Colombo

Things to do in Colombo

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Colombo

View all Attractions
Galle Face Green
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Galle Face Green

4.7
4.4/5
112 reviews
Galle Face Green is a scenic seaside promenade located in the heart of Colombo's financial and business district. Stretching for half a km along the Indian Ocean coast, it is a great place to watch the sunset. The surrounding area has a strong commercial atmosphere and is rich in activities. 1. Coastal scenery Strolling along this promenade with the sea breeze and the sound of waves, you have the Indian Ocean view on one side and the modern cityscape of Colombo on the other—it's truly delightful. In the evening, this is also a great spot to enjoy the sunset. Below the seawall is a narrow strip of beach; while not the cleanest, it's still a good place for playing in the water. There is an observation deck in the middle of the square where you can get up close to the sea. 2. Activities nearby There is a flag-lowering ceremony on the square every evening at 6:00 PM, which is quite spectacular and worth seeing. Additionally, there is a night market near the beach in the evening where you will see many barbecue stalls. The grilled fish is a pleasant surprise, and various traditional Sri Lankan foods are gathered here. It becomes very lively and bustling at night. Furthermore, because it is close to the Independence Palace, the Independence Day military parade has also been held here in recent years. 3. History of the square During the Dutch colonial period, this area was used as a breakwater and fort. In 1859, the then-Governor of British Ceylon developed this green space for use as a horse racing track and golf course. Today, Galle Face Green has become a popular local leisure spot, where you can often see locals jogging, walking, and flying kites, and even couples enjoying romantic moments.Colombo · 1.8km from downtown
BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Colombo

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

4.5
4.4/5
140 reviews
BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) is located in the heart of the Pettah district in Colombo. With its magnificent and spectacular architecture, it is one of the city's iconic landmarks. The building was a project provided as free aid by the government of China to Sri Lanka. Since its completion 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. The entire building is well-equipped, with a 16,000-square-foot conference hall, 400 telephone lines, and a newly built library that showcase its grandeur. The building features an octagonal floor plan, an outer corridor composed of 48 snow-white marble columns, large overhanging eaves, and openwork lattice exterior walls. It is light and airy, rich in tropical architectural style and local characteristics. Since its completion and opening over 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. In 1964, China decided to provide free aid to build an international conference hall for Sri Lanka. It was completed in May 1973. Since its completion and opening over 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka, with a status equivalent to that ofThe Great Hall of the Peoplein China. It is hailed as "a symbol of Sri Lanka-China friendship and a pearl of Sri Lanka." Opposite it stands the Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, highlighting its political significance. The two buildings complement each other, symbolizing the close unity between the people of China and Sri Lanka.Colombo · 3.1km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Colombo

Featured Day tours in Colombo

View all Day tours

Featured Water activities in Colombo

View all Water activities
Jet Ski Port City
󱌍
Duration: 15 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromSEK 427.00
Pigeon Island Snorkeling – Swim with Sharks & Turtles
󱌍
3.8/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 177.00
[Sri Lanka Colombo Balapitiya eco rafting tour 9051]
󱌍
FromSEK 382.00
Snorkeling in Port City
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 625.00SEK 658
Angel Rock Snorkeling Adventure – Explore Vibrant Fish
󱌍
3.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 90 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 216.00
Colombo: Diyawanna Lake Kayaking Experience
󱌍
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 373.00SEK 393
Colombo: Kayaking Fun - Top Safety Gear & Peaceful Waters
󱌍
Duration: 30–60 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 233.00SEK 246
Scuba Diving in Colombo
󱌍
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 1,463.00SEK 1,541

Featured Outdoor & sports in Colombo

View all Outdoor & sports
Galle sea train tour + Old town of Galle and its fortifications + Clock tower + Unawatuna Beach
󱌍
FromSEK 2,448.00
Colombo, Sri Lanka Departure | Sea Train + Stilt Fishermen + Galle Fort Day Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSEK 2,801.00
Private Trip Sigiriya Dambulla and safari from Colombo or Negombo
󱌍
4.7/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 10–12 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 1,323.00
From Colombo to Sigiriya Fortress, Dambulla & Minneriya Safari
󱌍
4.7/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 1,225.00
Colombo: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Dambulla Day Trip
󱌍
Duration: 10 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 2,225.00SEK 2,343
Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave All Inclusive Private Day Trip
󱌍
4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 14 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 1,617.00

