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Colombo, Sri Lanka

Things to Do in Colombo

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle

Most booked tours and tickets in Colombo

Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle

Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle

5.01,216 reviews72h
Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour -Sightseeing Entry Fees & Food Included

Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour -Sightseeing Entry Fees & Food Included

4.9867 reviews4h
Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour With Friendly Guide All Inclusive

Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour With Friendly Guide All Inclusive

4.9425 reviews4h
Efficient Airport Taxi: Colombo Airport to City Transfer, Safe & Comfortabe Ride

Efficient Airport Taxi: Colombo Airport to City Transfer, Safe & Comfortabe Ride

4.9187 reviews45m
Colombo Sightseeing City Tour by Tuk-Tuk with Guide

Colombo Sightseeing City Tour by Tuk-Tuk with Guide

5.0151 reviews4h
Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Day Trip From Colombo & Negombo

Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Day Trip From Colombo & Negombo

4.5144 reviews8h

Top sights in Colombo

  1. 1Gangaramaya Temple
  2. 2Galle Face Green
  3. 3National Museum
  4. 4Pettah Market
  5. 5Viharamahadevi Park
  6. 6Colombo Fort
  • Architectural Time Capsule: Witness Colombo's colonial past through landmarks like the Old Parliament Building, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct (now upscale dining), and the grand Cinnamon Gardens mansions, contrasted with modern marvels like the Lotus Tower and Port City Colombo's emerging skyline.
  • Unparalleled Street Food Culture: From hoppers (bowl-shaped coconut milk pancakes) with lunu miris sambol for breakfast at a roadside kade to fiery kottu roti chopped on a griddle at night, Colombo's affordable street food offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka's multicultural culinary heritage.
  • Living Religious Harmony: Experience remarkable interfaith coexistence by visiting sacred sites like the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple (with its eclectic museum), the stunningly ornate Old Kathiresan Hindu Kovil, and the Wolvendaal Dutch Reformed Church, all within close proximity.

Tickets and passes in Colombo

8 Days tour in Sri Lanka with privet driver and accommodations

8 Days tour in Sri Lanka with privet driver and accommodations

4.9552 reviews192h
Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari from Negombo / Waikkal (All Inclusive)

4.9121 reviews10h
Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

Udawalawe Safari DayTrip frm Bentota/Kalutara/Ahungalla/Hikkaduwa

4.984 reviews10h
Yala Safari Private Day Trip with Return Transport -All Inclusive

Yala Safari Private Day Trip with Return Transport -All Inclusive

4.781 reviews7h

Food and drink experiences in Colombo

Colombo City Highlights by Tuk Tuk – All-Inclusive Adventure

Colombo City Highlights by Tuk Tuk – All-Inclusive Adventure

5.0171 reviews3h
Colombo private city tour by tuk tuk morning and evening

Colombo private city tour by tuk tuk morning and evening

5.0137 reviews4h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Colombo

5 Days Tour in Sri Lanka (Hotels with Breakfast & Luxury Car)

5 Days Tour in Sri Lanka (Hotels with Breakfast & Luxury Car)

4.9183 reviews120h
"THE ORIGINALS" Tuk Tuk Safari Colombo, the first and the best.

"THE ORIGINALS" Tuk Tuk Safari Colombo, the first and the best.

4.9170 reviews3h
Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)

Bentota River Safari By BTM (Mangrove & Wildlife Encounter)

4.9116 reviews2h

Hidden gems in Colombo

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

Seema Malaka (Temple on Beira Lake)

A serene Buddhist temple designed by Geoffrey Bawa, seemingly floating on the waters of Beira Lake, connected by pontoon walkways.

Colombo City Library

A beautiful old colonial-era public library in a grand building near Viharamahadevi Park, with a tranquil reading room.

Wolvendaal Church

One of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in Sri Lanka, built by the Dutch in 1749.

Good Market Colombo

A weekly (Saturday) pop-up market focused on organic produce, ethical crafts, and sustainable living, held at different locations.

Kayman's Gate & the Old Town

A historic gate and the remnants of the original Portuguese fortifications, tucked away in the bustling Pettah district.

Day trips from Colombo

Galle

2 hours by train or car

A beautifully preserved UNESCO-listed Dutch fort city on the southwest coast. Wander the ramparts, explore boutique shops and cafes within the fort's walls, and visit the iconic lighthouse.

Negombo

1 hour by car or bus

A historic fishing town north of Colombo with a strong Catholic heritage and a relaxed beach vibe. Famous for its lagoon, seafood, and the intricate lace-making industry.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

2.5 hours by car

One of the world's largest captive elephant herds, this conservation center allows visitors to observe elephants being bottle-fed and bathing in the Ma Oya river.

Plan your Colombo trip

Things to do in Colombo: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Colombo?+

Top sights include Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, National Museum and Pettah Market. Away from the crowds, try Seema Malaka (Temple on Beira Lake) and Colombo City Library.

What are the most popular tours in Colombo?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle (5.0 stars, 1,216 reviews); Colombo Tuk Tuk City Tour -Sightseeing Entry Fees & Food Included (4.9 stars, 867 reviews); 8 Days tour in Sri Lanka with privet driver and accommodations (4.9 stars, 552 reviews).

How much do tours in Colombo cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €14 and €603 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.