Exploring Colombo

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All you can see in Colombo in a day

All you can see in Colombo in a day

There’s a wealth of places to discover in Colombo and there’s no way to cover it all in one day, but here’s a handy list of some of the very best places to visit, making sure that you can see all that you possibly can in just one day.

Colombo National Museum

The building itself is large and harks back to early times, and the gardens that stretch before the old white mansion are peaceful and full of green. The National museum is situated quite close to Colombo city hotels such as The Steuart by Citrus and can be accessed easily, making it a top place to visit. Here, you can experience a summation of Sri Lanka’s past, brought to life in historical objects such as miniature versions of tanks, reproductions of caves as well as actual artefacts such as weapons, coins and books. There are also a number of artworks, ranging from cave paintings to tapestries to puppets and jewelry as well as pots. Gaze upon the throne of the last king of Kandy, and learn about his history from the plaques next to the clothes he was wearing when he was captured.

Independence Square

Next, tramp along to Independence Square, another piece of Sri Lankan history. Built to mimic ancient architecture, take note of the details etched into the pillars and columns and the pictures that are embedded and run around the roof. Enjoy a sense of peace besides a couple of fountains and a green park, as the oncoming traffic slows down and comes at the monument with a respectful slowness. There is an Independence Memorial hall underneath that you may want to duck in to look around, as it gives you a picture of how the country won independence.

Viharamahadevi Park

Then take a stroll in Viharamahadevi Park, a large green park that used to be named Victoria Park, but was renamed after gaining independence. Enjoy the gardens, spot some ducks and walk across the short bridge, and you may even make friends with the ponies that hang around there.

Galle Face Green

Relish a nice view of the beach at Galle Face, a strip of land that faces the sea in the heart of Colombo. Once a line of defense against attacks that the Dutch relied upon, the spot is now teeming with life. Enjoy some hearty snacks from street vendors, including ‘isso wade’ which is fried prawns pressed into a delicious dhal based snack. If you go here in the evenings you can try your hand at flying a kite. Walk along the pier and enjoy the peace.

Barefoot

For some shopping, the Barefoot store is a beautiful choice. Charming and filled with authenticity, the highlight of the store are the brightly coloured textiles that make the place instantly recognizable. These are made into just about any kind of textile household item you can think of, as well as clothes and jewelry and notebooks. The shop has a quiet, breezy and cosy feel to it, with coolness seeping through the stone floor and corners of leafiness encountering you as you walk around. You can stop by the Gallery Café for a spot of lunch, and enjoy some refreshing juices and tasty food. There’s an art gallery nearby, so you can also stroll through it to see whatever exhibition is on at the moment.

Laksala

Laksala is government run, and has some beautiful souvenirs and arts and crafts that are authentic but won’t break the bank. Pick up some elephants and other animals carved out of coconuts, or some purses woven from leaves. They also have clothing made from traditional Sri Lankan materials, including sarongs and airy tops that will be perfect to wear both in the country and to take back home. They also have jewelry and more large scale household items, and they are all of good quality.

Mount Lavinia Beach

If you have time, take a 45 minute drive down to Mount Lavinia beach to have drinks while you watch the sunset. One of the best beaches in Colombo, you can also visit Mount Lavinia Hotel. The hotel used to be a governor’s mansion, and the building has been preserved down to this day. It’s a delightful spot of nostalgia, and well worth a visit. There are a number of bars along the coastline, which make for a relaxing evening as you have some fun in the sand while the sun goes down. If you like, you can even have dinner here and enjoy some delicious seafood while the sea air whets your appetite.

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

If you prefer however, you can head back in to Colombo proper to take in the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. While renovated, the courtyard retains much of its old charm, as cobblestoned alleys lead around the place. There are a number of restaurants and places to shop here, and all have a certain charm. This is a lovely place to wrap up your jam packed day in Colombo!

Pocket guide to the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Colombo

Like almost anywhere else in the world, Sri Lanka’s restaurants and eateries skewer towards meat options, while vegetarian dishes have been sorely neglected. However, there has been a recent rise in the value of vegetarianism, and new restaurants have popped up to fulfill that need. Some of the restaurants on this list are fully vegetarian, while most have amazingly delectable vegetarian dishes that have been crafted with care. The best part about this list is that the vegetarian cuisine on offer here is not limited to any one genre of food, as there are restaurants here that are have menus inspired by Indian, Western and Asian cuisine.

