Colombo Attraction
Discover the Places That Tell Colombo’s Story
Checkpoints in Colombo
Nelum Pokuna Theatre
Begin at Nelum Pokuna Theatre, admire its striking modern design and beautiful architecture, and discover how contemporary Colombo blends naturally with the city’s historic character.
National Art Gallery
Discover Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage at the National Art Gallery, established in 1932. Learn about the country’s art, creativity and cultural development while exploring one of Colombo’s important cultural institutions.
Colombo National Museum
Step into Sri Lanka’s history at the Colombo National Museum, established in 1877. Discover fascinating stories, historical treasures and cultural objects that help reveal the island’s long and diverse past.
Viharamahadevi Park
Enjoy a peaceful walk through Viharamahadevi Park, established in 1866. Surrounded by greenery in the heart of the city, the park offers a refreshing contrast to Colombo’s busy streets and provides a glimpse into the city’s changing urban landscape.
Colombo Town Hall
Admire the impressive Colombo Town Hall, the heart of colombo which was completed in 1927. Discover its distinctive and fascinating architecture and learn about the role this landmark has played in Colombo’s civic and political history.
Gangaramaya Temple
Visit the famous Gangaramaya Temple and discover Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions. Please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting the temple. Temple entrance: approximately LKR 500 per person.
Seema Malaka
Continue to Seema Malaka, a peaceful meditation space surrounded by the waters of Beira Lake. Enjoy the calm atmosphere while discovering this beautiful Buddhist sanctuary in the middle of Colombo.
Pettah Market
Enter the energetic streets of Pettah Market Explore shops and stalls offering clothes, bags, jewellery, cosmetics and much more while experiencing the sounds, colours and energy of everyday Colombo.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Visit one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples. Learn about Buddha’s traditional visit to Kelaniya, explore its rich history, admire beautiful Solias Mendis murals, and see the impressive reclining Buddha statue.
Sammangodu Sri Katirvelauta Swamy Hindu Temple
Discover one of Colombo’s Hindu places of worship and learn about the city’s rich religious diversity. Experience the colourful traditions and cultural heritage that form an important part of Colombo’s multicultural identity.
Jami Ul-Alfar Red Mosque
Admire the spectacular Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, better known as the Red Mosque. Built in 1908, its distinctive red-and-white architecture has become one of Colombo’s most recognizable landmarks and an important symbol of the city’s multicultural heritage.
York Street & Colonial Architecture
Walk through historic York Street and discover beautiful buildings from Colombo’s Dutch and British colonial periods. Hear stories about how colonial architecture continues to shape Colombo’s historic character.
President's Palace
Pass by the historic President’s Palace, dating back to 1804. Discover its connection to Colombo’s colonial-era administration and learn how this part of the city developed as an important centre of power and governance.
Old Lighthouse & Lady Ward Clock Tower
Discover Colombo Fort’s historic Lighthouse and Lady Ward Clock Tower, dating from 1857. Learn about Colombo’s maritime history and the harbour’s importance.
Dutch Hospital
Discover by going a journey at the beautifully restored Dutch Hospital, dating back to 1681. Here you can relax, explore the surroundings or enjoy lunch or dinner after the tour. 🦀🦐
Independence Square
Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most important national monuments, commemorating the country’s independence from British rule. Walk through the surrounding gardens, admire the elegant architecture, and learn about this important chapter in Sri Lanka’s modern history.
Lotus Tower
Stop for memorable photographs at the iconic Lotus Tower, one of Colombo’s most recognizable modern landmarks. Admire its impressive design while learning about the city’s rapid modernization and changing skyline.
Galle Face Green
Drive along Colombo’s famous oceanfront promenade, enjoying beautiful views of the Indian Ocean while learning about Colombo’s colonial past, modern development, and the important role this popular public space plays in city life.
Local Fruit Markets
Taste seasonal tropical fruits and discover Sri Lanka’s remarkable variety of fresh produce. Experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional local market while learning about the fruits, flavors, and everyday shopping habits of Colombo residents.
Chatham Street & VOC Warehouses
Walk through the old commercial district and uncover stories of cinnamon, spices, gems, elephants and the famous VOC trade. Explore the facinating old dutch architecture along the way
Wolvendaal Church
Visit Wolvendaal Church, built in 1749 and one of Colombo’s finest Dutch colonial churches. Discover its impressive dutch architecture, historic atmosphere, religious history and tombstones connected to important VOC officials.
Colombo Dutch Museum
Step inside a beautiful historic Dutch townhouse and discover the lifestyle of Colombo’s Dutch community. The museum building itself dates to the Dutch occupation. The museum entrance fee is not included.
Colombo Port & Maritime Heritage
Explore Colombo’s maritime heritage and discover stories of ships, navigation, trade and the VOC.Also you can explore the area around Colombo Port and discover the importance of shipping and maritime trade to Colombo’s history.
Kochchikade – St. Anthony's Shrine
Continue to Kochchikade and visit or view St. Anthony’s Shrine, an important religious landmark whose origins are connected with the early Dutch colonial period.It has become a national shrine and a place visited by people from different religious communities.
Delft Gate
Visit the historic Delft Gate on Bristol Street, one of the remaining physical traces of Colombo’s Dutch Fort. The gate was one of the three main entrances to the city, connecting the Fort with the old town of Pettah.
Sambodhi Viharaya
Make sure to visit Sambodhi Mahavihara, a significant Buddhist landmark in the heart of Colombo. This sacred site offers a opportunity to immerse yourself in another dimension of the city’s religious and cultural heritage.
