City BuddyCityBuddy
Deutsch
Dazzling night view of Colombo's modern skyline reflecting on a tranquil waterfront.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Foto gemacht von Thilina Alagiyawanna auf Pexels.com

When to visit

VERY BUSYJan27°7d rainBEST
VERY BUSYFeb27°6d rainBEST
BUSYMar28°8d rainBEST
BUSYApr29°12d rain
MODERATEMay29°18d rain
MODERATEJun28°20d rain
BUSYJul27°18d rain
BUSYAug27°17d rain
MODERATESep27°20d rain
MODERATEOct27°15d rain
MODERATENov27°12d rain
VERY BUSYDec27°9d rainBEST

When are you going to Colombo, Sri Lanka?

Pick your dates and travel style to get:

  • Personalized day-by-day itinerary
  • Budget calculator for your trip
  • Pre-trip checklist (visa, eSIM, tickets...)

What matters most to you?

Select all that apply

Must-include attractions sorted by popularity

Attraktionen in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Gangaramaya Temple

1. Gangaramaya Temple

4.6 (13,083)
Buddhist TempleTouristenattraktionGebetsstätteAssociation Or OrganizationSehenswürdigkeit

Wegbeschreibung

Offizielle Webseite

Ornate temple near Beira Lake showcasing Sri Lankan Buddhist art and cultural artifacts. Wander gilded shrines, a serene bodhi tree courtyard and an eclectic museum.

National Museum of Colombo

2. National Museum of Colombo

4.4 (6,309)
History MuseumTouristenattraktionMuseumSehenswürdigkeitEinrichtung

Wegbeschreibung

Offizielle Webseite

Explore Sri Lanka's rich past at its largest museum, where royal regalia and ancient art bring stories to life. Walk grand colonial halls and detailed exhibits across centuries.

Galle Face Green

3. Galle Face Green

4.5 (16,627)
City ParkTouristenattraktionGartenParkSehenswürdigkeit

Wegbeschreibung

Offizielle Webseite

Oceanfront green with dramatic sunsets and kite-flying, a lively spot for locals and travelers. Stroll the promenade, sample street food and watch colourful evening life.

Explore all of Sri Lanka
Pettah Market

4. Pettah Market

4.0 (4,461)
Grocery StoreMarketFood StoreStoreFood

Wegbeschreibung

Lively, chaotic market that reveals everyday Colombo commerce. Wander spice alleys, fabric rows and busy stalls selling electronics, clothing and Sri Lankan street snacks.

Viharamahadevi Park

5. Viharamahadevi Park

4.4 (14,310)
State ParkParkSehenswürdigkeitEinrichtung

Wegbeschreibung

Offizielle Webseite

Large leafy park opposite the National Museum, ideal for a relaxed escape. Shady paths, a lily-filled pond, playgrounds and local daily life await.

Beira Lake

6. Beira Lake

4.2 (284)
LakeNatürliche SehenswürdigkeitEinrichtung

Wegbeschreibung

Peaceful urban oasis framed by colonial facades and the city skyline. Walk the promenade, spot waterbirds and colorful reflections, and watch Colombo life unfold.

Seema Malaka

7. Seema Malaka

4.5 (2,303)
Buddhist TempleTouristenattraktionGebetsstätteAssociation Or OrganizationSehenswürdigkeit

Wegbeschreibung

Offizielle Webseite

Peaceful floating temple on Beira Lake, offering a calm contrast to Colombo's traffic. Walk timber platforms, admire ornate shrines and soft lake reflections.

Dutch Hospital

8. Dutch Hospital

4.4 (6,073)
EinkaufszentrumSehenswürdigkeitEinrichtung

Wegbeschreibung

Colonial-era hospital converted to a lively dining and shopping precinct, offering old-world architecture and modern eateries. Wander arched courtyards and dine with sunset views.

