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Top 10 attractions in Colombo

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Colombo National Museum
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Colombo

Colombo National Museum

5.5
4.5/5
213 reviews
Colombo National Museum is the national museum of Sri Lanka. Opened in 1877, it houses tens of thousands of artifacts and is an ideal place to quickly understand the history of this island. The museum is housed in a two-story, Italian-style white building. With its arched colonnades and a large lawn in front, the white facade is very photogenic. The first floor is arranged chronologically, while the second floor is organized by theme, showcasing everything from prehistoric stone tools to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, and finally the Kingdom of Kandy. The museum library also houses thousands of palm-leaf manuscripts, offering a window into the literary heritage of ancient Sri Lanka.Colombo · 1.9km from downtown
Independence Square
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Independence Square

5.4
4.3/5
239 reviews
Located on the east side of the University of Colombo, the square is an iconic cultural square and the place where Sri Lanka's independence ceremony on February 4, 1948 was held. Looking around here, the White House is faintly visible in the distance. Many young people rest and read here, which is a good place to find a comfortable and quiet place. 1. "Kandy Culture" Visit the Memorial Hall, you will see elephants, lions and patterns describing the history of Sri Lanka's Buddhism carved on the pillars. There are also 60 stone lions symbolizing the Sinhalese around the memorial hall. Each lion represents a king, reflecting the style of Kandy culture. 2. The Independence Hall in the center of the Independence Hall Square is built to imitate the hall where pilgrims were received during the Kandy Dynasty. The green lawn around the square reflects the Independence Memorial Hall, surrounded by stone lions, and there is a statue of D.S Senyonayake on the back of the Memorial Hall. 3. Shopping There is also a shopping center called Arcade. There are many brand stores in the European-style building. It is quite cost-effective when the products are discounted.Colombo · 2.6km from downtown
Galle Face Green
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Sri Lanka

Galle Face Green

4.7
4.4/5
112 reviews
Galle Face Green Plaza is a scenic promenade in the heart of Colombo's financial and business district, stretching for half a kilometer along the coast of the Indian Ocean, a great place to watch the sunset. The surrounding business atmosphere is strong and the activities are rich. 1. Seaside scenery When you walk on this seaside avenue with the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, one side is the Indian Ocean seascape, and the other side is the modern city scenery of Colombo. In the evening, it is still a place to enjoy the sunset view. There is a slender beach under the seawall. Although it is not too clean, it is also a good place to play in the water. There is a viewing platform in the middle of the square, where you can get close contact with the sea. 2. There is a flag lowering ceremony at 6 o'clock every night in the surrounding activity square, which is very spectacular and worth seeing. In addition, there is a night market near the beach at night. You will see many barbecue stalls. Grilled fish is very surprising. All kinds of traditional Lankan food will also gather here. In addition, due to its close proximity to the Presidential Palace, the Independence Day military parade has also been held here in recent years. 3. The history of the square During the Dutch rule, it was used as a breakwater and a fortress. In 1859, the then Governor of British Ceylon opened this green space for a racecourse and golf course. Today, Galle Face Green has become a popular local leisure spot, where you can often see locals jogging, walking, kite flying, and even couples who are in love.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
The Bandaranaike International Conference Building is located in the heart of Colombo's Beta District. The building is a project assisted by the Chinese government in Sri Lanka free of charge. Since its completion 30 years ago, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. The internal facilities of the entire building are relatively complete, with a 16,000-square-foot conference hall, 400 telephone lines and a newly built library showing its momentum. The building adopts an octagonal plane, with 48 snow-white marble pillars forming a veranda, large overhanging eaves, and a latticed exterior wall. It is light and cheerful, full of tropical architectural style and local characteristics. It has been put into use for more than 30 years. play an important role. In 1964, China decided to build an international conference building for Sri Lanka free of charge. Completed in May 1973, completed and put into use for more than 30 years, it has played an important role in the social life of Sri Lanka. Its status is equivalent to the Great Hall of the People in China. It is known as "a symbol of Sri Lanka-China friendship and a pearl of Sri Lanka" . In contrast, the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has an obvious political status. The two buildings complement each other, symbolizing the close unity of the Chinese and Sri Lankan people.Colombo · 3.1km from downtown
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gampaha

