn fritter) from a stall, sit on the seawall, and watch the beauty of the place. You should come around sunset, when the sky look surreal and the whole place feels calm.

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Cost: Free

2. Explore Colombo’s Local Food

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Exploring Colombo’s local food is one of the best things to do in Colombo and a must on any list of activities in Colombo. Start with kottu roti, hoppers, and isso wade at Galle Face Green, then sip hot Ceylon tea as the sun sets. From Pettah market snacks to seaside crab curries, you get good flavours and food in Sri Lanka, which are easy to find.

Location: Throught the Colombo city

Duration: Any time of the day ‘

Cost: Varies according to the food.

3. Visit Gangaramaya Temple

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Gangaramaya is one of the most beloved temples in Sri Lanka! Inside, you will find golden Buddha statues, prayer rooms and a small museum packed with curious gifts from around the world. It’s busy but peaceful where monks are chanting and bells ringing softly with all the good vibes around.

Location: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka

Duration: 45-90 minutes

Cost: Small fee/donation

4. Take a tuk-tuk ride through the city

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One of the easiest things to do in Colombo at night is to hop into a tuk-tuk and cruise past the city light. Start at Galle Face Green, loop by the Old Dutch Hospital, swing through Pettah’s glowing shopfronts, cut across Slave Island to the Lotus Tower and then roll down Marine Drive with the sea breeze in your face.

Location: You can get tuk-tuk anywhere

Duration: 1-2 hours

Cost: Varies on your location

5. Visit Pettah Market

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You must dive into the real Colombo at pettah that is full of vibe and where you can enjoy shopping in Sri Lanka! Start near Khan Clock Tower and wander the cross streets at your own pace. You will find spice shops, tea stands, fabric stacks, phone accessories, toys and fresh fruit all packed into a lively maze. Grab a king coconut to sip as you walk and try a short eat from a bakery counter.

Location: WVP3+VMM, Keyzer St, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka

Duration: 1-2 hours of slow browsing

Cost: Varies on products

6. Visit the National Museum of Colombo

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When the heat rises or a rain shower rolls in, slip into the National Museum for a calm hour with Sri Lanka’s history. You will see royal crowns and swords, carved moonstones, serene Buddha statues, and much more.

Location: WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Cost: INR 350 Entry fee

7. Wander through Colombo Fort

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Colombo Fort is the city’s old heart - grand colonial buildings, quiet lanes, and sudden peeks of the ocean. York Street, the Old Lighthouse Clock Tower, and the Old Dutch Hospital - then finish at Galle Face Green for sea breeze and sunset. It’s photogenic, easy to walk and one of the best things to do in Colombo Sri Lanka.

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Cost: Free

8. Watch a cultural show at Nelum Pokuna Theatre

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Spend an easy evening at NNelum Pokuna - Colombo’s modern, lotus-shaped performing arts hall. Expect bright Kandyan drumming, graceful dance, colorful costumes and slick sound. It’s a relaxed way to see Sri Lankan culture in one sitting, perfect before or after dinner in Colombo 7.

Location: 110 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Duration: 90-120 minutes

Cost: INR 580 - INR 5,000

9. Cruise along Beira Lake by Swan Boat

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Hop into a white swan pedal boat and drift across Beira Lake for a calm break in the middle of the city. The water is serene, the skyline frames your photos, and you will glide past palms and little islands near Seema Malaka and Gangaramaya. Boats usually fit two people, perfect for friends, couples or a parent-child spin.

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Duration: 20-30 minutes per ride

Cost: INR 45 - INR 146

10. Explore Colombo’s Art Scene

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Spend an afternoon going between a couple of galleries, start at Barefoot Gallery, tuk-tuk to Saskia Fernando, then wander Green Path if it’s the weekend. Grab a coffee, chat with an artist, and maybe take home a small print. No rush, just color, chill vibes and a little Colombo charm.

Location: Wander through art galleries

Duration: 2-3 hours

Cost: No entry fee for galleries

11. Shop at Local Boutiques

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Skip the malls and go treasure-hunting in small, stylish stores. Start at Barefoot for handloom scarves, bright bags, and artsy homeware. Tuk-tuk over to Paradise Road for clean, minimal decor and easy gift ideas.

Location: Local boutiques in Colombo

Duration: 1 hour

Cost: Depends on the items

12. Take a day trip to Mount Lavinia Beach

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Take an easy day trip to Mount Lavinia Beach for sand, swims and sunset. Hop the coastal train from Colombo Fort, walk 8-10 minutes to the beach and grab a sunbed or just lay a towel on the sand. In the late afternoon, stroll the shore or pop up to the Mount Lavinia Hotel terrace for a classic view. Stay for a sunset, then train or tuk-tuk back to the city!

Location: Beach, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia 10370, Sri Lanka

Duration: A Whole day

Cost: Free

13. Relax at Viharamahadevi Park

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Sink into the shade at Viharamahadevi Park and slow down. Walk the wide paths, sit by the fountains and watch kids play! Grab a tea or an ice cream from a cart and find a bench under a big banyan tree. Go early morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler.

Location: Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Duration: 1-2 hours

Cost: FREE

14. Visit the Red Mosque

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The Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar) is Pettah’s showstopper, with red and white stripes. Walk up from Khan Clock Tower and you will see it rising. Pause outside for a photo, then step it quietly if visitors are allowed, remove shoes, dress modestly and keep voices low. It’s a short, memorable stop, perfect to pair with a wander through Pettah Market right next door.

Location: 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Cost: FREE

15. Enjoy the views from the top of Lotus Tower

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Glide up the elevator and step into a 360 360-degree view of Colombo - Beira Lake, the port cranes, the coastline, and trains sliding along Marine Drive. Come for sunset and stay a little after, when you get even better photos.

Location: 320 McCallum Rd, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Cost: FREE

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FAQ'S

01

What is Colombo famous for?

Colombo is famous for Galle Face sunsets, spicy street food, colonial Fort architecture, the buzzing Pettah Market and Red Mosque, serene Gangaramaya Temple, Ceylon tea, and views from the Lotus Tower.

02

How to spend one day in Colombo?

03

Is Colombo in Sri Lanka worth visiting?

04

What to do in Colombo for 2 days?

05

What are the top attractions to visit in Colombo?

06

Are there any unique shopping experiences in Colombo?

07

Can visitors experience local cuisines in Colombo, and where should they go?

08

What cultural experiences can visitors enjoy in Colombo?

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