https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/colombo/best-things-to-do/100000072707
Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Colombo [2025]
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Colombo National Museum
4.5
/5
211 reviews
5.4
Based on 1,368 reviews
Cinnamon Gardens | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +94112695366
Address: WV56+X9R, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Rich cultural & historical heritage
Sri Lanka's diverse religious sculptures
30% positive reviews
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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.
Its a nice place to know about the history of Sri Lanka. The place is usually not packed with people, so its easy to roam around. The weather could be humid, so better check ahead. It was sunny when I was here so it looks good on the outside. I came during a national holiday so it was close, but the view outside is already good.
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BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)
4.4
/5
143 reviews
4.9
Based on 45 reviews
Cinnamon Garden | 3.1 km from downtown
Phone +94112691131
Address: Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Modern architecture & lush gardens
Octagonal design & 48 marble columns
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The Bandaranaike International Conference Center is located near the consular area and not far from Independence Square. The white exterior wall stands out more in the hot weather. It is said that China was responsible for funding and building it, highlighting the deep friendship between the two countries.
The Bandaranaike International Conference Center was built by China free of charge. It is a landmark that represents the friendly relations between China and Sri Lanka. The Chinese Embassy is also opposite. The shape of the building is very similar to the Great Hall of the People. There are also statues of great men inside.
Independence Square
4.5
/5
241 reviews
4.8
Cinnamon Gardens | 2.6 km from downtown
Phone +94112878996
Address: 7 Independence Ave, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Trimmed lawns & colorful flowers
Musical fountain light show at night
27% positive reviews
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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.
This is the venue for Sri Lanka's independence ceremony on February 4, 1948, commemorating Sri Lanka's independence from British colonial rule. The memorial hall has no walls around it, and it is ventilated and bright, suitable for the tropical climate of South Asia.
No.
4
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Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
4.5
/5
80 reviews
4.8
Based on 464 reviews
Fort | 1.6 km from downtown
Phone +94112451975
Address: 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Visit mosque interior off-prayer
Islamic architecture: Indian & Arabian fusion
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Jami ul Alfar Mosque: Vibrant Red Mosque, Colombo's Architectural Gem of Srilanka
The red mosque painted in distinctive red and white stripes is the most beautiful landmark in the area. The mosque can be easily reached by both bus and tuk-tuk. Visitors regardless of gender and religion can visit the mosque during certain timings. Remember to dress modestly. The mosque is surrounded by the always crowded Pettah Market.
No.
5
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Galle Face Green
4.5
/5
116 reviews
4.7
Based on 2,068 reviews
Galle Face Beach | 1.8 km from downtown
Phone +94777494959
Address: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Colombo
Highlights:
Close-up view of the sea
5-acre beachfront & half-mile coast
32% positive reviews
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Gala Face Beach 🏖️: Stunning views and serene waters! Must visit place in Srilanka
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.
No.
6
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Gangarama Sima Malaka
4.1
/5
63 reviews
4.4
1.4 km from downtown
Phone +94112435169
Address: WV83+QR3, Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Watch cormorants & egrets soar
Geoffrey Bawa's pavilion on lake
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When visiting Beira Lake, I stopped by to visit. There was a tight sale at the entrance, 400 rupees per person, which was not too expensive. You have to take off your shoes when entering the temple. Fortunately, you were wearing a pair of razors, otherwise the soles of your feet would have been burned in the high temperature of over 30 degrees Celsius. There are many Buddha statues enshrined in the temple, some of which are very similar to those enshrined in China. After reading them, you will gain insights.
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.
No.
7
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Colombo Municipal Council
4.0
/5
84 reviews
4.4
Cinnamon Gardens | 1.3 km from downtown
Phone +94112691191
Address: WV87+7CW, Dr CWW Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Colonial architecture worth seeing
Neoclassical English double-decker building
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Colombo City Hall is Colombo's landmark building and administrative center. It is particularly eye-catching. The white European-style building looks particularly solemn against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. No wonder it is called the Little White House!
【Colombo City Hall】is the administrative center of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and is also a landmark building in the city. The white building exterior is particularly eye-catching and beautiful against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. There are few tourists in the square across the road from the City Hall, surrounded by green grass and shaded trees; the golden statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in the center of the square is solemn and peaceful. Sightseeing and leisure here will relax your body and mind...
No.
8
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Gangaramaya Temple
4.3
/5
83 reviews
4.2
Based on 3,187 reviews
1.3 km from downtown
Phone +94112435169
Address: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
28% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Gangarama Temple in Colombo displays various Bodhisattvas, some with smiling faces, some kind and amiable, giving you warmth and peace. People come in and out, and some hold weddings. Buddhism is the way of life for Sri Lankans.
Many locals will wrap coins in cloth strips and tie them around the Bodhi tree, make wishes to the Bodhi tree and the Bodhisattva, and promise to bring flowers and other offerings to fulfill their wishes after their wishes come true, in exchange for the coins at that time.
No.
9
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Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
4.0
/5
52 reviews
4.1
7.9 km from downtown
Phone +94112712751
Address: 120 Galvihara Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No. 1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Colombo
29% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Because the animal is located on the outskirts of the city, it takes about 20 minutes to get there by taxi. In the hot summer, in addition to smelling the body odor of animals, many beasts such as brown bears and lions are hiding in the shadows and sleeping, and you cannot see them moving around lively. If time permits, I will definitely not visit under the bright sun next time.
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.
No.
10
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Viharamahadevi Park
4.4
/5
80 reviews
4.0
Based on 723 reviews
Cinnamon Gardens | 1.5 km from downtown
Phone +94112692583
Address: Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Colombo
35% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Vihamahadevi Park is an oasis in this warm and busy city, where you can sit and read, take a walk or ride a bike. It is calm and cool in the morning, but some areas of the park can get crowded in the evening. There are many people in the park, all taking a break. There is a big golden Buddha at the entrance, which attracts many people and tourists. Generally worth a visit, a place to check in, and leave a tourist photo.
It's a pretty park, located in the city center, connected to the city hall. The park is very large and completely free. However, there are no facilities inside, it's quite simple. Many people relax here, and there are also ice cream trucks
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