Shanmugas

This Indian restaurant is one of the oldest vegetarian options in Colombo. For years, Indian has been your best bet when it comes to flavoursome, delicious vegetarian dishes. And for years, Shanmugas has been serving unquestionably appetising vegetarian food. Affordable, with a vast menu that covers both South India as well as North India, Shanmugas is housed in a cosy, atmospheric old-house-turned-restaurant and is usually packed with satisfied diners. They also have delivery options if you prefer to get raithas and parathas delivered straight to wherever you are staying. You can also order in advance and pick up from the restaurant. Their naans are incredible, and they feature a variety from butter naans to stuffed naans and parota stuffed with potato. They have lunches which are spreads based on both South and North Indian fare. Overall, if you’re looking for vegetarian with some bite to it then this is the place you should go.

Milk & Honey

Aiming for healthy foods in general, Milk & Honey is a recent addition to the Colombo food scene. The surroundings are calming, and make for a pretty spot for brunch, with a delicate garden space and a sweet mural sprawling over the walls. Their food is great for breakfast, in fact they have an all-day breakfast menu, and the food on offer is very modern and western, with little Sri Lankan twists. You can order from a variety of things, and dessert is the real winner here. Their wraps use ingredients such as roasted spicy pumpkin, beetroot, and avocado in lieu of meats. They also have a number of salad bowls for those who want to skip the carbohydrates altogether. A quiet spot nestled in the heart of Colombo, Milk & Honey is a lovely vegetarian option that you should definitely try. If you’re rooming in Colombo in The Steuart by Citrus or a similar place, then consider coming here to try it out to escape the noise of the city.

Café Kumbuk

Café Kumbuk and its counterpart Kumbuk Kitchen has grown to be a huge hit in Colombo for its tailored, fresh and punchy menu. They use local, seasonal and organic ingredients wherever they can, and regularly update their menu depending on what is it season. Even their coffee is local! While not a fully vegetarian restaurant, they have a large variety of vegetarian meals that cater to a number of dietary requirements, whether gluten or dairy free, vegan as well as vegetarian. One of their lunch options is the Shroomy Avo Toast, a delightful concoction that sees mushrooms piled on top of flavourful mashed avocado over crisp bread, making for a yummy and fulfilling meal. Their naked burrito bowls are a highlight, and can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bowl’d

Bowl’d is another restaurant that has garnered a cult following in Colombo. Unique in its offerings, Bowl’d takes the Hawaiian Poke bowl and gives it a Sri Lankan twist. Meaning ‘to slice’, the Poke bowls are absolutely fresh and tangy, resulting in bowls of healthy ingredients that unite to make for a supremely tasty meal. You can order off the menu or customise your bowl, deciding on your base, additions and the strength of the spiciness in your food. The three bases are sushi rice, red rice and zucchini noodles, stylised as zoodles. If you can’t decide, then you can try half of two bases! You can also choose your own additions, ranging from a variety of vegetables to toppings such as wanton strips and seaweed. The bowls are truly appealing, and the fusion on Hawaiian flavours with Japanese influences and fresh Sri Lankan ingredients makes for an experience that must not be missed. The café has a laidback atmosphere, and there is both outdoor and indoor seating.

How much money is required for a 6 day trip to Sri Lanka?

This is quite an open ended question as it all depends on just how much you’re willing to spend, but I think you can easily divide the answer into three parts – how much money you’d need for roughly a week in Sri Lanka on a budget, on average, and if you want a luxurious experience. This is based on my experiences in the country as well as some online research, so I hope this helps!

Let’s breakdown the expenses of a 6 day trip. We have accommodation, food and transport as the main expenses, and maybe buying gifts and supplies as an extra expense. If you’re on a budget, then your best bet is to find hostels – these can cost anything from 8$ to 15$ (per person) a night, and most include breakfast in the deal. If you can’t find a hostel, then a homestay is your next option. These run pretty cheap as well, especially if you’re in a group. Rooms can run anywhere from 10$ to 30$ (per room), depending on the size of the room and how many people are in your group. Homestays are great because hosts usually offer to drive you around and show you the sights, at no added cost or perhaps just the cost of fuel, and you may be able to have a meal with them and enjoy some authentic Sri Lankan home cooked food. You can even arrange for a cookery class! You can check Airbnb for other offers, and the prices should be similar.