Lotus Tower

9. Lotus Tower

4.5 (10,838)
TouristenattraktionHistorisches WahrzeichenKulturelles WahrzeichenHistorischer OrtSehenswürdigkeit

Wegbeschreibung

Offizielle Webseite

Towering over Colombo's skyline, Lotus Tower offers panoramic city and ocean views. Enjoy a high-level observation deck, a rotating restaurant, and sweeping photo opportunities.

Things to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Popular activities and local experiences recommended by travelers

Independence Memorial Hall

A visit to Independence Memorial Hall offers a peaceful way to connect with Sri Lanka's modern history and architectural heritage. You'll typically enjoy strolling the open grounds and admiring the monument's neoclassical-inspired design blended with local motifs, while local guides often explain the historical significance and ceremonial uses of the site to make the experience informative and visually rewarding.

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Watalappan

Watalappan

A rich steamed coconut custard made with jaggery and aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg, introduced by Malay settlers and now a staple at celebrations and festive tables.

Kokis

Kokis

A crisp, deep-fried snack made from rice flour and coconut milk pressed in decorative moulds, kokis is synonymous with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and admired for its intricate shapes.

Kavum (Konda Kavum)

Kavum (Konda Kavum)

Kavum are oil-fried cakes made from rice flour and treacle, famously prepared and exchanged during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, prized for their sweet, slightly caramelized flavor and soft interior.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Kottu Roti

Kottu Roti

A chaotic, rhythmic street-food staple of chopped godhamba roti stir-fried with vegetables, egg and choice of meat, kottu is quintessential Colombo late-night comfort food.

Hoppers (Appa)

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, hoppers are eaten plain or with an egg cracked into the center, they are a beloved breakfast and supper item across Sri Lanka.

Lamprais

Lamprais

A Dutch Burgher influenced specialty from Colombo, lamprais bundles spiced rice, multiple curries and condiments in a banana leaf and is oven-baked for layered, concentrated flavor.

Traditional Beverages

King Coconut Water

King Coconut Water

From bright orange king coconuts native to Sri Lanka, this naturally sweet and refreshing water is sold widely by street vendors and prized for immediate hydration and subtle flavor.

Ceylon Tea

Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka's world-famous black tea is central to daily life and hospitality, often brewed strong with milk, and Colombo historically hosted major tea auctions and trade.

Toddy (Fermented Palm Sap)

Toddy (Fermented Palm Sap)

Freshly tapped, mildly alcoholic palm sap known as toddy is enjoyed at traditional toddy taverns, and when distilled it yields arrack, Sri Lanka's distinctive spirit.

Attraktionen an Ihre E-Mail senden

Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips — perfect for offline use.

Day trips

Galle

120 km 2h by express train or 2-2.5h by car

Fort, colonial streets, lighthouse and coastal cafes.

Google Maps

Kandy

115 km 2.5-3h by train or car

Temple of the Tooth, lake, and cultural performances.

Google Maps

Bentota

65 km 1.25-1.75h by car or 1.5h by train

Beaches, water sports, river safaris and relaxation.

Google Maps

Negombo

38 km 30-50min by car or 30-45min by train

Fishing town, lagoon tours, seafood and Dutch canal.

Google Maps

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

90 km 2-2.5h by car

Feeding and bathing rescued elephants up close.

Google Maps

Kommentare (9)

P
Paige B.

Traffic is chaotic and noisy, plan extra time, but cafes and colonial architecture make wandering fun.

4
V
Vivek L.

City felt gritty and more urban than I expected, not the beach paradise I was hoping for.

12
G
Ghada W.

Colombo exceeded expectations, friendly vendors, great seafood stalls, humid but lively nights.

11
F
Farah M.

Avoid seafront tourist joints, walk two blocks from Galle Face Green for cheaper and better rice and curry.

5
Z
Zoe S.

Markets are hectic and hot, Pettah especially, but you can find brilliant bargains and real local life.

