Getting thereAbout 35 km (around 45 minutes) from Bandaranaike International Airport
Recommended stay1–2 days
Welcome to Colombo
Discover Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, a busy port where colonial buildings, temples, mosques and glass towers stand side by side. It's the island's gateway, home to its best restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Spend a day exploring Pettah's markets, the lakeside Gangaramaya Temple and the green avenues of Cinnamon Gardens, then end the evening on Galle Face Green as the sun sets over the ocean. The view from the Lotus Tower shows how the city spreads between sea, lake and river.
Kura's tip
Explore Pettah in the morning before the heat and crowds, and take a tuk-tuk with a meter or a ride-hailing app.
Top attractions
Things to see in Colombo
16 highlights, from must-see landmarks to local favourites. Tap any photo to view it larger.
Landmark
Independence Square
A grand memorial hall built to mark independence in 1948, set in landscaped grounds popular with joggers and families.
Temple
Gangaramaya Temple
A busy, eclectic temple by Beira Lake, filled with Buddha statues, relics, vintage cars and gifts from devotees around the world.
Beach
Crow Island
A local beach park in the north of the city where families gather for kite-flying and sea breezes at the weekend.
Park
Viharamahadevi Park
Colombo's largest park, shaded by huge trees, with a golden Buddha statue and the white-domed Town Hall nearby.
Museum
Colombo National Museum
Sri Lanka's oldest museum, in a fine colonial building, displaying royal regalia, ancient sculpture and art.
Church
St. Anthony's Shrine
A much-loved shrine in Kochchikade, visited by people of every faith, especially on Tuesdays.
Market
Pettah Floating Market
A row of stalls on boats and boardwalks on Beira Lake, a calm spot for snacks next to busy Pettah.
Market
Pettah Market
A maze of crowded streets where each lane specialises in something different: spices, textiles, electronics and fruit.
Promenade
Galle Face Green
A long oceanfront promenade where locals fly kites and eat street food as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Mosque
Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar)
A striking red-and-white candy-striped mosque from 1909, one of Pettah's most photographed landmarks.
Lake
Beira Lake
A large lake in the city centre, home to the Seema Malaka meditation pavilion designed by Geoffrey Bawa.
Hindu temple
Sri Kailawasanathan Kovil
A Hindu temple with a richly sculpted gopuram (gateway tower), crowded during festivals.
Landmark
Nelum Pokuna Theatre
A performing arts theatre shaped like a lotus flower, hosting concerts, dance and drama.
Waterfront
Port City Colombo
A new waterfront district built on reclaimed land, with a beach, promenades and views back across the skyline.
Viewpoint
Lotus Tower
South Asia's tallest freestanding tower at about 350 metres, with an observation deck and panoramic city views.
Nightlife
Casinos
Colombo has several licensed casinos with gaming, dining and entertainment that run late into the night.
Shopping
Sri Lanka’s Gifts and Souvenirs, A Treasure Trove for Foreign Travellers
Sri Lanka, a beautiful and culturally rich island, Colombo offers a variety of gifts and souvenirs for foreign travelers. The vibrant markets and boutiques in the country are filled with exquisite items that capture the essence of Sri Lankan artistry. Silks and batiks are popular souvenirs, showcasing the island’s rich textile heritage. Wood carvings and traditional masks reflect Sri Lanka’s exceptional craftsmanship and cultural traditions. Handmade crafts like pottery, jewellery, and woven baskets provide a tangible connection to the island’s traditions and make for cherished souvenirs. Bringing home a piece of Sri Lanka means carrying a story of its rich culture and artistry.
Sri Lanka’s Gems and Jewellery, A Sparkling Legacy
Discover the enchanting world of Sri Lanka’s gems and jewellery, renowned for their exceptional quality and timeless beauty. As one of the world’s leading gem producers, Sri Lanka offers a dazzling array of precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds, each uniquely sourced from the island’s rich earth. Our exquisite jewellery collections are crafted by skilled artisans who blend traditional techniques with contemporary designs, creating stunning pieces that capture the essence of Sri Lankan elegance. Whether you seek a statement piece or a delicate accessory, our gems and jewellery make for perfect keepsakes and gifts, allowing you to carry a piece of Sri Lanka’s sparkling legacy with you. Explore our collections in Colombo and find your own slice of paradise, elegantly immortalised in our fine jewellery.
Yes, for a day or two. It offers great food, shopping, temples and colonial architecture, and it's a convenient start or end to a tour.
How far is Colombo from the airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport is about 35 km away, roughly 45 minutes via the expressway.
How do I get around the city?
Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps are cheap and convenient. Kura's private driver-guides can show you the highlights in a day.
What's the best area to stay in?
Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) and Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens) are central, with good hotels and restaurants.
Kura’s local knowledge
Where to stay & eat in Colombo
Personally recommended places — ask Kura to book any of them for you.
Hotel picks by Kura
KingsburyRamadaSteuart By CitrusFairwayGalle FaceGranBellMarino BeachCinnamon RedMandarinaOcean Edge
Restaurant picks by Kura
The Gallery CafeMinistry Of CrabsGraze KitchenIsso Prawn CrazyFlower DrumShanmugaas VegetarianDindigul ThalappakattiSri Vihar IndianElite IndianIndian KitchenCafe JapanNihonbashi By DharshanZen JapaneseMoon River ChineseNara ThaiCurry Pot
