Holidays to Colombo
Colombo highlights
Catch some cricket
Cricket runs deep in Sri Lankan life, and Colombo is one of the best places to feel its pull. International matches draw big, energetic crowds, while pickup games unfold daily on Galle Face Green. Astrology is another local constant — ask your hotel to arrange a practitioner for a personalised horoscope, a ritual many visitors try at least once.
See the sights
Colombo’s landmarks reward curious wandering. The red-and-white-striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of the city’s most striking sights, while Gangaramaya Temple surprises with offerings ranging from ancient weapons to a vintage Rolls-Royce. Slow things down with afternoon tea, a legacy of British rule, or take a relaxed cruise along the nearby Hamilton Canal, another colonial-era imprint on the city.
Try the curry
A heaping plate of rice and curry is a must on any holiday in Colombo. Served on a banana leaf, the dish brings together multiple curries that reflect the island’s many influences, with jackfruit, lentils, vegetables and meat or fish all in the mix. Locals eat it with their fingers, so feel free to follow suit.
Colombo: Know before you go
| Language | Sinhala, Tamil |
|---|---|
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (SLST) |
| High season | December - March |
| Low season | June |
Find the best time to go to Colombo
Weather in Colombo
January – March: This is peak high season and your best bet for blue skies. Though the afternoon sun blazes, the odd shower can’t be ruled out.
April – September: The sun stays hot, but late April rings in the southwest monsoon season. When the downpours and thunderstorms start, duck inside for a fortifying cup of sweet Ceylon tea.
October – December: A second monsoon season sees Colombo at its wettest. Unfazed? Pack an umbrella and make the most of cheaper flights and lodgings. This period also marks the beginning of the high season, with rains easing off in mid-November. Christmas and New Year bring lots of tourists and a lively atmosphere.
Events in Colombo
Kala Pola Art Fair (February): Discover the best of contemporary Sri Lankan art at the island’s largest fair. Watch artists create works in real time, catch a cultural performance, and pick up something to brighten your walls.
Colombo Vesak Festival (May): Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death mark the most important date in the Buddhist calendar. Devotees and tourists alike are invited to tuck into a free feast, while colourful lanterns and dazzling displays illuminate the night.
Colombo International Kite Festival (August): From elephants to kangaroos, giant kites of every shape fill the sky above Galle Face Green. Artists from around the world gather to fly their creations, turning the seaside promenade into a colourful celebration of craft, creativity and cultural exchange.
The best neighbourhoods in Colombo
Bambalapitiya (Colombo 4)
This is where to stay in Colombo if you’re looking for a little sun and seashore. The beaches here feel more local than those further south and have the charm to match. Opt for a family-run guesthouse for a down-to-earth experience. When you’re ready to explore, reach central Colombo via a scenic train ride along the coast.
Good for: Beaches, coastal strolls, guesthouses
Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7)
Once home to vast cinnamon plantations, this leafy neighbourhood is now one of Colombo’s most elegant districts. Wide streets, grand homes and green spaces give it a relaxed feel, with Viharamahadevi Park at its heart. Former mansions house boutique hotels, galleries and cafes. Don’t miss a guided visit to Number 11, the former home of architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Good for: Relaxation, trendy cafes, shopping
Fort (Colombo 1)
This photogenic neighbourhood was once the centre of colonial rule. Today, the 17th-century Dutch Hospital is a complex of upmarket boutiques, bars and restaurants. And a warehouse once used to stock imports for British officials is now a supermarket. From here, it’s a short walk to the ocean air of Galle Face Green.
Good for: History, colonial architecture, sunsets
Things to do in Colombo
Beaches
A short train ride skimming the coastline brings you to Mount Lavinia, a suburb just south of Colombo. This is the beachy Sri Lanka of travel brochures, with swaying palms and stretches of golden sand. Settle into a deckchair with a fresh coconut, try your hand at jet-skiing, or choose from a relaxed line-up of beach bars and seaside restaurants.
Shopping
No trip to Colombo is complete without wandering Pettah’s teeming bazaars. But for authentic souvenirs, head for the Saturday Good Market at the Race Course. Look out for Ceylon tea, carved wooden elephants and bags or hats made from woven palmyrah palms. Or try the Green Path Open-Air Art Market for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Nightlife
Locals flock to Galle Face Green to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Feeling hungry? Vendors sell deep-fried snacks like ‘isso vade’, an iconic lentil fritter topped with freshwater prawns. Plus, you’re just moments from the rooftop bars of high-rise hotels. Order anything containing ‘arrack’, a spirit distilled from coconut flower sap.
Places to eat
Some of the best restaurants in Colombo are simple curbside spots. Order a ‘hopper’, the bowl-shaped pancake often topped with a fried egg. At the other end of the spectrum, the city is famous for Sri Lankan mangrove crab, prized for its meaty claws and served at landmark restaurants like the Ministry of Crab, where oversized crustaceans earn names like ‘Crabzilla’.
Take in the culture
Before the Portuguese, Dutch and British left their mark, Sri Lanka was an island of ancient kingdoms. Learn its layered history at the National Museum, where treasures include the last king of Kandy’s throne. Besides the museums in Colombo, there are other cultural attractions worth visiting, like the temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, a rainbow-hued structure adorned with ornate Hindu gods.
Family friendly
Let the kids run wild at Viharamahadevi Park, the largest in the city. Picnic beneath the banyan trees, ride the toy train, and cool off under the water fountains. Or buy a kite from vendors on Galle Face Green. The imposing Lotus Tower is a beautiful addition to the skyline, and the views from up top are just as spectacular.
Get ready for Colombo
Budget
Tranquil temples, vibrant street food and simple guesthouses make cheap trips to Colombo easy to plan. You can find an inexpensive restaurant meal for around 700 Sri Lankan rupees (Rs). A cappuccino costs about Rs800, while a domestic beer is closer to Rs700. Getting around is budget-friendly too, with affordable taxis and even cheaper ‘three-wheelers (auto rickshaws) widely available.
Day trips from Colombo
About two hours south lies Lunuganga, the former estate of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. A pioneer of tropical modernism, Bawa designed the gardens as a series of serene, unfolding spaces that feel far removed from city life. Closer to the capital, the beach town of Negombo has a lively fish market and a calm lagoon perfect for an easy day trip.
Getting around Colombo
Colombo’s centre is fairly walkable, but the heat and humidity can make three-wheelers a welcome alternative. They’re cheap, quick and easy to flag down. Agree on a price or ask for the meter before setting off. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and PickMe are also reliable, though carrying small change helps. Local buses cost less but can feel chaotic for first-time visitors.