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

4.3
4.5/5
17 reviews
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, located in Kelaniya, 10 km northeast of Colombo. The temple features a stupa and a main hall, with plain white walls, and steps in front of the archway leading to the opposite side of the river. There is a small stupa on the other side of the river. Legend has it that the Buddha gifted his robe to the King of Kelaniya, and it was enshrined within the stupa when it was built. The small stupa is also part of the temple. The interior of the hall is magnificent, with numerous Buddha statues.Gampaha · 6.9km from Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple

4.1
4.3/5
84 reviews
The Gangarama Temple has a history of more than 120 years. It is a group of finely carved buildings that integrate the architectural features of Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and China. The entrance of the temple is quite shocking, with two statues of Guan Gong playing with a big sword and a live baby elephant next to them. 1. Rich collections The Buddha statues in the temple bring together Buddha statues from various Asian countries. The interior space of the temple is not large. Several rooms are connected together, full of various treasures. There are hundreds or thousands of Buddha statues of all sizes, with different expressions and strange postures. In fact, before 760 AD, Sri Lanka maintained frequent trade exchanges with the Mediterranean region and China, and sent envoys to China during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. There is a museum in the main hall, which houses several tall Buddha statues and several huge ivory tusks, as well as Arhat relics, jewelry, currencies of various countries, old radios, watches, pure gold and ivory instruments, and some Buddha statues from Japan, Thailand and other places. The Buddha statues are exquisitely carved, and being in them is shocking. 2. Precious collections It is said that among all the collections, the most precious is a lock of hair from the Buddha, which is usually locked in a safe and is not seen by ordinary people.Colombo · 1.3km from downtown
Seema Malakaya Temple

Seema Malakaya Temple

3.9
4.1/5
64 reviews
The Water Temple is in the middle of Beira Lake. It is a beautiful wooden pavilion that can be accessed through a wooden passage. 1. Designer Geoffrey Bawa (Geoffrey Bawa) Water Temple was designed by the famous architect Geoffrey Bawa in the 20th century. Jeffrey Bawa's design career began in 1957 and ended in 2003. The buildings he designed at different stages of his design career were greatly influenced by the Sri Lankan economy, and his design concepts contributed greatly to "regional modernism". 2. Beira Lake Beira Lake is located in the northwest corner of Vihama Ha Devi Park. It is the heart of Colombo. There are cormorants, egrets and other birds circling on the lake. A favorite recreation area for locals.Colombo · 1.4km from downtown
New Kathiresan Kovil

New Kathiresan Kovil

3.6
4.1/5
49 reviews
The new and old Hindu temples are adjacent to each other, located in the middle of the sea street, and built for the god of war Murugan, the son of Shiva. The entrance of the temple is decorated with a large number of Hindu god statues, which are exquisite in shape. Among them, there are six blue dragons supporting the lintel above the middle entrance. There is also an elephant temple next to these two Hindu temples. After understanding the basic teachings of Hinduism, visiting this Hindu temple will be more rewarding.Colombo · 1.9km from downtown
Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens

Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Gardens

3.5
Colombo · 34.5km from downtown
R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

3.5
4.0/5
5 reviews
The Sri Lankan people's love for football can be found here, and the enthusiasm of the whole people is very high.Colombo · 1.9km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Colombo

Featured Day tours in Colombo

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Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 7-seater vehicle
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FromRs 34,210.29
Private charter for 10 hours | Colombo 1-day tour with downtown hotel transfer | 5-seater vehicle
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FromRs 25,840.23
Colombo, Sri Lanka Day Trip: [8-Hour Private Car Tour]
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
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Colombo City Tour: Galle Face Green, Vikramadevi Park and many more
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Duration: 4 hrs
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FromRs 47,687.79
Colombo National Museum + Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque + Beira Lake day tour in Sri Lanka
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Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
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FromRs 47,612.50

Featured Water activities in Colombo

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Pigeon Island Snorkeling – Swim with Sharks & Turtles
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3.8/5
· 8 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Jet Ski Port City
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Duration: 15 mins
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FromRs 12,039.00
Sri LankaColomboDiscover divingSnorkeling1 hours Pass [Snorkeling in Port City]
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Duration: 1 hr
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FromRs 9,029.25
Snorkeling in Port City
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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FromRs 17,611.63Rs 18,538.56
Windsurfing in Port City
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Duration: 1 hr
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FromRs 10,534.12
Waterskiing in Port City
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Duration: 20 mins
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Kayaking1 hour [Kayaking in Port Cty]
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Duration: 1 hr
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Paddleboarding in Port City
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Duration: 1 hr
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FromRs 6,019.50

