Colombo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Colombo
Colombo
Colombo
Colombo
Colombo

Colonial charm and Buddhist spirituality mix with beachside entertainment, bustling shopping districts and a love of cricket in Sri Lanka’s coastal capital. 

Colombo is a showcase of Sri Lanka’s Asian and European heritage. It’s where the fast-paced chaos of the continent’s cities meets a lingering colonial ambiance and contemporary fashion. In Colombo, ancient religious shrines stand next to churches, and skyscrapers rise above time-honored shops. Pretty parks are a reminder of Colombo’s “Garden City of the East” nickname while beaches offer an introduction to the island’s 833-mile (1,340-kilometer) coastline.

Discover the spiritual serenity that exists amid the mayhem of the city streets at Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and lakeside Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple. The contrasting Gothic Old Town Hall and neoclassical New Town Hall sit on the edge of gorgeous Viharamahadevi Park. Visit European-influenced churches, including the Dutch-built Wolvendaal Church, Portuguese St. Anthony’s Church and Scottish St. Andrew’s Church.

Browse art collections that date back to the 4th century B.C. at Colombo National Museum and learn about Dutch rule at the Dutch Period Museum. Ape Gama is an open-air folk museum that brings to life the customs of a Sri Lankan village via mock rural scenes. The elaborately decorated Independence Memorial Hall commemorates the nation breaking free from the British Empire.

Pettah is Colombo’s bustling shopping quarter, famous for traditional shops and markets such as Pettah Floating Market. Go to Arcade Independence Square and Crescat Boulevard for brand-name and upmarket fashion. Witness the city’s passion for cricket while attending a match at Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. Or, play a round of 18 holes at the immaculate Royal Colombo Golf Club.

Watch the sunset and snack on spicy street food during an evening stroll on Galle Green Face Promenade. Find an aquarium, beer garden and outdoor food court at Diyatha Uyana waterfront park. Mount Lavinia Beach boasts golden sand and chic seafront bars. Spot exotic animals at Dehiwala National Zoo and ride waterslides at Leisure World.

Reach Colombo by flying to Bandaranaike International Airport, located an hour’s drive from the city center. Get around the city via low-cost buses, trains and tuk-tuks.

Where to stay in Colombo

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Fort

4/5(36 area reviews)

Fort is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct and Colombo World Trade Center.

Fort
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Bambalapitiya

If you're spending some time in Bambalapitiya, Marino Mall and Bellagio Casino are top sights worth seeing.

Bambalapitiya
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Wellawatte

4/5(23 area reviews)

Wellawatte is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can plan an outing to Dehiwala Zoological Garden and Marino Mall while you're in town.

Wellawatte
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Kollupitiya

While visiting Kollupitiya, you might make a stop by sights like High Commission of India and Casino Marina Colombo.

Kollupitiya
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Kompannaweediya

If you're spending some time in Kompannaweediya, One Galle Face and Galle Face Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Kompannaweediya
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Milagiriya

Milagiriya might not have many top sights, but Marino Mall and Bellagio Casino are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Milagiriya
Mandarina Colombo

Mandarina Colombo

5 out of 5
433, Galle Road, Colombo
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Great value for money, and a very comfortable stay. I always come to this hotel when I travel to Sri Lanka"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Mandarina Colombo
Marino Beach Colombo

Marino Beach Colombo

5 out of 5
590 Marine Drive, Colombo, WP
The price is ₹6,301 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
₹6,301
₹8,571 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"I stayed at Marino Beach Hotel for five nights recently and it was perfect. The staff made the biggest difference in my stay, they were friendly, available, and provided services immediately. This makes a big difference when you are jet lagged and need something early in the morning or late at night. ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Marino Beach Colombo
Shangri-La Colombo

Shangri-La Colombo

5 out of 5
1 Galle Face, Colombo
The price is ₹11,631 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
₹11,631
₹15,626 total
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (462 reviews)
"Best recommendation to use this hotel and save time to walk around mall and good tasty."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Shangri-La Colombo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Supun Arcade Residency

Supun Arcade Residency

3 out of 5
56, Galle Road, Colombo
Stay at this 3-star beach aparthotel in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Colombo City Centre and Raux Brothers ...
7.2/10 Good! (144 reviews)
"We walked in an apartment with dust and dirt on the floor, mould behind toilet door, mould on kitchen glass tray. They said this apartment was closed for some time. Housekeeping staff should be trained to check on details. Would not recommend for families who are particular about cleanliness. The ..."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2024

Supun Arcade Residency
Altair Luxury Colombo by Miracle

Altair Luxury Colombo by Miracle

3.5 out of 5
121a Sir James Pieris Mawatha, 47, Colombo, WP
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Colombo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Colombo City Centre and Gangaramaya Temple ...
7.8/10 Good! (7 reviews)
"Prefect place"

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2025

Altair Luxury Colombo by Miracle
Marine Suites

Marine Suites

4 out of 5
12 Nimalka Gardens, Colombo, WP
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Colombo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Saskia Fernando Gallery ...
"only not good thing is no breakfast"

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2024

Marine Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Colombo

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
49
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
57
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
22
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Big, bustling city. Get out of it to see the rest of the country.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A great city to explore and would recommend people go there before it gets too westernised!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Vibrant and very busy !!!!!!!!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very clean city , litter free, good roads , disciplined traffic , people friendly and coutreous

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I regularly visit Sri lanka and Colombo so am familier with the country.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beware of the jewellery shop opposite this hotel.

Cities near Colombo