THE 10 BEST Colombo Sights & Historical Landmarks
Colombo Landmarks
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Sights & Landmarks
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87 places sorted by traveler favorites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Speciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
What travelers are saying
- Jane MGalle, Sri Lanka6 contributionsHighlight was seeing the young men in traditional costumes - fabulous architecture both traditional & modern.Written March 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michi Gomes.Colombo, Sri Lanka26 contributionsMy one of favorite place to visit if you're coming to srilanka..Most historical iconic temple located to kelaniya ,near peliyagoda highway exit.Written August 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- selvakumar2015Chennai, India684 contributionsBuilt to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka in 1948, the classic Sri Lankan style architecture is beautiful and has withstood the test of time.
The independence hall is also used by Buddhists for holding Sunday moral classes.
Except for a few tourists, the independence square was deserted.
The square is well maintained, clean and quiet.
The architecture of the independence hall can be appreciated when you take a photo with the rof structure as the background.
A must visit for every patriotic Sri Lankan and also by the tourists to appreciate the beauty of the country and the symbols of its present history.
Recommended.Written November 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andrea SMelbourne, Australia16 contributionsMake sure you have flexibility around cleaning and prayer times, we missed going inside, but it looked fabulous from the outsideWritten March 26, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve_Grant1Oldham, UK1,520 contributionsThis is a great piece of Architecture. It has many facets and statues. Well worth the visit to see together with the other nearby Hindu temples.Written March 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chithalka_AmbroseColombo, Sri Lanka162 contributionsSt Anthony's Shrine is a miraculous place of worship which is visited by all. There is a piece of St Anthony's tongue which is displayed.Written June 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael MorrisPalma de Mallorca, Spain37 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.
- Michal TPrague, Czech Republic135 contributionsInteresting visit to home of famous architect Geoffrey Bawa. Guided by the caretaker who was in house for 27 years and can talk about the great artist living habits.Written December 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sophie LToronto, Canada6 contributionsMust visit when in Colombo. The only hindu temple in Sri Lanka built completely of natural stone. Very big with intricate carvings and detailing.Written January 28, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ben HLeicester, UK2 contributionsAn older bit of the developing city. I believe this was the centre of the city. Was close to the harbour and the newly developing city off shore.Written November 29, 2022This 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.
- ashishdeora123Jodhpur, India434 contributionsR. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is a cricket stadium on Khettarama Road, Maligawatta, Colombo, Sri Lanka It is the largest stadium in Sri Lanka with capacity of 35,000Written October 14, 2019This 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.
- Wayne MDurban, South Africa201 contributionsA very beautiful building with a number of statues showing the history of local politics as we walked past and admired it.Written October 16, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tashen.GWattala, Sri Lanka4 contributionsOne of the must visit temples in Colombo. Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. It was built during the 1870s to shelter disciples of Aluthgama Sangharatne who came to hear the monk's sermons. A wealthy local resident funded the temple's construction and subsequent expansion.Written May 19, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colombo
- These experiences are best for sights & landmarks in Colombo:
- Nuwaraeliya (Nanuoya) to Ella Reserved Train Tickets
- Kandy Day Tour
- Colombo City private group sightseeing and shopping tour with Driver
- Colombo City Tour -Experience Colombo Like a Local
- Sri Lanka round tour
- These places are best for sights & landmarks in Colombo:
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
- Independence Square
- St Anthony's Shrine
- These are the best places for kid-friendly sights & landmarks in Colombo:
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
- Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil
- These are the best places for couples seeking sights & landmarks in Colombo:
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Independence Square
- Seema Malakaya Temple
- Independence Memorial Hall
- Number 11
- These are the best places for groups seeking sights & landmarks in Colombo:
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
- Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil
- Independence Square
- These are the best places for budget-friendly sights & landmarks in Colombo:
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- St Anthony's Shrine
- Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple
- Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque