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Things to Do in Colombo

Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Colombo, Sri Lanka — 2026 traveler picks.

Top places to see

Landmark

Galle Face Green

40 min from CMB

Ocean-facing promenade where Colombo gathers at dusk. Street food vendors sell isso wade (prawn fritters) from 4pm.

Market

Pettah Bazaar

40 min from CMB

Colombo's oldest wholesale market — a sensory overload of spice stalls, electronics, and fabric.

Landmark

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

40 min from CMB

Eclectic temple complex with a museum of offerings from world leaders. Free entry, open from 6am.

Book tours + skip-the-line tickets

Compare tours + attractions in Colombo across GetYourGuide, Tiqets and Trip.com — free cancellation on most, and prices match direct booking.

Things to do in Colombo

Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.

Tours, tickets & day trips

Our pick

GetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Colombo and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.

Browse Colombo
Just need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Colombo.

Eat here first

Kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and meat) at Pilawoos Hotel in Kollupitiya — the city's favourite late-night dish, LKR 500.

Local tip

Colombo has no traffic on early mornings (before 7am) and late nights. A 6-hour night layover allows easy access to the Pettah market street food scene.

Where to stay

Hotels across Colombo — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.