THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Colombo (2025) - Must-See Attractions
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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 personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, Mount Lavinia Beach, City Tours, Multi-day Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Colombo.
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£120
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£52
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)£63
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult£27
Multi-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£209- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£95
Culinary Toursfromper adult£28
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)£122
Car Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£38- fromper adult (price varies by group size)£73
Religious Sites
Serene lakeside temple complex showcasing a blend of architectural styles and historical artifacts, including a vintage car collection and a large golden Buddha.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Beaches
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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Beaches
Seaside promenade with local street food stalls, ideal for family picnics, kite flying, and enjoying sunset views. Vibrant atmosphere with authentic cultural experiences.
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History Museums
Historical artifacts, including a golden throne and intricate stone carvings, are displayed in a grand setting, revealing the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka's past.
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Religious Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Shopping Malls
Restored colonial building housing stylish cafes, unique souvenir shops, and diverse dining, blending historic charm with modern dining and shopping experiences.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic mosque in the vibrant Pettah district displaying unique candy-striped architecture and a dramatic interior, hailed for its cultural and architectural significance.
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Vibrant local market in a maze-like layout, brimming with a diverse array of products from fresh produce to clothing. Known for its lively atmosphere and authentic shopping encounters.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Other Top Attractions around Colombo
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*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.
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What travellers 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 24 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Lanka Safe ToursKandy, Sri Lanka1,831 contributionsGood Bech in Sri Lanka Colombo Sri Lanka
Enjoy in family good suiming plz nice see visit please you join mech in Colombo. ……Written 28 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - DayTrip477534264394 contributionsGood and clean place. Street food stalls are with economical pricing with lots of varieties. Kids accompanied by the elders will have a good timeWritten 12 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sean M.Blantyre, Malawi536 contributionsWe visited this museum in December 2024 as part of our visit to Colombo. The building and it's grounds are the first thing that strike you as memorable. The exhibits themselves are decent and the museum is well curated and signposted. Worth a visit.Written 11 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC6,627 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 7 March 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 23 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- S P3 contributionsNice shops, bars and restaurants are there. But I felt that all are formal rather than live and buzzing happy go lucky atmosphere is missing.Written 3 March 2024This 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 27 July 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 27 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mel SBristol, UK236 contributionsNice place if you want some quiet reflection. Full of dating couples so romance in the air. Very well maintained park. Easy to park as wellWritten 25 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lee SAustralia4,224 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 10 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sonia N304 contributionsQuite crowded and noisy.
The hot mocha was good. Not very impressed with the sandwich. The seatings were limited so had to wait a while.Written 1 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January27 ºC4 days of rainVery busy
- February27 ºC4 days of rainModerately busy
- March27 ºC6 days of rainVery busy
- April28 ºCHottest month10 days of rainLess busy
- May28 ºC13 days of rainLess busy
- June27 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
- July27 ºC6 days of rainLess busyBusiest month
- August28 ºC7 days of rainModerately busy
- September27 ºC13 days of rainModerately busy
- October27 ºC15 days of rainWettest monthModerately busy
- November26 ºCColdest month14 days of rainVery busy
- December27 ºC9 days of rainVery busyLeast busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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