For an average price, you could consider checking into hotels and resorts in some of Sri Lanka’s most famous areas – such as Hikkaduwa hotels which will grant you access to some of the best beaches in the country, and lesser known beaches such as Kalutara if you choose to stay in a resort like Citrus Waskaduwa. Check hotel websites for deals and promotions, as they offer them regularly. You can choose to stay for bed and breakfast, half board or on a full board basis. This can cost you around 40$ to 80$ (per person) depending on what you choose. If you choose half board or bed and breakfast it could be around 25$ to 60$. Hotels really give you value for money, however, as the buffet option is glorious and the amenities of having a swimming pool and Wi-Fi is essential for a relaxing trip.

For a truly luxurious hotel, however, you’ll want to stay at boutique hotels or check into the suites at the bigger hotels. This will get you a ton of amenities such as butler service and fine dining meals, and the cost will match, perhaps 100$ to 300$ per night. The views and service and overall atmosphere of boutique hotels are wonderful, however, and well worth the hefty price.

The next thing you have to consider is food! It’s very easy to find delicious food in Sri Lanka on a budget, as you can eat out at various places that sell Sri Lankan food (or order in via food delivery apps!) and the portions are usually large and filling. You can also choose to buy what is called ‘short eats’ and have snacks for meals (that are still filling!). And of course the failsafe meal is a large rice and curry which almost always costs less than 2$ and is a hearty meal. Of course when it comes to breakfast many places offer complimentary or cheap breakfasts, and you can always a place open that serves string hoppers and roti for a delicious morning meal. For a mid-range budget, you can of course to choose to eat at your hotel’s buffet, or go to some of the higher end restaurants that serve not just Sri Lankan but more international cuisine as well. If you’re in Colombo you may want to spend some time at a pub such as the one at The Steuart by Citrus, which makes for a pleasant experience. Overall, while on a budget you can look to spend less than 4$ per meal, and on a bigger budget perhaps 8$-10$ and for fine dining it can go upwards of 25$.

Another aspect is transport plus experiences. On a budget, it’s best to learn how to go by bus and train – it can be very cheap (for short distances the tickets are in cents, and can run up to a few dollars) and picturesque. You can also go by tuk tuk and use ride share apps, which will cost more and are mostly used in cities. Always agree on a price before you get into a tuk! If you like, you can also hire a car or motorbike for the day or the duration of your trip. If you want to travel in luxury then you can hire a car and driver from your hotel itself. When it comes to experiences, on a budget there are many free places to visit, such as the beaches and some parks as well as hikes. Other places such as museums or gardens may have an entrance fee that can be small or exorbitant, so watch out for that.

Finally, when it comes to buying souvenirs, prices can really vary so it’s difficult to budget for this. For the most part, though, you can find authentic, affordable and good quality trinkets ranging from key tags to clothes (such as sarongs) and woven baskets at many places such as Laksala. For even better quality and unique items, try a place like Barefoot that has a very recognisable style and clothes that marry traditional and contemporary styles together. For lasting, high quality souvenirs you may want to look into the gem and jewellery shops around the country, for some beautiful memories.

So in total, sans souvenirs as like I mentioned, it’s difficult to budget for, I think your question can be answered in this breakdown.

Budget 100$ – 130$

Average 160$ – 250$Luxury Over 1000$

8 Great ways to explore Colombo

Colombo is an interesting city to explore, with its busy streets and pockets of history that can take you back in time. Here are 8 unique and interesting ways to explore this city.

First off you may want to head down to Viharamahadevi Park, an oasis of green amidst one of the busiest parts of the city. Originally named Victoria Park, after the British Queen Victoria, its new name, belonging to a Sri Lankan queen, is emblematic of the change that the country has gone through. The park is quite large, and open to the public. It is quite simply one of the nicest places to rest at, at whatever time of the day you choose to go. Massive trees lend shade in the hottest parts of the day, and dusk has a delightful atmosphere. There’s a small lake that has ducks, and you can hire a paddle boat for a fun session of exploring the water and getting a closer look at the birds. There’s also a suspension bridge to cross, that gives you a nice view of the park. Close by is a small paddock that hosts a few ponies who are quite amenable to being petted. There are also ponies that will give kids rides. The park is an excellent place to escape to with an ice-cream in hand, and a great location for a picnic. It’s close to the national museum, so you can soak up the history of the country and then head down to the park for a quiet, restful experience.

Galle face green is also unmissable. The promenade stretches out beside the ocean, offering stellar views of the sea that are unrivalled in the city. Galle face was originally much bigger, stretching to meet the Beira Lake nearby, and many a sport was played upon it including horse riding, golf, rugby, and cricket. The Dutch used it as a base for their cannons, as it provides an excellent view of incoming ships. Though the esplanade shrank and the sports aren’t played anymore, the spot is still full of light-hearted fun. Enjoy the sights around it, including the old parliament and historic City hotels in Colombo, and then go for a walk down the promenade. This is the prime spot for sampling Sri Lankan street food, especially the isso wade (prawns pressed into fried cakes made of lentils) and achcharu (fruits, usually mango or pineapple mixed with salt, chilli and vinegar) along with homemade juices. There are plenty of toys and kites and on sale for kids, so the whole family can have fun.

Close by the park is the Kala Pola art walk, a street that is lined with artworks done by local artists. The street is wonderful to stroll down, taking in the vibrant colours and different styles present in these works of art. Every Sunday morning local artists display their art and you can pick up something special to take back home if it moves you. The diversity of the art is truly breath-taking, and it’s well worth a visit.

A little bit away of the city of Colombo is the historic and most sought after temple, the Kelani Viharaya. This site is said to have been visited by Buddha himself, as he spoke about the dhamma to the people who lived in the area. The spot where he preached was made into a stupa, encasing a gem studded throne that he sat on. The Kelani Temple thus has a rich history. It was destroyed in the 1500s by the Portuguese, and then rebuilt while the Dutch were ruling. Later, renovations were made to it, including touching up and adding beautiful paintings. These paintings, though modern, have the style and elegance of ancient Sri Lankan and Indian painters. Done by Soliyas Mendis, these paintings depicting the life of Buddha and important moments in the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka are a highlight of the temple. The Kelaniya Temple is also the starting point of the Duruthu Perahera, which is probably second in size and style to the Kandy Esala Perahera. It is a culturally magnificent event to experience, and is carried out in the month of January to signify the first visit that Lord Buddha made to Sri Lanka.

The ocean is obviously a bit part of the appeal of Colombo, and there’s a relatively unknown way to view it that many people do not take advantage of. That is by taking a ride in the train as it heads down the coast. A warning – avoid the train in the early morning and the evening as it will be full of commuters. Check the Sri Lankan railway website for exact times, but anywhere in the midmorning and before 1.30 and after 2.30 (school traffic!) will be perfect. Kolpetty is the best station to get in at, and it’s best to ride the train up to the coastal town of Mount Lavinia. The train travels right by the rocks, and the sea crashes into these rocks. Riding by vehicle down Marine Drive will get you a good view of the sea, but it cannot be matched to the experience in the train. Buy snacks in the train, take pictures of the sea, venture by the door if you’re careful, and enjoy this calm 20 minute ride with the salt spray gently hitting your face. The train will deposit you at the Mount Lavinia railway station after you glimpse the beautiful green lawns where school children in white play cricket, and right by the station is the historic Mount Lavinia hotel, a great place to check out if you have the time.

For a shopping experience then Colombo City Centre, colloquially referred to simply as CCC, is your best bet. The skyscraper houses international brands as well as famous Sri Lankan ones, meaning that you can shop for almost anything you like. There is also a cinema on the top floor, so you can drop in for the latest movie. The food court deserves particular mention, as cuisines from around the world are represented. Have some delectable gelato, then tuck into some Japanese, or Singaporean cuisine. If you want something Western, or if the kids are craving fast food, then the food court has you covered there as well! It’s quite possible to wander around for a good few hours, and as a tip, take your food or drink outside for a bird’s eye view of the lake and surrounding city.

