Ten things to do in Colombo

Spend some hours in spiritual reverence at the Gangaramaya Temple or the Bellanwila Temple. Don’t forget to step into the museum at the Gangaramaya Temple to see unique sculptures and learn some interesting details about the temple and Sri Lanka in general.

If you are in Colombo or in any other major town, one of the best ways to explore the city is to hop onto a three wheel or as the popularly known ‘tuk tuk’. You can cover the whole town, get to know and experience all the major attractions and must visit places within a matter of hours as the ‘tuk tuk’ zig zags its way through the busy streets. There are many tuks available in the city and it’s a matter of flagging one down. Make sure to flag a meter taxi or if it’s a normal one to negotiate a price before starting your tour.

Take some time from your busy schedule to visit either the Galle Face Green or the Mount Lavinia beach to enjoy some time by the ocean. If you happen to choose the Galle Face Green, make sure to fly a kite, if the weather permits, or simply walk the length enjoying the vibrance of this overwhelming popular hangout spot. At any given point, the place is overrun with people, adults and kids alike, especially during weekends.

The Mount Lavinia beach, similarly popular, is a good place to enjoy a spot of sea bathing, if the sea is not too rough, and then to some yummy seafood in one of the many restaurants dotting the shoreline.

Shopping in Colombo is a fun thing to do with countless options that range from boutique stores, department stores to clothing shops. For more read our guide to Shopping, Colombo Style – places you must try.

Visiting a museum in Colombo is the perfect opportunity to learn about the history and culture that shaped Sri Lanka while a visit to an art gallery would provide you with an opportunity to see what ‘art’ in Sri Lanka is all about.

With the main Good Market held every Thursday, it is the perfect venue to go if you are looking for fresh produce—vegetables and fruits, prepared food with no additives and handicrafts. Also don’t forget to check out the Saturday and Sunday Good Markets as well. 

Following a concept similar to that of Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, the Market is worth a visit to buy goods, relax and to grab a bite. Read more.

There are many walking/jogging tracks in Colombo, all built to promote a healthy living style. Early morning or late afternoons, all tracks are filled with joggers or people who come to enjoy a walk with their families. Built to attract people and to please the eye, a jog or walk along one of the many walking tracks in Colombo is definitely a healthy option to try out. Read more.

Try some street food from the many vendors scattered along the busy streets of Colombo or the Galle Face Green.

A day spent among the furries, exotic or not, is a time spent worthwhile at the Dehiwala Zoological Garden, the foremost zoo of Sri Lanka. Read more.