A Traveler’s Guide to Colombo, Sri Lanka
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As Sri Lanka’s largest city (not it’s capital!), Colombo is a whirl of activity at all times. While some big cities aren’t always worth the trip, I dare to say Colombo deserves at least a couple days of your itinerary. In this travel guide to Colombo, I offer you some tips on how to maximize your time in Colombo, from navigating its tuktuks, train stations, and markets to finding a peaceful moment at its digital nomad-friendly cafes, waterfront parks, and tea lounges.
Where to Stay in Colombo
Over the course of my two-month stay in Sri Lanka, I passed through Colombo three different times. Each stay was spent at a different hostel in a different part of town. Of the three spots, I’d recommend staying anywhere along or within walking distance of Galle Face Green - a true and necessary oasis in the chaos of the city.
The spots I stayed that I’d recommend are:
Another great option within walking distance of Galle Face Green, but also within walking distance of the train station, is C 1 Colombo Fort Hostel, a slightly more luxe hostel option in the city.
This budget hostel has a relaxed atmosphere, air conditioned dorms, and above all a location that nearly fronts the beautiful Galle Face Green.
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Where to Eat & Drink in Colombo
Some of my favorite bites and beverages I had all trip were in Colombo. A few of the spots I would proudly point you too are:
t-Lounge by Dilmah
Escape the heat with an iced tea at t-Lounge by Dilmah. Their menu of infusions, mocktails, and even a few Dilmah tea-inspired cocktails runs long, so don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation at the counter. t-Lounge by Dilmah has three locations in Colombo: Chatham Street, Horton Place, and One Galle Face.
Masala Island
Located inside the Dutch Hospital, Masala Island has a menu of mostly Indian food, but also some Sri Lanka classics as well. I had an amazing chicken tikka masala here.
Barefoot Garden Cafe
Go to Barefoot Garden Cafe on a Sunday afternoon between 12:30 and 4pm, snag a seat in the courtyard, and listen to the live jazz while you eat.
What to See & Do in Colombo
All of my personal favorite things to do in Colombo happen to be free as well. They are:
Go on a Free Walking Tour
I spent my first afternoon in Colombo on a free walking tour via GuruWalk and I highly recommend you do too. Not only did it give me some background on Colombo, its history, culture, and landmark sites, but it also meant that when the tour visited the quintessential sites like the Gangaramaya Temple and the Pettah Market, I had a guide by my side to walk me through each. This made all of it that much less overwhelming and more interactive than had I gone to either alone.
Price: Free, but tip your guide
Shop the Saturday Good Market
If you happen to be in Colombo on a Saturday, definitely check out the Saturday Good Market located in the nuga tree car park at the Colombo Racecourse (see on map). It runs from 9am to 5pm every Saturday rain or shine. What started as a local initiative to support the city’s most sustainable and responsible small businesses, social enterprises, farmers, and artists is today a farmer’s market-style shopping destination for ethical fashion, organic products, and locally produced goods, like spices, tea, and coffee.
Price: Free
Visit the Seema Malaka Temple on Beira Lake at Sunset
Built in 1976 by the acclaimed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa to replace the sinking former temple that was there, the Seema Malaka Temple is a gorgeous minimalist style, over-water Buddhist meditation temple seemingly floating on Beira Lake. Time your visit for sunset and find yourself in one of the most beautiful scenes this city has to offer. If you do visit outside of golden hour, be sure to bring a pair of socks as the brick platforms of the temple have been known to burn a barefoot sole or two under the midday sun.
Price: Free
Interested in more of a guided tour or experience? Check out these sites for a few ideas:
What to Read Next
Everything you need to know for your trip to Sri Lanka, from city guides to pre-trip reading recommendations, where to find the best surf, how to extend your visa, and more.
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