Things to Do in Colombo

Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka - Colombo Attractions

Things to Do in Colombo

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, Mount Lavinia Beach, City Tours, Multi-day Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Colombo.


Top Attractions in Colombo

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Tranquil Buddhist complex near Beira Lake, blending religious history with architectural splendor, features temples, chapels, and a museum with a diverse collection of artifacts and antiques.
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Tranquil beach with pristine sands and clear waters, complemented by sunset views, local eateries, and water sports, enveloped by a serene atmosphere.
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Lively seafront green space popular for picnics and kite flying, featuring local street food and captivating sunset views. Cultural hub with a scenic ocean backdrop.
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Museum nestled in historical grounds, displaying Sri Lanka's cultural heritage through artifacts, including a notable throne and crown. Some exhibits show repetition; others offer unique insights.
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Historic Dutch Hospital precinct transformed into a charming dining and shopping hub with colonial architecture and a relaxing vibe amid city life.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks

Historic mosque in Pettah known for its striking red and white candy-striped design and serene interior, providing a peaceful contrast to the lively market outside.
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Lively local market featuring a labyrinthine layout with diverse merchandise from fresh produce to textiles. Embraces an authentic shopping atmosphere with friendly vendors.
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Luxurious six-floor shopping center with a mix of local and international brands, modern cinema, and diverse dining in a high-end area.
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Other Top Attractions around Colombo


From quick jaunts to full-day outings.




*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Bhashana Jayakody
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gangaramaya Temple, though not ancient, is an iconic modern temple in Colombo. Most of its funding comes from local residents and Sri Lankan donors worldwide. The Bodhi tree base was constructed with support from the 6th King of Bhutan, showcasing its international ties.

    The temple is popular among Colombo’s higher-income communities and is known for its museum-like interior, featuring historical artifacts, including Sri Lanka’s first Rolls-Royce car.

    Visitors should note there is an entrance fee of 500 LKR for foreigners.
    Written January 24, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kekin2011
    Mumbai, India310 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were here on an early Saturday morning. It was quite busy but in a good way. People were walking, exercising and sunbathing as well. Our hotel, Berjaya was right beside the beach and we had an over-bridge to reach the beach from our hotel (there was a train track under the bridge). There were a few restaurants that were literally on the beach itself.

    It's a fairly long beach. There were some watersports activities happening. I remember jet skiing. Although, we didn't do any.
    Written January 31, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nine Arch Travel & Tours sri lanka.
    Kandy, Sri Lanka535 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bar Crawler at Galle Face offers an exciting and vibrant way to explore Colombo’s nightlife. The tour takes you through some of the best bars and pubs in the area, offering great drink specials and a lively social atmosphere. Galle Face, with its oceanfront views, provides a perfect backdrop for an enjoyable night out. Whether you're a local or tourist, this bar crawl is a fun way to meet new people, discover hidden gems, and experience the best of Colombo's nightlife.

    Written February 5, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, DC6,618 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located near the Lotus Tower, we visited this Hindu Temple next. Like any Hidu temples, we were asked to take off our shoes as soon as we entered the compound. I thought we would only take off our shoes when we enter inside the temples.

    We hurriedly took some pictures here and left. The ground is rough and hot for us to take off our shoes outside of the temples.
    Written March 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sean M.
    Blantyre, Malawi533 contributions