Featured City sightseeing in Colombo

View all City sightseeing
Colombo Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Markets
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 57.00SEK 72
In-depth guide of Galle Face Green in Colombo, Sri Lanka for 2 hours
󱌍
FromSEK 249.00
Colombo Sightseeing City Tour by Tuk-Tuk with Guide
󱌍
4.9/5
· 37 reviews· 24 booked
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
97.3% of travelers recommend
FromSEK 265.00
Colombo Private Tuk-Tuk City Tour with All Entry Fees Included
󱌍
4.9/5
· 578 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromSEK 255.00
Colombo TUK TUK CITY Tours -Sightseeing Entry Fees
󱌍
4.5/5
· 12 reviews· 31 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 147.00
Colombo Private City Tour By Tuk Tuk Museum Entry Ticket Included
󱌍
4.9/5
· 100 reviews
Duration: 3–4 hrs
Free cancellation
97% of travelers recommend
FromSEK 177.00

More things to do

Colombo Cruises

See all cruises

Private Tours in Colombo

View More Private Tours in Colombo

Group Tours in Colombo

View More Group Tours in Colombo
Colombo Today's weatherCloudy 24-31℃
Colombo weather for the next 2 days11/5: 24-32℃, 11/6: 24-31℃

Free things to do in Colombo

What travellers say about Colombo

user-avatar
Laowai on the Loose24 January 2025
5.0
If you want to learn about the history of Sri Lanka this is a great place to start. The museum shows pre-historic finds and the earliest civilization of Sri Lanka as well as the Colonial era and the history or resistance to those colonial powers. As a history teacher I really enjoyed the museum.

Colombo National Museum

user-avatar
khcc1 May 2024
4.0
It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the museum. This is a large square. It is said that it was the place where independence celebrations were held. It has good greening and is very suitable. Take a walk here at dusk.

Independence Square

user-avatar
Quest Journey4 October 2023
5.0
Jami ul Alfar Mosque: Vibrant Red Mosque, Colombo's Architectural Gem of Srilanka

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

user-avatar
purplepolarbear16 August 2023
5.0
It's a nice and quiet beach in the city center with an upscale shopping mall. There isn't a sandy beach but has a deck reaching out over the waters to watch the waves. Beware of stray dogs in the area. People were also flying kites on the grass.

Galle Face Green

user-avatar
wzchcjy19 January 2020
5.0
It is a building funded by China, which makes it very familiar. It is located in the center of Colombo, with a very high-quality design. There is also a large square in front of it, with a high green coverage rate. However, you cannot go inside, you can only look at the exterior.

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

user-avatar
_TI***ul31 December 2025
5.0
Beautiful

Diyatha Uyana Park

user-avatar
Sanka Abeywickrama3 October 2019
5.0
Kelaniya Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in near to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Buddhists believe the temple to have been hallowed during the third and final visit of the Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka, eight years after gaining enlightenment. According to the ancient book call 'Mahawansa' the original pagoda at Kelaniya enshrined a gem studded throne on which the Buddha set and preached. The temple was refurbished in the first half of the 20th century.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

user-avatar
Tareq1248911 January 2026
5.0
Colombo Lotus Tower is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka. Located in the center of Colombo, this iconic tower offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city, coastline, and nearby greenery. The observation deck is clean, well-organized, and perfect for taking photos, especially during sunset. The lighting of the tower at night is truly impressive and adds charm to the city skyline. Inside, visitors can enjoy cafes, exhibitions, and comfortable seating areas. The staff are friendly and professional, making the visit smooth and enjoyable. Overall, Colombo Lotus Tower provides a memorable experience and is worth every minute spent there.

Colombo Lotus Tower

user-avatar
yangduoduo1721 June 2020
4.0
I stayed here with my family for the weekend and it was a good experience. Although it was very crowded during the weekend, the staff tried their best to keep the park clean. I haven't seen any major developments in this zoo, when I look back at my childhood, I remember there were more animals than there are now, and the animals are probably not well maintained. There is a children's play area in the zoo, which is very fun. I think zoos are national treasures, so they need more attention.

Colombo Dehiwala Zoological Gardens

user-avatar
泰宁根吴承恩5 May 2020
5.0
This is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a large area and a long history. From the perspective of architecture alone, it is slightly different from the temples we saw in Tibet. There are many Buddha statues in the temple, and there are many tourists and believers.

Gangaramaya Temple

Trip Moments in Colombo

Popular cities near Colombo

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Colombo?

Don't miss these attractions in Colombo: Colombo National Museum, Independence Square, and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. If you like Day tours, try Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 7-seater vehicle. If you enjoy Water activities, try Jet Ski Port City.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 7-seater vehicle, Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 5-seater vehicle, and Sri Lanka Sea Train + Sea Turtle Hatchery Habaraduwa + mangrove forest + National Museum + mosque 1-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 4 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Colombo is around SEK 808 – SEK 2,775. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.