8 Things to see in Colombo: Complete Guide to See Colombo in 2 Days

Preparing your trip to Sri Lanka? Your first stop will be Colombo, and here I am going to tell you everything you must see in Colombo before visiting other cities in the country.

To soak up the essence of Colombo, a day or two will be more than enough. I personally recommend staying in the city center, where everything is close at hand: from the historic streets of Fort to the bustling markets of Pettah. Colombo is a unique blend of history, culture and modernity, where you can enjoy temples, parks and city life.

Ready to explore Colombo? As soon as you land, it's time to put your feet on the ground and organize your plan.

First step: exchange money. Yes, I know it's a hassle, but at the airport there are several stands where you can easily do it, the change is at a good price there. And don't forget to buy a SIM card at the Dialog or Aritel booth. It will cost you about 7 euros for the whole month with 30 GB and social networks included, it will save your life to be connected almost always, because the connection rarely works well. Another more recommendable option if you want to save yourself the tedious wait after a long trip is to buy an eSIM with Holafly:

📲 If your carrier does not include internet, you can buy a SIM card upon arrival in Sri Lanka, but I recommend something even more convenient: Prepare a Holafly eSIM with discount before your trip. You can book now with the code "MIRADASNOMADAS"and get a 5% discount. This way, you will have unlimited internet from the moment you land. It is perfect for short stay trips between one and two weeks, here you can read my experience using Holafly's eSIM in Switzerland.

Now, how do we get to the center? You can try to bargain with a driver at the airport exit, or use the Sri Lankan app, Pick Me, which is the best option. Uber is also available, but it is not as efficient here. A trip to the center should cost you about 4000 Sri Lankan rupees, give or take.

Once in the heart of Colombo, tuk tuks are your best ally. For about 500 SLR, they will take you almost anywhere. Of course, always negotiate the price before getting into one of them or make sure they put the meter on.

✈️ Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka and don't know where to start? Clear your doubts and visit my article with all the requirements and tips for traveling to Sri Lanka.

Now I'm going to tell you about all the attractions to see in Colombo. The good thing about Colombo is that most of what you have to see is located in the city center and everything is close by.

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, commonly known as Dutch Market, is an iconic place to see in Colombo, combining history and modernity. Originally a hospital during the Dutch period, it has now been transformed into a shopping and entertainment center.

On my morning visit, I found the place quite empty, but it seems that in the evenings it comes alive. Based on this, I would recommend visiting the Dutch Market in the evening to fully experience its atmosphere and enjoy the varied dining and shopping options it offers.

During my morning visit to the Pettah neighborhood in Colombo, I was completely captivated by its atmosphere. Pettah, known for its rich history and its role as the commercial core of the city, is always bustling with people and activity.

Here you will find local stores selling everything from textiles to spices and electronics. The neighborhood is a true reflection of the essence of Colombo and it is impossible not to feel immersed in the daily life of the city.

Pettah is an area of great religious and ethnic diversity, inhabited mainly by the Moors, Bohras and Memons. There are also significant population of Sinhalese and Tamils, as well as other minorities such as Burghers, Malays and more. The mix of religions includes Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and other faiths.

Undoubtedly, Pettah is a place you have to see in Colombo, where you can feel the lifestyle of the locals.

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is located within the Pettah market. Its distinctive design, with red and white brick patterns, makes it one of the most photogenic mosques in the region.

Built in 1909, the mosque reflects the Islamic heritage in Sri Lanka and has become a symbol of the city. The mosque is open to visitors outside of prayer hours, and admission is free. The best time to visit is from 10 am to 12 pm. This mosque is not only a place of religious worship, but also an important part of Colombo's cultural heritage, and its proximity to the Pettah market makes it accessible during the visit to the neighborhood.

This park is the largest and oldest you can see in Colombo. It is located in Cinnamon Gardens, in front of the Colonial City Hall building.

The park, originally named Victoria Park, was renamed in 1958 in honor of Queen Viharamahadevi, mother of King Dutugamunu. It is interesting how this space has evolved over the years, having been used by the British Army during World War II and then restored and opened to the public in 1951.

One of the highlights of the park is an imposing Buddha statue, which replaced the original statue of Queen Victoria during the colonial period. In addition to this impressive statue, the park has a number of water fountains, a small zoo and children's play areas. It is also the only large-scale park in Colombo and is maintained by the Colombo Municipal Council.

The park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it a perfect place for a walk like the one I enjoyed in the morning.

Mount Lavinia Beach, located in the southern suburbs of Colombo,is supposed to be one of the best well known beaches in the region, although in my view, luckily it was completely empty. Locals led me to understand that it was well known until the 2018 riots started on the island and the Covid came, since then the influx of tourists has diminished in this area has become poorer economically.

Famous for its "Golden Mile" of beaches, Mount Lavinia is an ideal place for both residents and tourists looking for a beach retreat near the capital. This area is known for its relaxed and romantic atmosphere, especially during sunsets, which are breathtaking.

