Top 10 Best Things to Do in Colombo
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Colombo

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Colombo National Museumtop_1
    󰺂5.6
    Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens1.9 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Rich cultural & historical heritage
    󱨜Sri Lanka's diverse religious sculptures
    󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Laowai on the LooseLaowai on the Loose

    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.

  • BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)top_2
    󰺂4.9
    Colombo.Cinnamon Garden3.1 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Modern architecture & lush gardens
    󱓊Octagonal design & 48 marble columns
    4.4/5
    khcckhcc

    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.

  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosquetop_3
    󰺂4.8
    Colombo.Fort1.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe unique red and white stripes of Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque are eye-catching
    Highlights:
    󱓊Visit mosque interior off-prayer
    󱨜Islamic architecture: Indian & Arabian fusion
    4.5/5
    Quest JourneyQuest Journey

    Jami ul Alfar Mosque: Vibrant Red Mosque, Colombo's Architectural Gem of Srilanka

  • Independence Square
    4
    󰺂4.7
    Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens2.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExperience history at Colombo's Independence Square
    Highlights:
    Trimmed lawns & colorful flowers
    Musical fountain light show at night
    󱨠27% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    khcckhcc

    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.

  • Galle Face Green
    5
    󰺂4.6
    Colombo.Galle Face Beach1.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Colombo
    Highlights:
    󱓊Close-up view of the sea
    󱨜5-acre beachfront & half-mile coast
    󱨠29% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Quest JourneyQuest Journey

    Gala Face Beach 🏖️: Stunning views and serene waters! Must visit place in Srilanka

  • Gangarama Sima Malaka
    6
    󰺂4.4
    Colombo1.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Watch cormorants & egrets soar
    󰋄Geoffrey Bawa's pavilion on lake
    4.1/5
    khcckhcc

    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.

  • Colombo Town Hall & Municipal Council
    7
    󰺂4.2
    Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens1.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Colonial architecture worth seeing
    󱨜Neoclassical English double-decker building
    4.0/5
    shangshannashangshanna

    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!

  • Dehiwala Zoological Gardens
    8
    󰺂4.1
    Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Colombo
    󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.0/5
    khcckhcc

    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.

  • Gangaramaya Temple
    9
    󰺂4.1
    Colombo1.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Colombo
    󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.2/5
    chinadesk1chinadesk1

    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.

  • Viharamahadevi Park
    10
    󰺂4.1
    Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens1.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Colombo
    󱨠32% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    yangduoduo17yangduoduo17

    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.

Best things to do in Colombo (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Colombo? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Colombo offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Colombo

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Colombo experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Colombo National Museum

• Colombo.Cinnamon Gardens | 1.9 km from downtown

• : Rich cultural & historical heritage,Sri Lanka's diverse religious sculptures

BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall)

• Colombo.Cinnamon Garden | 3.1 km from downtown

• : Modern architecture & lush gardens,Octagonal design & 48 marble columns

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

• Colombo.Fort | 1.6 km from downtown

• : Visit mosque interior off-prayer,Islamic architecture: Indian & Arabian fusion

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Colombo

If you want to explore attractions just outside Colombo, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Colombo, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Colombo special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Colombo

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Colombo

Ready to explore the best of Colombo? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Colombo?
These are all Best Things to Do in Colombo:Colombo National Museum, BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Independence Square, Galle Face Green
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Colombo?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Colombo include:Colombo National Museum:4.5, BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall):4.4, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque:4.5, Independence Square:4.5, Galle Face Green:4.4
At what locations in Colombo can Best Things to Do in Colombo be found?
The Best Things to Do in Colombo are mainly located in:Colombo National Museum:Colombo, BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall):Colombo, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque:Colombo, Independence Square:Colombo, Galle Face Green:Colombo
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