Colombo City Guide

General Information / Guide

Despite the official capital shifting to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo remains Sri Lanka's commercial and financial center. Located on the western coast, this vast metropolis with a tropical environment attracts visitors throughout the year. Although the traffic may appear to be overwhelming at first, it is well-organized and more controllable than in many other South and Southeast Asian cities. Colombo is culturally diverse, evident by its colorful architecture and cuisine, with a history spanning over two millennia. The welcoming and well-educated residents combine traditional and contemporary values, and English is commonly spoken in this vibrant city.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Colombo enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Colombo is during the drier months, from December to March. During this period, temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C, providing pleasant weather for exploration. From May to September, Colombo experiences the southwest monsoon, bringing rain and occasional thunderstorms. The northeast monsoon, from October to November, can also bring rain to the city.

How to Get There

Colombo is accessible through Bandaranaike International Airport, situated approximately 35 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can reach the city center via readily available taxis, or by using the Colombo Airport Express bus service.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Colombo is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse array of culinary delights influenced by Sri Lankan, Indian, and international flavors. Some must-try dishes include Rice and Curry, a staple of Sri Lankan cuisine, Hoppers, a crispy and fluffy pancake, Kottu Roti, a chopped roti dish with various fillings, and String Hoppers, steamed rice flour noodles. You can try these mouthwatering delights at iconic spots like Ministry of Crab, Upali's by Nawaloka, and Nuga Gama.
For a taste of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, visit Kaema Sutra or Curry Leaf. To experience fine dining, visit The Lagoon, especially for seafood, or enjoy an international buffet at the Ritz-Carlton Colombo. Don't forget to drink a refreshing glass of king coconut water or a cup of Ceylon tea.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Galle Face Green: A picturesque urban park along the Indian Ocean, perfect for leisurely walks and street food.
• Colombo Fort: The historic center of Colombo, home to colonial-era architecture and government buildings.
• Gangaramaya Temple: A vibrant Buddhist temple with a museum and Beira Lake.
• Independence Memorial Hall: A national monument commemorating Sri Lanka's independence from British rule.
• Pettah Market: A bustling market district for shopping and trying street food.
• Viharamahadevi Park: A serene urban park with lush greenery and a golden Buddha statue.
• Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque: A stunning red and white mosque in the heart of Colombo.
• National Museum: A repository of Sri Lankan art, history, and culture.
• Dutch Hospital: A renovated colonial building housing restaurants and shops.
• Mount Lavinia Beach: A beautiful beach with a historic colonial hotel.
• Sri Lanka Parliament: An iconic building with unique architecture.

What to Do

Colombo offers many activities to suit every traveler's interests. Explore the vibrant art scene at the Saskia Fernando Gallery, stroll along Galle Face Green to watch the sunset, and take a guided tour of the historic Colombo Fort. For shopping, visit the Pettah Market, Majestic City Mall, and Odel for a range of products from clothing to jewelry. Don't miss a visit to Barefoot for unique Sri Lankan crafts and textiles.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Colombo's nightlife is vibrant and diverse, with a range of bars and clubs to choose from. Cloud Red at the Colombo Courtyard offers stunning rooftop views, while The Floor by O is a popular nightclub with great music and a dynamic atmosphere. Sugar 41 is a stylish bar and club with live music, and Colombo's Dutch Hospital precinct is known for its bars and restaurants that come alive in the evenings.

Shopping / What to Buy

In Colombo, you'll find numerous shopping options. Barefoot is a handicraft store offering high-quality souvenirs, including clothes, bags, and children's toys made from beautifully colored fabrics. Crescat Boulevard is an up-market mall with a small size but features a basement food court. Lakpahana, a non-profit organization, offers a wide range of handicrafts, gemstone jewelry, metalware, wood carvings, and more, all with international guarantees. Liberty Plaza and Majestic City are shopping malls with clothing outlets, electrical goods, and a food court. The Pettah Market is a bustling marketplace with a diverse range of products, where bargaining is a must, and it's advised to have a local guide. Finally, 33S Phygital Store offers a unique shopping experience with fashion, homeware, and lifestyle items.

Festivals/ Events

January: Thai Pongal Festival 
February: Navam Perahera 
March: Maha Shivarathri 
April: Sinhala and Tamil New Year 
May: Vesak Poya Festival 
June: Poson Full Moon Festival 
July: Kataragama Festival 
July: Colombo Aadi Vel Festival 
August: Pada Yatra Pilgrimage 
August: Kandy Esala Perahera 
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Temple Festival 
November: Deepavali

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

1 January: New Year's Day
15 January: Tamil Thai Pongal Day
4 February: National Day
1 May: Labour Day
12-14 April: Sinhala & Tamil New Year
1 May: Vesak (Buddha's Birthday)
30 May: Poson Poya (Buddhist observance day)
5-6 July: Esala Perahera (Kandy Perahera)
27 July: Nikini Poya (Buddhist observance day)
27 October: Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
25 December: Christmas Day
Eid Al-Fitr
Eid Al-Adha

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Dress modestly and act respectfully when visiting religious sites.
Avoid doing business with people who actively approach you, like Tuk Tuk drivers and negotiate fares before using transportation services.
Although foreigners are given more leniency, public displays of affection between lovers (kissing/hugging) are not culturally acceptable in Sri Lanka, except in designated adult establishments like nightclubs and casinos.
In buses, offer front seats to members of the clergy, such as monks or priests, if they are present.
Be cautious in Fort, Colombo, especially near soldiers guarding, and avoid photographing in these areas.
When near a Buddha statue, don't turn your back or be alongside it; observe what others are doing.
Public nudity is illegal in Sri Lanka, avoid nude or topless sunbathing and skinny dipping on public beaches, except in private beach resorts that allow it.

Transportation

Colombo offers an array of transportation options for getting around the city. The Colombo Metro and tuk-tuks are popular means of transportation for short distances, while buses and trains provide efficient service for longer distances. The city is also served by ride-sharing services and traditional taxis for convenience. Ferries operate in the nearby coastal areas, providing a unique way to explore the beautiful coastal scenery around Colombo.