A historic port city full of colour, culture and character

Perched on Sri Lanka’s west coast, Colombo is an irresistible blend of old and new. Gorgeous old colonial buildings and bustling local markets coexist with shiny skyscrapers and swanky shopping malls. From the historic Pettah and Fort districts to the sleek One Galle Face Mall complex and cutting-edge Lotus Tower, the city’s contrasts are a huge part of its charm.

As befitting a long-standing port city, Colombo is home to a vibrant multicultural population. Admire magnificent temples, churches and mosques, and (if you’re lucky) catch a colourful religious or cultural festival. And don’t miss the incredible mix of lip-smacking cuisine!

Colombo is also an excellent jumping-off point for the rest of Sri Lanka, connected by train to unforgettable destinations including Kandy, Anuradhapura, Galle and Jaffna.

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Buddha statue at Gangarama temple on the Beira lake in Colombo

Cheap flights to Colombo

Things to do: Colombo

  • The stunning colonial National Museum of Colombo, seen from the front. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Get cultured at the National Museum of Colombo

    You know a museum is special when it has a government department devoted to it – and the enormous National Museum of Colombo doesn’t disappoint. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich history, taking in its mind-boggling collection of art, weaponry, jeweled antiquities, antique demon masks, ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and even the spectacular throne and crown jewels of the last King of Kandy. Wander the manicured grounds and admire the museum from the outside – it’s housed in a magnificent, lily-white colonial building that’s an impressive showpiece itself.

  • Cups of tea waiting to be sampled in a Sri Lankan tea shop. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Get a taste for Colombo’s tea tradition

    Sip your way around some of Colombo’s wonderful tea cafés and see (well, taste) why Sri Lankan (Ceylon) tea is world-famous. As well as hot or iced Ceylon tea – always popular choices – expect some very creative spins on the beverage. Tea shake, tea-based cocktail, tea frappuccino or chocolate-flavoured tea, anyone? Indulge in a delicious high tea at the iconic Galle Face Hotel, and stock up at one of the many specialist tea retailers around town.

  • Colombo’s bustling Galle Face Green, where locals gather to stroll, fly kites and play. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Stroll along Galle Face Green

    Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the pounding waves as you wander Galle Face Green, a bustling seaside promenade and park close to the city centre. Grab a snack or a souvenir from one of the many stalls along the way, go for a paddle, and soak up the glorious Indian Ocean sunset. Always buzzing, Galle Face Green is also great for a spot of people-watching. And on windy days, folks flock here to fly kites, adding to the festive atmosphere.

  • A bowl of Sri Lankan kottu roti, with a bowl of curry sauce in the background. Image credit: Adobe Stock

    Fill up on amazing food

    Go on a gastronomic adventure in this city of sensational street food and upmarket restaurants. You’re never far from a street-food vendor, and Galle Face Green and Hulftsdorp Street are great places to start. Get stuck in to eye-watering curries, tasty roti, spicy achcharu (pickled fruit mixes), fried manioc chips, heavenly sweet treats… and so much more! For fine dining, head to award-winning Ministry of Crab in the fashionable Old Dutch Hospital shopping precinct or the romantic Gallery Café. With influences as diverse as its population, Sri Lankan cuisine lives up to the legend.

  • Giant Buddha statues inside Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Image credit: sikaraha - stock.adobe.com

    See the spiritual sights

    Whether you’re religious or just appreciate beautiful architecture and interiors, Colombo’s places of worship should be on your sightseeing list. Marvel at the intricate sculptures and shrines of the city’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil. Enjoy the tranquility of Seema Malaka, a streamlined Buddhist temple ‘floating’ over Beira Lake, and its more flamboyant cousin Gangaramaya Temple next door. The wondrous Red Mosque is unlike any building you’ve ever seen, while historic St Lucia’s Cathedral is sheer grandeur.

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Airport information

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Distance to city centre: 32km

Taxi Head to the Airport Taxi Service counters in the arrivals hall to book a taxi to your destination. The trip takes about 45 minutes and will cost about LKR 7,000Rs to the city centre.

Bus Express buses to Colombo leave every half hour or so, from a stop about 50m from the arrival terminal. Depending on the time of day, the trip will take up to an hour, and cost around LKR 500Rs.

Rideshare Uber and local company PickMe operate from the airport. A trip to Colombo city centre should cost about LKR 4,500Rs.

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When to go

Sri Lanka is hot, steamy and tropical, and Colombo is no exception. Day-time temperatures average in the high-20s all year (but can get much higher), while minimums rarely drop below 20°C. The best time to visit is between late November and mid-April, avoiding the monsoon season (May-September).

Colombo has a lively festival calendar, starting with Duruthu Perehara in January. This colourful celebration in the streets around Kelaniya Temple commemorates Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. Independence Day (4 February) is a grand affair with parades and fireworks, while the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid-April brings street parties and more fireworks. Buddha’s birthday is celebrated in style on Vesak Poya (May), and the magical Hindu festival Deepavali (Festival of Light, November) sees the city illuminated by colourful lights and lanterns.

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Getting around

While buses are the cheapest way of getting around Colombo, they tend to be crowded and uncomfortable. Taxis (including three-wheeled trishaw taxis), Uber and PickMe are widely available. The train is a handy, cheap and scenic (if often slow) way to get to other destinations around Sri Lanka.

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