If you want to wind down after a long day, then head down to the Scottish themed pub that is inside The Steuart by Citrus for a few drinks and some good food. The atmosphere inside the pub is one of the main draws, it’s decorated in a vintage style and features crests on the wall. The furniture and is wooden, and the ambient lighting makes for a cosy, old fashioned atmosphere that is pleasant. There’s a happy hour you can take advantage of, and the cocktails as well as regular drinks are delicious. The food is another draw, as the portions are generous and everything is cooked to perfection. This is not your typical pub food, as it goes above and beyond that. The staff is also very accommodating, and all in all you can really enjoy yourself here and get to know a little bit about a side of Colombo that you don’t get to see often. The final interesting way to get to know Colombo is by walking into the Barefoot Bookshop. The entire store is a wonderful place to explore, but the bookshop in particular stands out. It is a famed bookshop that carries various books by Sri Lankan authors as well as books that dive into various aspects of the country. The books are glossy, featuring gorgeous pictures of whatever topic they are covering. Along with these are storybooks and books for children. There are also unique postcards and greeting cards designed by Sri Lankan artists that will catch your eye. From the bookshop you can step into the gallery at the back of the shop that has a new collection of art on display every few months. Sit down at the café and enjoy a glass of wine and some delectable treats. The entire shop is perfect to look around as barefoot has distinctive bags, toys and other collectibles and souvenirs that are sure to pique your interest.

Which is the best shopping place in Colombo?

The shopping scene is pretty good in Colombo, but this question made me think of places that specifically straddle the line between a traditional shopping experience as well as a place where you can buy souvenirs and things that are very Sri Lankan, so that you can have a memento of your travels from here. If you snag one of the best hotel deals in Colombo and find yourself in the city with some time for shopping, you should check these places out!

Barefoot gallery café is a gorgeous shop, sprawling while still being intimate and full of cute nooks that have different things that you can buy. They’ve got household items, notebooks, clothes, and décor all in this distinctive Barefoot style, so it’s really worth checking them out. They use handloom textiles including handwoven silk and cotton, and you can find notebooks wrapped in these. The clothes are a fusion between traditional Sri Lankan dress and contemporary styles, which make for a really distinct, cool look. They also have jewellery and toys so there’s something for everyone here!

Paradise Road is better if you’re looking specifically for home products. They are famous for having items that are inscribed with the Sinhala and Tamil alphabets, from coasters to bags and mugs. It’s a really distinctive look, as the alphabets are really beautiful, and will be a talking point when you have them in your home! They also have beautiful minimalist plates and bowls, some ranges are entirely monochromatic. Any of these would make special gifts or beautiful pieces for your own home.

There’s also Laksala, which is government run. This is an affordable place to get souvenirs, and it’s a chain store which means there’s quite a few of them around. They have quite a lot of stuff, including jewellery, baskets, clothes and furniture items. The store marries well-crafted works with a really good price point, so it’s good if you want to get a lot of souvenirs at once. These three shops are best if you’re looking for things that are very Sri Lankan to take back home.

If you’re looking for a more mall like experience then there’s Arcade Independence Square, which is housed in a colonial building that used to be an asylum. The woodwork is beautiful, and it’s easy to get lost in the building! It houses a lot of international brands (ranging from Levis, Samsung, Giordano) as well as upscale Sri Lankan brands, a food court as well as a few restaurants that are amazing. There’s also a water feature and lots of seating in the courtyard, and it’s as much a hangout spot as it is a shopping mall. Overall, I’d highly recommend it. It even has a cinema inside if you feel like watching a movie! There’s also the newly opened Colombo City Center which features floors and floors of international brands (including a store for Apple products, and lots of clothing and makeup stores) as well as, like Arcade, upscale Sri Lankan brands. It also has a food court at the top that features food from different countries, and has both fine dining as well as fast food! Overall the shopping experience is very good, as you get grocery stores, furniture stores, clothing and electronics and everything you could want in just one building. Both stores feature mostly international brands, but they also have very good Sri Lankan brands so you can pick out something with the flavour of the island and take it back home with you!

What Are the Must See Things in Colombo?

If you’re in Colombo for a couple of days there are some places that you should absolutely not miss. This list makes up the quintessential Colombo experience, and it’s a nice blend of tourist friendly places that locals also frequent so you get a good blend of vacation life mixed with the daily activities of people in the country.

First off, Galle face green. If you’re staying in a Colombo city hotel then chances are Galle Face is just a few minutes away! It’s a long stretch which is a welcome sight among all the buildings, and it gives you the perfect view of the sea. It’s usually my go to hang out spot when a lot of people are getting together, and it’s a really nice place to hang out in the evening at dusk. It’s got historical significance as well, because it was originally used by the Dutch so that the cannons of the nearby Fort (and you can see them if you walk a little further up!) had a clear range to fire. While you’re there do not forget to check out the street food! There’s one snack in particular called isso wade that’s basically a prawn embedded in gram flour and then fried. It looks a little strange but it’s really yummy!

