Highlights
- See how colonial buildings sit beside modern towers in one city
- Walk past preserved colonial buildings in Colombo Fort
- A changing skyline that now includes the Lotus Tower
- Learn about Buddhist culture at Gangaramaya Temple
- Stroll the seaside lawns of Galle Face Green
- Pass Beira Lake, the calm water at the heart of the city
Overview
Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, mixes colonial buildings, temples, parks and new towers by the sea. This full-day tour covers the main sights, with lunch, shopping and sunset on the seafront.
The itinerary
Morning
- The National Museum: opened in 1877, the island's largest museum, with royal regalia, sculpture, masks, weapons and colonial-era objects.
- Gangaramaya Temple: a busy Buddhist temple with carved doorways, paintings and an eclectic museum.
- Beira Lake and the Seema Malaka: the meditation hall on the lake, designed by Geoffrey Bawa. Paddle boats are available on the lake.
- Colombo Fort: the old colonial business district, with the old Galle Buck lighthouse, the clock tower, the old Parliament building, Lloyd's Building and St Peter's Church among its landmarks.
Afternoon
- Lunch: a Sri Lankan rice and curry buffet.
- Independence Square: the memorial hall built to mark independence in 1948, with shaded lawns and a memorial museum.
- Viharamahadevi Park: the city's largest park, with a Buddha statue, fountains and big trees.
- Shopping: a stop at a well-known local department store for clothes, crafts and gifts.
Evening
Finish at Galle Face Green, the seafront promenade, for kites, cricket games, street food such as isso vadai and kottu, and sunset over the sea.
How long it takes
A full day, from after breakfast until after sunset.
When to go
All year. Colombo is warm and humid; rain is heavier around May to June and October to November. Some sites close on public holidays.
Practical tips
- Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees for temples.
- Entry fees for the museum and temple are paid on the day; check current rates.
- Bring water and sun protection.
Book our Colombo city tour, or see things to do in Colombo and Colombo hotels.
Prices are as of October 2026 and may change.
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