Featured Outdoor experiences in Colombo

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Horse Riding in Mount Lavinia
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Duration: 1 hr
English
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FromRs 30,097.48
Galle sea train tour + Old town of Galle and its fortifications + Clock tower + Unawatuna Beach
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FromRs 68,870.53
Colombo, Sri Lanka Departure | Sea Train + Stilt Fishermen + Galle Fort Day Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7.5 hrs
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FromRs 78,787.89
Mirissa Sri Lanka Motorcycle Day Tour or Half-Day Tour 15227
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Duration: 1 hr
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FromRs 14,328.07
Angel Rock Snorkeling Adventure – Explore Vibrant Fish
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3.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 90 mins
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FromRs 6,091.73
Private Trip Sigiriya Dambulla and safari from Colombo or Negombo
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4.7/5
· 10 reviews
Duration: 10–12 hrs
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FromRs 37,381.06

Featured Cultural experiences in Colombo

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Colombo Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Heritage and Vibrant Markets
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Colombo Express Food Tour with 9 + Tastings
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4.8/5
· 77 reviews
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FromRs 11,075.87
1-day tour in Colombo, Sri Lanka: National Museum + Independence Square + Galle Face Green
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
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FromRs 22,727.28
Shipwreck Jet Ski Safari
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromRs 70,762.50
In-depth guide of National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka for 2 hours
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Duration: 2 hrs
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FromRs 8,539.95
1-day tour to Colombo National Museum, Independence Square, and Galle Face Green in Sri Lanka
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1.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5.5 hrs
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Free things to do in Colombo

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What travellers say about Colombo

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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

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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

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Quest Journey28 October 2023
5.0
Gala Face Beach 🏖️: Stunning views and serene waters! Must visit place in Srilanka

Galle Face Green

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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)

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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

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yangduoduo1719 June 2020
4.0
I visited this small Buddhist temple with a local. It is a very special place with a 104 year old monk living there. The temple has many pieces that were returned to Sri Lanka after different conflicts. Well worth a look. We were staying in Colombo for some time and came across this attraction and saw the magnificent temple. The setting is very beautiful and peaceful, with wonderful views and solitary style. We really enjoyed looking at the things that were left here from many years ago, including some old British cars. You occasionally feel like you are wandering around in a surreal bric-a-brac market, with old glasses and all kinds of jewelry everywhere. My personal favorite was the small Buddha statue, which was placed in a miniature glass dome, and his face could be clearly seen through a magnifying glass.

Gangaramaya Temple

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mushroom05528 July 2023
5.0
This serene temple sits on three floating platforms which are connected to each other and to the mainland by floating bridges. There are numerous seated Buddha statues displaying different mudras (hand gestures) on all three platforms. The central platform houses wooden paneled temple for meditation. The view of the surrounding Colombo skyline from the central platform is beautiful. A small entrance fee to the temple applies to foreigners.

Seema Malakaya Temple

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288000001629 March 2025
4.0
这两个一新一旧两座印度庙紧挨着,门面都不大,即使不是信徒也可以进去参观,里面供奉的战神有点杀气,旧庙大门紧闭进不去,对面有卖甜点的老店,买了几个,甜蜜蜜的感觉比纯糖还甜。

New Kathiresan Kovil

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多多19 June 2020
4.0
Built by a president of a private rank specifically for the 1986 cricket tournament, this international venue holds the world record for the highest score in test cricket of 952 against Sri Lanka and India. Away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD business district. If you want to watch cricket with fun and excitement, the Premadasa Stadium is the place to be. Here you will find out how Sri Lankans enjoy cricket. The band "Papare" keeps playing, people dance on the islands, dance on their seats and have a great time... The best part is... Unlike their bigger neighbours, Sri Lankan fans don't get too upset when their team loses, the music goes on, the dancing goes on. They love their team to win, but the fun comes first... The facilities at the Premadasa Stadium are not the best and getting to the pitch can be a little difficult. For anyone who wants to experience the Sri Lankan way of watching and enjoying cricket, I highly recommend the A upper and B upper stands.

R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Colombo?

Don't miss these attractions in Colombo: Colombo National Museum, Independence Square, and Galle Face Green. 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 Pigeon Island Snorkeling – Swim with Sharks & Turtles.

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 Colombo, Sri Lanka Day Trip: [8-Hour Private Car Tour]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Colombo is around PKR 22,727.28 – PKR 78,053.27. 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.

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