Viharamahadevi Park is also a great place to check out, though you’ll probably have to grab a tuk tuk to get there. It’s a sprawling park right in the middle of what are some of the busiest roads in Colombo, and you can see some really nice old buildings around there. The park itself is nice to walk through, there’s a pond where you can take a little boat ride and follow the ducks. There’s also a small paddock with ponies! I’d recommend having a little picnic here if you can, it’s both peaceful and vibrant with life.

Dutch Hospital kind of has it all. The building itself has historical significance, and it has been converted into a chill courtyard. There’s plenty of places to grab a bite from, and even some good places to go shopping. Most times there will be a live band playing, so overall this is a great night spot to head to, and it’s about as close as Galle face is. The place is unmissable because of its vibes – it’s a favourite of mine and of locals in general as a place to have a drink and just enjoy the night! If you feel like taking a walk, this would be the perfect time to check out the old Lighthouse nearby. A short distance away, you can walk up some impressive looking stairs to see the old lighthouse, and get a whiff of sea air. You can also see the development of the new port city that’s coming up, it’s an interesting intersection between the city’s past and future.

If you have some time on your hands during the day and you want to see something truly Sri Lankan, then consider checking out the Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple. It’s situated right on the Beira Lake, making it look like it’s from another era! It was actually designed by the famous Geoffrey Bawa, and has lovely spaces that call for introspection. The temple itself is designed for meditation, so do enjoy a few minutes or more in this space, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city around you. There’s no entrance fee, and it’s open to all.

Colombo has a lot to offer so do some exploring on your own if you have time, but these are the places that you really should see if you’re around!

Pocket guide to best Italian restaurants in Colombo

Italian food is one of Sri Lanka’s favourite cuisines, as evidenced by the way pizza and pasta is on many menus, regardless of whether the restaurant is Italian or not. For real, authentic Italian food however, you have to check out these restaurants!

1. The Bayleaf

(Image credits: Bayleaf Colombo Official Website)

The Bayleaf is a favourite of Sri Lankans, and is easily one of the top restaurants in Colombo. They hold an extensive menu that runs from classic Italian dishes; everyone’s favourite pasta and pizza as well as a selection of delectable desserts. The restaurant itself is situated in an old colonial home, making for a truly ambient atmosphere. You can choose to dine upstairs in one of the rooms, or sit outside and enjoy a feast in the garden. There’s a bar as well, that serves delicious cocktails, wines as well as tasty nibbles that go beyond average bar food. All in all, this is one of the best places to visit when you’re craving Italian.

2. Dolce Italia

(Image credits: thevuniathalage | Instagram)

Another classic on the Colombo Italian scene, Dolce Italia has authentic, delicious dishes that will keep you wanting to go back for more. Owned by two Italians, the restaurant is committed to merging the warmth of Italian cooking with the tastes of Sri Lankans, not by fusion but by knowing exactly what Colombo wants through experience. Dolce Italia invites you to come over for an afternoon coffee, while nibbling on some homemade pastries. Their coffee in particular is praised, and has to be tried. For a more indulgent meal, they have pastas, pizzas and lasagnes rich in sauce and cheese. This restaurant too is set in an old house, giving it a charming atmosphere of having come over for dinner for some homemade pasta.

3. Callisto

Callisto has received high praise for its impeccable renderings of pasta – and for good reason. Rave reviews on social media tell the tale of a delightful Italian restaurant that makes the best pasta in the country, with the overall ambience of the outdoor dining and good wine making for an extremely satisfying dining experience. It is a must to visit this restaurant, as the quality of food served here is excellent. Imported ingredients are combined with the freshest of local ingredients to make truly flavoursome, rich dishes that any fan of Italian cuisine is going to love.

4. Rocco’s

Another old favourite, Rocco’s is mostly famous for its delicious pizzas. Dripping in cheese, these pizzas are cooked to perfection and rich in quality. The menu is large, and you can ever order different flavours on one pizza, so that you can sample a variety of tastes. They’re also incredibly satisfying! Rocco’s also does some good pastas, as well as a variety of other dishes, including salads, starters and a diversity of desserts. The ambiance is also unique, as they have newspaper clippings covering the walls that hark back to the 30s. Overall, this is a great place to have dinner as a group.

