HereWeGo
May 24, 2026 • 4 min read
Discover the vibrant city of Colombo with 12 essential activities, from visiting the striking Red Mosque to exploring the bustling Pettah market and indulging in local cuisine.
Top Attractions in Colombo
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, beautifully blends historical culture with modern life. Here are 12 must-do activities when you visit this vibrant city.
1. The Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar)
Your first stop should definitely be the Red Mosque. Its striking red and white striped façade is eye-catching and unique compared to other temples. This is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo, located near the lively Pettah market. If you have time, step inside to admire the stunning architecture.
Important Information: Open daily (except Fridays) from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Free entry, but consider making a donation to help with maintenance. Remember to dress modestly.
2. Pettah Market
Pettah Market offers an authentic glimpse into Sri Lankan culture. Here, you can find everything from electronics and jewelry to fresh fruits and delicious street snacks. It’s the perfect spot to connect with locals and soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Tip: Vendors often don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash. Bargaining is completely normal!
3. Souvenir Shopping at Barefoot
Head to Barefoot for unique and quintessential Sri Lankan souvenirs. This shop is famous for its handmade textiles, notebooks, toys, and home goods. You can also take a break at the lovely café on-site before continuing your adventure.
4. Gangaramaya Temple
This temple, located by Beira Lake, is an intriguing destination with a small museum inside showcasing fascinating artifacts, including ancient coins and vintage cars. There is a small entrance fee to visit.
Entry Fee: 400 LKR (about 1.50 USD).
5. Colombo Lotus Tower
The 351-meter tall Lotus Tower is the highest structure in Sri Lanka, offering 360-degree views of the city. Although the entrance fee might be a bit steep (20 USD for entry), it’s truly worth it for those wanting to catch the sunset from above.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
6. Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple
This Hindu temple provides a serene oasis in the city. You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering and dress appropriately. Please note that photography is not allowed inside the temple.
7. Galle Face Green Park
This park is a perfect place to immerse yourself in local life. Stroll along the beach at sunset and enjoy delicious street food. Weekends are the best time to visit!
8. Join a Food Tour
Don’t miss the chance to experience local cuisine through food tours. You’ll get to try dishes like Isso Wade (fried prawn fritters) and Pol Sambol (spicy coconut relish). Don’t hesitate to ask for milder options if you’re not used to spicy food.
9. Dutch Hospital Complex
This complex is one of the oldest colonial buildings in Colombo, now transformed into restaurants and fashion boutiques. Be sure to check out the Ministry of Crab, famous for its fresh crab dishes.
10. Relax in Beautiful Parks
The hot weather can make exploring Colombo tiring. Seek out a cool park like Viharamahadevi Park to take a breather. With its tree-lined pathways and fresh air, it’s great for your health.
11. Lavinia Beach
While not famous for beaches, you can visit Lavinia Beach, just a 30-minute train ride from Colombo. This beach features clean golden sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming.
12. Enjoy a Sunset Drink
Colombo boasts many beautiful rooftop bars where you can sip drinks in an open-air setting. Popular spots like Cloud Red, Cinnamon Grand, and Jetwing Kingsbury Sky Lounge offer stunning views of the city.
Advice: Check for happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM for discounted drinks.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
To reach Colombo, you can fly from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) with airlines like Vietnam Airlines or SriLankan Airlines. The flight takes about 4-5 hours. Regarding visas, make sure to apply for a tourist visa before your trip. A meal in Colombo usually ranges from 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND depending on where you choose to eat.
With such a diverse range of exciting activities, Colombo is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
This article was referenced and edited from: Salt in Our Hair
HereWeGo
HereWeGo is a leading online flight booking platform in Vietnam, providing accurate and up-to-date travel information. We are committed to delivering wonderful travel experiences with the best prices on the market.