11

Getting there

Train stations

Colombo Fort Railway Station

Main Line to Kandy, Coastal Line to Galle and south

Maradana Railway Station

Main Line, local and intercity services

From Bandaranaike, take the airport taxi or an express bus to Colombo Fort, expect 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Klicken Sie hier, um eine eSim für Colombo, Sri Lanka zu erhalten

Der einfachste und günstigste Weg, mobiles Internet überall auf Reisen zu bekommen.

Nützliche Informationen für Colombo, Sri Lanka

Beliebte EinkaufsorteCrescat, Odel, Colombo City Centre, Majestic City, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
Beliebte Orte für das NachtlebenColombo Fort, Park Street Mews, Dutch Hospital, Galle Face area
Beliebte zwanglose RestaurantsUpali's, Nuga Gama, Barefoot Garden Cafe
Beliebte gehobene RestaurantsMinistry of Crab, The Gallery Cafe, Nihonbashi
Beliebte CafésBarefoot Cafe, The Commons, The Gallery Cafe, Cafe Nihonbashi
Leitungswasser trinkbarNein
Visum für digitale NomadenNein
Beste Taxi-AppPickMe, Uber
Taxi-Preis / km$0.4
Touristen / Jahr2000000
Bevölkerung750000
Mobile Internetgeschwindigkeit3.5 Mbps
Arbeitslosenquote5 %
Armutsquote12 %
Durchschnittliches Einkommen / Monat$300
Durchschnittliche Lebenshaltungskosten / Monat$700
Hotelpreis / Nacht ab$25
Bierpreis ab$2.5
Kaffeepreis ab$1.5
Street Food Preis ab$1
Restaurantessen Preis ab$3
Lokale WährungLKR
SteckdosentypenType G, Type D
ReligionenBuddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Gesprochene SprachenSinhala, Tamil, English
EthnienSinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors
Politische Orientierungcentrist
Bevölkerungsdichte3500 /km²
Geografische Fläche37 km²
Mögliche Naturkatastrophenmonsoon flooding, landslides, drought, tsunami
Gefährliche Tieresnakes, crocodiles, disease-carrying mosquitoes
Beliebte Orte für einen SpaziergangGalle Face Green, Beira Lake, Independence Square, Viharamahadevi Park
Beliebte öffentliche VerkehrsmittelBuses, Trains, Tuk-tuks
Beliebte FluggesellschaftenSriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
Empfohlene ImpfungenHepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Tetanus, Routine vaccinations
ArchitekturstileColonial Portuguese, Dutch, British, Modern, Buddhist temple architecture
Durchschnittlicher Bierkonsum pro Person / Jahr1.5 l
Durchschnittlicher Weinkonsum pro Person / Jahr0.2 l
TrinkgeldkulturNot mandatory, 5-10% appreciated in restaurants
Coworking / Tag$10
Airbnb / Monat$900
1-Zimmer-Miete / Monat$350
Fitnessstudio / Monat$35
Tagesbudget (Backpacker)$25
Tagesbudget (Mittelklasse)$60

Übersicht für Colombo, Sri Lanka

EnglischkenntnisseDurchschnittlich
VerkehrssicherheitSchlecht
Freundlichkeit gegenüber AusländernGut
MeinungsfreiheitDurchschnittlich
Öffentlicher VerkehrDurchschnittlich
GesundheitsversorgungDurchschnittlich
BildungsqualitätDurchschnittlich
Zuverlässigkeit des StromnetzesDurchschnittlich
Sicherheit vor GewaltkriminalitätDurchschnittlich
FußgängerfreundlichkeitDurchschnittlich
NachtlebenDurchschnittlich
GastronomieszeneGut
LGBTQ+ freundlichDurchschnittlich
Startup-SzeneDurchschnittlich
LärmpegelDurchschnittlich
SauberkeitDurchschnittlich
Zugang zur NaturDurchschnittlich
Explore all of Sri Lanka

Suchen Sie eine andere Stadt?