5. Giovanni’s

A homely little café with red bricked walls and red and green checked clothes covering the tables give Giovanni’s a charming atmosphere. Sitting among the wooden furniture and enjoying some home cooked pizza is the upshot of what you can experience at this establishment. It’s run by a chef who uses a clay oven. The pizza you’re getting is thus as close to pizza straight from Italy that you can get in Colombo! As always, you can order more than one topping on a pizza so as to sample different tastes. Giovanni’s also has pasta, and you will not be disappointed with the homemade pasta absolutely covered in homemade sauces.

6. Romano Italian Kitchen

Drop in to this place for some wood-fired pizza, as you get a taste of some authentic Italian cuisine. They also serve spaghetti and risotto and other Italian cuisine, if you’re craving pasta instead of pizza. A long established restaurant in Colombo, its small size adds to its cosy nature. The seating is outdoor, with one room available for seating if you feel the need to sit inside. The pizza’s here are delicious, and will be ideal for dinner if you are in the area, so give them a try!

Best City Hotels for a Short Stay in Colombo

If you’re heading down to Colombo for a just a few days and need a place to base yourself in, then these 5 hotels are your best options. They are all situated in great locations and feature great service that make them havens of peace in the busy cityscape.

#1 The Steuart

This boutique business hotel is an old colonial building situated right in the heart of the city. Its prime location and old fashioned luxurious atmosphere make it the best place to stay in Colombo. The Steuart by Citrus is steeped in history, and this sense of the old world permeates its walls and is exemplified by the décor as the hotel boasts its connection to Scottish ancestry in its aesthetic. This is continued in its authentic Scottish themed pub downstairs that offers delicious food and drinks and marries a jovial atmosphere with refined elegance. Dip into the past when you stay at this historical building and enjoy a little bit of the essence of Colombo itself.

#2 Cinnamon Red

Cinnamon Red marries contemporary style with an energising atmosphere to create a modern, bustling business hotel that feels fun and fresh. The hotel rises high above the city, simultaneously at one with the flurry of movement on the ground but apart from it. Guests’ comfort is priority here, as express check ins and 24/7 lobby lounges ensure that your every need will be handled with haste and understanding. Cinnamon Red also has the highest rooftop bar, an infinity pool and a restaurant that serves international flavours, so that even a business trip will feel like a well-earned vacation.

#3 Kestrels Colombo

A little further away from the centre of Colombo but still within easy reach, Kestrels Colombo is a compact, comfortable business hotel in Wellawatte. A short drive away from Colombo, there are a number of restaurants and eateries around the hotel, and they offer some games for when you need to unwind after a long day of work. Each room is soundproof and offers Wi Fi, a safe as well as a pantry and a bay window with a sprawling view of the city. This hotel is perfect for the businesswoman or businessman who prefers to explore the city while they are on their trip!

#4 Mount Lodge Colombo

Located in Mount Lavinia, about a 45 minute drive away from Colombo, this boutique hotel is unlike the others on the list by virtue of being private, luxurious and homely. The building houses just three suites, each with their own stone walled garden and living room, resulting in a charming and cosy ambience that is an oasis in the busy commotion of the city. A seaside town, Mount Lavinia has the added advantage of being more laid back than Colombo itself. The suites are very contemporary Sri Lankan, with airy rooms and glass that lets in light. The art lining the walls and the greenery of the gardens are sure to soothe and create a calm atmosphere. There’s also free Wi-Fi and an in house restaurant that serves both Sri Lankan and western food.

#5 Mövenpick

This five star hotel is right where all the action is, and is known for it’s large, spacious suites featuring stunning views of both the sea as well as the cityscape. Relax in the infinity pool or grab a drink at the rooftop bar, and enjoy a meal at Mövenpick’s restaurants that feature international cuisine. The amenities at this hotel are enviable, with an in-house spa, fitness room and close proximity to the shopping district of the country. The hotel also features a number of halls and meeting rooms which will be ideal if you need to plan a meeting.

