West Coast
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The gateway city
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Colombo is Sri Lanka's commercial capital and largest city, with 750,000 people in the core and around 5 million in the wider metro. It is not a classical tourist destination like Kandy or Galle, but as an arrival city it has good restaurants, colonial architecture in Fort and Pettah, Gangaramaya Temple, and the seafront at Galle Face Green. Most travellers spend a night at the start or end of a trip.
Why go to Colombo
Colombo is not a museum-city and is not trying to be. It is where Sri Lankans work, eat and shop, and for that reason it is the best place in the country for high-end restaurants, contemporary Sri Lankan cooking, shopping and a taste of modern city life before or after a rural tour.
Best things to do in Colombo
- Gangaramaya Temple - a working temple, a museum and a Buddha statue big enough to fill a tuk-tuk. 45 minutes, USD 3.
- Walk Pettah Market in the morning - Sri Lanka's wholesale bazaar; chaotic and photogenic.
- National Museum of Colombo - the Kandyan-era regalia and colonial history are the highlights. Half a day, USD 5.
- Sunset street food at Galle Face Green - kite-flyers, isso wade fritters, and the ocean.
- Lotus Tower observation deck - Sri Lanka's tallest structure; sunset is the right time. USD 20.
- Independence Square and the Arcade Independence Square shopping arcade in the same area.
- Dinner at Ministry of Crab, Nihonbashi or one of Colombo's serious restaurants - a completely different Sri Lanka from the rural rice and curry.
How to get to Colombo
From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) the drive is 35 km and takes 45-60 minutes via the Katunayake Expressway (E03). Colombo is where most itineraries either start or end.
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo Airport (CMB) | 35 km | 45 - 60 min |
| Kandy | 115 km | 3 - 4 hrs |
| Galle | 125 km | 1.5 - 2 hrs (via E01) |
| Sigiriya | 170 km | 4 - 4.5 hrs |
| Bentota | 65 km | 1.5 hrs |
How many days do you need in Colombo?
One or two nights, book-ending the trip. Many travellers skip Colombo entirely on arrival and go straight to Negombo (20 minutes from CMB) or on to the Cultural Triangle - both are valid.
Best time to visit Colombo
Year-round for the city itself. December to March is the driest and most pleasant on the west coast. The southwest monsoon (May to September) brings frequent afternoon storms but not travel disruption. See all 12 months of Sri Lanka weather compared for a fuller picture, or browse tour packages that already sequence the seasons for you.
What to pair Colombo with
Colombo is not usually combined with anything else in the city - it sits at one end of the itinerary. The natural onward moves are Negombo (for the airport), Bentota or Galle (south), or Sigiriya (north-east).
The one thing that changes the visit
Include Colombo in a private tour
Every stop on our itineraries is optional and re-orderable. Tell us your dates, group size and interests and we build a private route around them - with a driver from your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to your final drop-off.
Read next: 7-day itinerary (Classic Loop) · 10-day itinerary · 14-day itinerary · Private driver costs · Attraction fees
What travelers ask us this week about ask-this-week
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How far is Colombo from the airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is 35 km north of Colombo. The Katunayake Expressway (E03) makes the drive 45-60 minutes outside rush hour. Rush hour into central Colombo (7-9am and 5-7pm) adds 20-30 minutes.
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Is Colombo worth visiting?
For a night or two, yes - especially at the end of a trip when the contrast with rural Sri Lanka is at its most interesting. Colombo is not the reason to come to Sri Lanka, but it is a natural bookend.
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What is there to do in Colombo?
Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum, Pettah Market, Galle Face Green at sunset, dinner at one of Colombo's serious restaurants, and shopping at Colombo City Centre or Odel. Half a day to a full day is enough for m...
Good to know
Colombo - common questions
How far is Colombo from the airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is 35 km north of Colombo. The Katunayake Expressway (E03) makes the drive 45-60 minutes outside rush hour. Rush hour into central Colombo (7-9am and 5-7pm) adds 20-30 minutes.
Is Colombo worth visiting?
For a night or two, yes - especially at the end of a trip when the contrast with rural Sri Lanka is at its most interesting. Colombo is not the reason to come to Sri Lanka, but it is a natural bookend.
What is there to do in Colombo?
Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum, Pettah Market, Galle Face Green at sunset, dinner at one of Colombo's serious restaurants, and shopping at Colombo City Centre or Odel. Half a day to a full day is enough for most travellers.
Where should I stay in Colombo?
Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) or Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens) for central locations; Colombo 2 (Slave Island) if you want to be in the Old Town. Waterfront properties along Galle Road have the ocean-view rooms.
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