Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a fast-evolving city that serves as the gateway to the other parts of the island for all visitors. The city is complete with many facilities for tourists, travellers and visitors, with an array of accommodation options including star class hotels, budget hotels & hostels, as well as a collection of eateries, coffee shops, food courts, and shopping malls.

Tourists often spend a limited-time in Colombo as they are busy planning their tour around Sri Lanka or are on the way home after such a voyage. However, the attractions and places to see in Colombo are on par with the adventures that Sri Lanka’s other destinations offer. Thereby, below is a comprehensive list of things to do in Colombo, segmented into various categories, if you ever have the chance or some time to explore this bubbling city.

COLOMBO LEISURE SPOTS

• Galle Face Green, Fort, Colombo 01.
• Viharamahadevi Park, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Crow Island Beach Park, Mattakkuliya, Colombo 15.
• Beira Lake, Slave Island, Colombo 02.
• Colombo Lotus Tower, Maradana, Colombo 10.
• Mount Lavinia Beach, Mount Lavinia.
• National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala.

RELIGIOUS SITES IN COLOMBO

• Gangaramaya Temple, Slave Island, Colombo 02.
• Seemamalaka Temple, Slave Island, Colombo 02.
• Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Pettah, Colombo 11.
• St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade, Colombo 13.
• St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Kotahena, Colombo 13.
• Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil, Kochchikade, Colombo 13.
• Kathiresan Kovil, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04.
• Dipaduttamarama Temple, Kotahena, Colombo 13.

HISTORICAL SITES IN COLOMBO

• Colombo Clock Tower / Lighthouse, Fort, Colombo 01.
• Old Parliament Building, Fort, Colombo 01.
• Independence Square, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• National Museum, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Port of Colombo, Fort, Colombo 01.
• Old Town Hall, Pettah, Colombo 11.

COLOMBO FOOD SPOTS

• Galle Face Green Street Food, Fort, Colombo 01.
• Street Food at Abdul Hameed Street, Aluthkade, Colombo 12.
• Eateries and pubs along Marine Drive, Wellawatte, Colombo 06.

SHOPPING IN COLOMBO

• Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Fort, Colombo 01.
• Arcade Independence Square, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Race Course Shopping Complex, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Liberty Plaza, Kollupitiya, Colombo 03.
• Majestic City, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04.
• Marino Mall, Kollupitiya, Colombo 03.
• Good Market, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Crescat Boulevard, Kollupitiya, Colombo 03.
• Pettah Floating Market, Pettah, Colombo 11.

ARTS & EXHIBITIONS IN COLOMBO

• Sri Lanka Exhibition and Conventional Centre, Maradana, Colombo 10.
• Lionel Wendt Art Gallery & Theatre, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• National Art Gallery, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Bandaranaike Memorial International Convention Centre, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapakse Theatre, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana, Colombo 10.

SPORTS & RECREATION IN COLOMBO

• Sugathadasa Stadium, Grandpass, Colombo 14.
• Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Grandpass, Colombo 14.
• Sinhalese Sports Club, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Burgher Recreational Club Grounds, Havelock Town, Colombo 05.
• Colombo Rugby & Football Club, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Colombo Racecourse, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 07.
• Campbell Park, Borella, Colombo 08.

CONCLUSION

Among Colombo things to do are some engaging and captivating activities which at times cannot be experienced at other destinations. The attractions in Colombo are somewhat unique and varied, given the mixture of ethnicities and cultures that make up the city. Therefore, make sure to allocate a day or two and let yourself loose to let Colombo show its own colours.