Colombo through the eyes of a night owl

Colombo takes on a different tone at night, with the dusty hot streets turning into cool, breezy, softly lit lanes that have a dreamy atmosphere, especially if you are around the beach area. The sea air blows gently, creating a serene ambiance. Devoid of the heat, loud noises and other distractions, you can have a lovely, irreplaceable tour of the city. If you are a night owl, and you feel more energetic once the sun has set, then this post is definitely for you. Go for a drive through the city in an open air tuk tuk, or simply walk, and get to see Colombo through the eyes of a night owl.

The Dutch Hospital is the perfect nightly haunt. This renovated courtyard has an old fashioned feel to it, while stocked with a lot of contemporary fun. Be sure to stop by as experiencing the nightscape around this area is one of the nicest things to do in Colombo. Traipse down the cobblestone alleys that run around the precinct, walking in the light that spills from the open shops onto the grey stones underneath your feet. The soft lighting combines with the live jazz band that plays most nights makes the experience supremely chill, a great way to unwind and enjoy some delicious food and drinks from the bars and cafes around. You can even go shopping at night, stocking up on souvenirs for friends and family back home as there are a few boutiques perfect for that sort of thing. The Dutch Hospital is great for a fun night out with your fellow companions, as a romantic date night or even as a place for a solo traveler to make some friends. Check to see if there are any special events happening, as there often are, and the place will be even more fun if you know what to look forward to.

Close to the Dutch Hospital is Galle Face Green. Walk along the edge of the sea amidst the delicious aroma of street food frying, and enjoy the sight of families with children walking along with light up toys! Make sure to sample the food, and wash it down with some cool drinks. You can also walk along the ramparts of the fort. It’s a short but quiet walk, a haven of peace amidst the lights and sounds of nightlife. You can even spot the lighthouse, and see the elevated Chaitya that has been built nearby. Park Street Mews, with its strings of fairy lights hanging over its entry way and corridor is another place that comes alive at night. A small cobblestone alley is the entry point to a handful of popular restaurants and cafes which are buzzing with activity at night.

Another thing to recommend is finding a roof top bar, as the view of the city at night is beautiful. Dots of light – yellow, red, green – make strings of bright sparks as vehicles travel up and down the roads. The breeze blows your worries away, and the sound of the traffic doesn’t reach the rooftop. This experience gives you a different idea of the city, and is one you are sure to enjoy. If you are a music buff, do some research to see if there are any shows playing or any places that have live bands and head there. During holiday season you may be able to catch some locals celebrating traditional festivals, which will be a wonderful thing to witness. Night time is also the perfect time to practice photography in low light, and you will find many opportunities to capture things in new ways.

If you’re feeling extra vocal, you can head to Sopranos, Colombo’s most loved and best karaoke bar. Joyously belt out your favourite tunes well into the night, all the while enjoying the yummiest finger food and drinks. For a more quiet night out you can head down to Mount Lavinia Beach. Walking along the cold sands (though the water tends to still be warm from the setting sun) is a delightful experience, and there are a number of rustic restaurants that dot the coastline and are a great places to hang out with some drinks and food. Digging your toes into the sand while enjoying dinner is a soul enthralling experience, and is highly recommended. The best part is you can choose a relatively quiet cabana and relax with the smell of the sea in the semi darkness, enjoying the quiet. Or you can seek out a more well-lit place with loud music and enjoy some dancing well into the night!

Another great thing to do around Colombo is to just walk – you can really get a sense of the city when you walk through it, and while Colombo is hot and sweaty during the day, it’s deliciously cool at night. The streets are mostly deserted, which makes for a pleasant change. If you stick to Galle road you will be perfectly safe, though you may want to walk by the sea on Marine Drive as well. Check out the ‘saiva kades’ or saiva shops, and you may even be tempted by the smells to go inside and see what they have for sale. Hot hot short eats, or finger food, will be available which you can buy to eat while you walk, and by doing this you can sample late night street food. You may also want to duck in and enjoy a more substantial dish, such as fragrant curries with breads or naan, and of course you will not be able to escape the sound of someone making Kotthu. The rhythmic clangs sound like music, and you will be mesmerized by the sound and movement of the chef. Definitely sample the kotthu, as you are bound to love the chopped up pieces of roti mixed with vegetables and meats. Going on a food tour at night is then an essential part of soaking in the feel of the city.

So go forth and explore the city of Colombo at night!