The beach is a popular place for strolling, it offers a variety of activities both on water and on land. Around the beach there are several restaurants and cafes serving food and drinks, overlooking the sea. Some of the most outstanding restaurants are La Langosteria, La estación, Playa de azúcar and Brisa de Lavinia. Personally I recommend Hotboxsl if you want to try good and economic local food. The owners are super nice, chatting with them I learned a lot about the area and the recent history of Sri Lanka.

Mount Lavinia Beach is accessible by cab, tuk-tuk, bus or train from downtown Colombo. It will cost you approximately 700 SLR from the PickMe app.

📲 If your carrier does not include internet, you can buy a SIM card upon arrival in Sri Lanka, but I recommend something even more convenient: Prepare a Holafly eSIM with discount before your trip. You can book now with the code "MIRADASNOMADAS"and get a 5% discount. This way, you will have unlimited internet from the moment you land. It is perfect for short stay trips between one and two weeks, here you can read my experience using Holafly's eSIM in Switzerland.

The Gangaramaya Temple was founded in the late 19th century by the monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. It is one of the most important and oldest temple in Colombo. It is located near Beira Lake and it stands out because of its blend of modern architecture with the cultural essence of Sri Lanka.

The temple's architecture is an eclectic fusion combining Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese styles. The complex includes several imposing buildings, such as the Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda), the Bodhi tree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (meeting hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. It also has a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three-story Pirivena, education halls and an alms hall.

Entrance to the temple will cost about 400 SLR per person.

Gangaramaya Temple is not only a place of Buddhist worship, but also a center of teaching. It has been instrumental in the spread of Dhamma in other countries, establishing Buddhist temples in places such as Staten Island in New York and a Buddhist center in Tanzania.

A notable feature for tourists is the architecture of Seema Malaka, which was built with donations from a Muslim patron according to the design of Geoffrey Bawa. In addition, the temple organizes the annual Buddha Rashmi Pooja, the National Vesak Festival.

The Lotus Tower in Colombo is a telecommunication and observation tower, noted for its height of 350 meters, which makes it one of the tallest structures in South Asia. Its design, inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizes purity and enlightenment, and reflects Sri Lanka's rich culture and technological progress.

The tower began construction in 2012 and was inaugurated on September 16, 2019. Its construction was partly financed by the EXIM Bank of the People's Republic of China. The Lotus Tower not only serves as an advanced telecommunications center, but also host several cultural and recreational facilities, such as exhibition halls, a museum, and a shopping and dining area. Its observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of Colombo and its surroundings.

The entrance fee is about 20 USD. If you go to the top you will have a panoramic view of all Colombo. Another thing to keep in mind is that at night it is illuminated and looks amazing from anywhere in the city.

This road, which runs along the west coast of Sri Lanka, is famous for its mix of modernity and tradition, reflecting the cultural diversity of the city.

During Sri Lanka's Independence Day, celebrated on February 4, Galle Road takes on a central role in the festivities.

This day is marked by a grand military parade in Colombo, where important political speeches and ceremonies can be observed, followed by a series of cultural programs and events highlighting the best of Sri Lankan music, dance, food and history. These events and parades are a representation of the national spirit and an opportunity for citizens to show their patriotism and unity.

In my case I visited Galle Road on February 1 and I can confirm that even in the previous days military activities are organized around the green esplanade.

Galle Face Green, located off Galle Road, is another focal point during these celebrations, acting as a stage for various civic events and demonstrations. This coastal park, once a battlefield and now a popular gathering place, is transformed into a vibrant celebratory space during Independence Day.

There are many options, the main ones and the ones I recommend are the following:

• The first option is to go north starting from Kandy and see all the temples and surroundings and then go to see the entire area of Sigiriya further north and go down to Ella, the city in the mountains.
• The second option would be to go directly to the southern beaches starting with Unawatuna and following Ahangama, Midigama, Mirissa, Weligama and Hiriketiya. To then do the best Safari of Sri Lanka in Yala, where you can see the elusive leopard.

If you are interested in a complete itinerary of the main things to see on the island, save the itinerary that I have prepared to see Sri Lanka based on your availability.

On my visit to Colombo, I decided to stay for two days, and honestly, I found it more than enough to soak in all what the city has to offer. Colombo is definitely a place worth visiting, but I think a couple of days is enough to capture its essence.

Traffic, especially in the tuk tuks, is somewhat chaotic, but far from being a problem, this adds a touch of authenticity and curiosity to my experience.

However, what does negatively impacted me was pollution. The combination of humidity and dense air made the lack of a cleaner and purer environment palpable.

In spite of that, exploring the streets and discovering the temples of Colombo was an amazing experience. And best of all, the friendliness of the local people. It is a relief to see that Colombo is not crowded with tourists, allowing for a more authentic and less commercial experience.