Colombo Sri Lanka 3 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 3-day itinerary for traveling in Colombo, Sri Lanka:

Day 1: Explore Colombo’s History and Culture

  • Morning: Start your day at the National Museum (open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM), which is located in the heart of the city. The museum showcases Sri Lanka’s history, art, and culture.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Lounge 360, a rooftop restaurant with great views of the city. Try their local cuisine like rice and curry or hoppers.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Colombo Dutch Museum (open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), which is dedicated to the history of the Dutch colonial era in Sri Lanka.
  • 3:30 PM: Take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a large urban park that’s perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic. You can also rent bicycles and ride along the beachfront.
  • 7:00 PM: Head to The Lab, a trendy bar and restaurant in the heart of Colombo, for dinner and drinks. They have a great selection of local beers and live music.

Day 2: Explore Colombo’s Markets and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at the Pettah Market (open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM), which is one of the oldest markets in Sri Lanka. You can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Fort Bazaar, a colonial-era building that now houses a restaurant and shops. Try their local cuisine or grab some street food.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Colombo City Market (open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), which is another popular market in the city. You can find everything from fresh produce to handicrafts.
  • 7:00 PM: Head to The Gallery, a rooftop restaurant with great views of the city, for dinner and drinks.

Day 3: Explore Colombo’s Beaches and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day at Galle Face Beach (open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM), which is one of the most popular beaches in Colombo. You can take a leisurely walk or rent bicycles and ride along the beachfront.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Beach House, a restaurant located right on the beach, serving local cuisine and seafood.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Viharamahadevi Park (open from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM), which is one of the largest urban parks in Sri Lanka. You can take a leisurely walk or rent bicycles and ride through the park.
  • 7:00 PM: Head back to The Lab, for dinner and drinks, or try somewhere new.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of options to stay in Colombo, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Galle Face Hotel: A historic hotel located right on the beachfront.
  • The Galway Fort: A boutique hotel with great views of the city.
  • Hotel 360: A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant.

Things to Know

  • Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, but English is widely spoken.
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
  • Weather: Colombo has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F) throughout the year.
  • Transportation: Tuk-tuks and buses are popular modes of transportation in Colombo.

Tips

  • Be respectful: Sri Lanka is a conservative country, so dress modestly and be respectful of local customs.
  • Haggle: At markets and with tuk-tuk drivers, haggling is a normal part of the transaction.
  • Try local food: Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and varied, so try as many local dishes as you can.

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the Colombo Fort: A historic area that’s now home to shopping malls and restaurants.
  • Take a city tour: There are plenty of companies that offer guided tours of the city.
  • Go shopping: Colombo has a wide range of shopping options, from local markets to high-end malls.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Colombo!