THE 10 BEST Colombo Sights & Historical Landmarks
Colombo Landmarks
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Sights & Landmarks
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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101 results sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (1,468)
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Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Showing results 1-30 of 101
What travelers are saying
- Bhashana Jayakody8 contributionsGangaramaya 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, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC6,624 contributionsLocated 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, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - S G SBengaluru, India282 contributionsSpectator murals inside. Very beautiful and historic temple. Given it’s not on tourists map, all boards are in Sinhalese.Written February 23, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AppetitesindiaMumbai, India542 contributionsWhile exploring the vibrant streets of Pettah, we visited the stunning mosque we’d heard so much about. The architecture is breathtaking, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors. The serene atmosphere inside is perfect for offering prayers and experiencing a moment of peace amidst the bustling market. Observing the locals perform Namaz was a humbling and enriching experience. This mosque is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Colombo. A must-visit for anyone interested in spirituality and beautiful architecture!Written July 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AppetitesindiaMumbai, India542 contributionsOur family visit to Pettah Market in Colombo was a fantastic experience! This bustling local market offers an incredible variety of items, from clothes, kitchenware, and shoes to jewelry, groceries, and fresh fruits. The vibrant atmosphere, friendly vendors, and the sheer diversity of products make it a must-visit destination for anyone in search of daily essentials or unique finds. Whether you’re looking for practical household items or just soaking in the local culture, Pettah Market has something for everyone. Highly recommended for an authentic Colombo shopping experience!Written July 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lee SAustralia4,189 contributionsIndependent Square is a beautiful building for Ski Lankas to remember their independence from British on the 4th February 1948 in Cinnamon garden. Sri Lankan design with lions statues & statue of first president I think but could be wrong. This is a wonderful park for walking and cycling, Please don’t take photos with the snakes or there handlers as they pull out the snakes phangs & they will eventually stave to death.Written March 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC6,624 contributionsI addition to visting temples and mosques, we also visited some Catholic Churches in Colombo.This was one of them. There were two policemen who checked our bags before entering the church. I guessed this was a precautionary measure against any future bomb attack of this church.
There are some scalfoldings inside the church to what appeared to be repairing stained glass windows. Briefly said our prayers here before leaving.Written March 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - laczkozsuDebrecen, Hungary2,524 contributionsThis part is totally different than Pettah. It was the centre of Dutch and Portuguese colonialism, so we saw some colonial style buildings but also many modern luxury hotels. Today it is the seat of bankers and traders, and home to Sri Lanka's own twin towers.Written June 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael MorrisPalma de Mallorca, Spain63 contributionsI visited this temple an hour before sunset to catch the last light of day reflecting off the golden Buddha statues. The views of the city across the water are wonderful and the environment is perfect for meditation.Written November 19, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ExNeddiesBoySan Francisco, CA141 contributionsOld, dilapidated, worn-out train station. Busy and chaotic. Not nearly as cared for as the small stations in rural areas which are beautifully decorated with planter boxes, some with koi ponds.
Here’s a tip….as of Nov 2023, a tuk-tuk to the Zest Metropole or Fairway in the old fort area should cost two hundred rupees.Written November 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - HhemantBengaluru, India12 contributionsGrand Stand top level was a good stand to watch. It's right above the dressing room. The stand gives free seating . But they don't oversell it so it will not be overcrowded. It costed 7500LKR per ticket for an ODI which is fineWritten August 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Myrus Colombo CentreColombo, Sri Lanka13 contributionsBeautiful architecture. Historic place..a must visit by everyone in any faith or religion. The poojas or rituals are.carried our everyday at specific times.Written October 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TheSueBirdLondon76 contributionsWhat a wonderful little museum and home of Geoffrey Bawa. Fascinating ‘tropical modernist’ architect and beautiful home- in shades of black and white, with furniture and art/pieces from around the world. Helpful (and required) tour- learned so much about a man and architect I knew little about. Would definitely recommend.Written November 24, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cabeysiriwardhaneWestern Province, Sri Lanka11 contributionsThe aquarium is done very nicely. Inside the aquarium very calm and quiet. The Zoo is very crowded during the holidays. If you visit the zoo in the day time on a weekday you can enjoy than a holiday. Too limited space for some animals. The zoo is open from 8. am to 10 pm during weekends (Usually 8.am to 6 pm).Written February 11, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CHANDAN MAJUMDERKolkata (Calcutta), India9 contributionsThis is the place where the president of Sri Lanka address on the Independence day. It is open on all days. The is also a museum which is currently closed due to covid. The entrance fee is free for all but I think there is a fee to enter the museum.Written December 27, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
