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

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Foto taget av Thilina Alagiyawanna på 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

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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity

Attraktioner i Colombo, Sri Lanka

Gangaramaya Temple

1. Gangaramaya Temple

4.6 (13,083)
Buddhist TempleTuristattraktionBönplatsAssociation Or OrganizationIntressant plats

Vägbeskrivning

Officiell webbplats

National Museum of Colombo

2. National Museum of Colombo

4.4 (6,309)
History MuseumTuristattraktionMuseumIntressant platsEtablering

Vägbeskrivning

Officiell webbplats

Galle Face Green

3. Galle Face Green

4.5 (16,627)
City ParkTuristattraktionTrädgårdParkIntressant plats

Vägbeskrivning

Officiell webbplats

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Pettah Market

4. Pettah Market

4.0 (4,461)
Grocery StoreMarketFood StoreStoreFood

Vägbeskrivning

Viharamahadevi Park

5. Viharamahadevi Park

4.4 (14,310)
State ParkParkIntressant platsEtablering

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Officiell webbplats

Beira Lake

6. Beira Lake

4.2 (284)
LakeNaturlig sevärdhetEtablering

Vägbeskrivning

Seema Malaka

7. Seema Malaka

4.5 (2,303)
Buddhist TempleTuristattraktionBönplatsAssociation Or OrganizationIntressant plats

Vägbeskrivning

Officiell webbplats

Dutch Hospital

8. Dutch Hospital

4.4 (6,073)
ShoppingcenterIntressant platsEtablering

Vägbeskrivning

Lotus Tower

9. Lotus Tower

4.5 (10,838)
TuristattraktionHistoriskt landmärkeKulturellt landmärkeHistorisk platsIntressant plats

Vägbeskrivning

Officiell webbplats

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.

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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

Kommentarer (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.

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Användbar information för Colombo, Sri Lanka

Populära shoppingplatserCrescat, Odel, Colombo City Centre, Majestic City, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
Populära nattlivsplatserColombo Fort, Park Street Mews, Dutch Hospital, Galle Face area
Populära avslappnade restaurangerUpali's, Nuga Gama, Barefoot Garden Cafe
Populära fina restaurangerMinistry of Crab, The Gallery Cafe, Nihonbashi
Populära kaféerBarefoot Cafe, The Commons, The Gallery Cafe, Cafe Nihonbashi
Kranvatten säkert att drickaNej
Visum för digitala nomaderNej
Bästa taxiappenPickMe, Uber
Taxipris / km$0.4
Turister / år2000000
Befolkning750000
Mobil internethastighet3.5 Mbps
Arbetslöshetsprocent5 %
Fattigdomsprocent12 %
Genomsnittsinkomst / månad$300
Genomsnittlig levnadskostnad / månad$700
Hotellpris / natt från$25
Ölpris från$2.5
Kaffpris från$1.5
Street food-pris från$1
Restaurangmåltid pris från$3
Lokal valutaLKR
Typ av eluttagType G, Type D
ReligionerBuddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
Talade språkSinhala, Tamil, English
Etniska grupperSinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Moors
Politisk orienteringcentrist
Befolkningstäthet3500 /km²
Geografiskt område37 km²
Möjliga naturkatastrofermonsoon flooding, landslides, drought, tsunami
Farliga djursnakes, crocodiles, disease-carrying mosquitoes
Populära platser för en promenadGalle Face Green, Beira Lake, Independence Square, Viharamahadevi Park
Populära kollektivtrafikmedelBuses, Trains, Tuk-tuks
FlygbolagSriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
Föreslagna vaccinationerHepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Tetanus, Routine vaccinations
ArkitekturtypColonial Portuguese, Dutch, British, Modern, Buddhist temple architecture
Genomsnittlig öl konsumtion per person / år1.5 l
Genomsnittlig vinkonsumtion per person / år0.2 l
DrickskulturNot mandatory, 5-10% appreciated in restaurants
Coworking / dag$10
Airbnb / månad$900
1 rum hyra / månad$350
Gym / månad$35
Daglig budget (backpacker)$25
Daglig budget (mellanklass)$60

Översikt för Colombo, Sri Lanka

Engelska kunskapsnivåGenomsnittligt
TrafiksäkerhetDåligt
Vänlig mot utlänningarBra
YttrandefrihetGenomsnittligt
KollektivtrafikGenomsnittligt
SjukvårdGenomsnittligt
UtbildningGenomsnittligt
Elnätets tillförlitlighetGenomsnittligt
BrottssäkerhetGenomsnittligt
GångvänlighetGenomsnittligt
NattlivGenomsnittligt
MatscenBra
LGBTQ+ vänligGenomsnittligt
Startup-scenGenomsnittligt
BullernivåGenomsnittligt
RenlighetGenomsnittligt
Tillgång till naturGenomsnittligt
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