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Last updated on January 29th, 2025 at 06:12 pm
Eager to explore the island nation’s natural treasures and spectacular beaches, most travellers tend to overlook the country’s capital, but this article is here to show you why you should spend at least 2 days in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant first city.
After two separate trips to Colombo in the last six years or so, we know a thing or two about how to spend 2 days in Colombo to get a good taste of this lively capital city and everything it has to offer.
This detailed guide is complete with practical information that will help you enjoy a seamless trip to Colombo as well as a carefully crafted 2-day Colombo itinerary.
We’re sure you’ll find this an invaluable tool when planning your Colombo escape, especially if it’s your first time in this beautiful country in the Indian Ocean.
Where Is Colombo?
Colombo is situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka. The vibrant city is the capital of Sri Lanka since the 19th century when the British occupied the island.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Colombo
Sadly, many travellers skip Colombo altogether, rushing to Sri Lanka’s more popular towns and beaches, without casting a second glance at the country’s capital.
We genuinely feel this is a huge shame and this is why we hope this article convinces you to spend at least 2 days in Colombo. But why do we insist on this?
Colombo Is Fascinating
Dotted with modern skyscrapers and colonial buildings alike, the city of Colombo is a unique blend of Asian and European features, an up-and-coming metropolis that never loses touch with its authentic side.
From splurging on luxury hotels to mingling with locals in down-to-earth markets, Colombo carries the essence of Sri Lanka in its sounds, sights and flavours. For that alone, it deserves to be added to your Sri Lanka itinerary.
Of course, although 2 days in Colombo are enough to explore this relatively compact port city, the more you stay the better if you want to delve into Colombo’s unique ambience and make new friends in the beyond-words sweet locals.
Colombo Is The Ideal First Stop on Your Sri Lanka Adventure
When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, try to start your trip in Colombo. Discovering the capital’s charms at a leisurely pace is the best way to recover from jet-lag.
Moreover, if you’re travelling from Europe or the USA, Colombo offers you a great opportunity to get used to the new weather conditions.
By the way, if Sri Lanka is your first ever trip to Asia, expect super hot and humid conditions that you might not have experienced before. So, take it slow and easy during the first few days.
Furthermore, a long-ish stay in Colombo will help you decompress and relax before embarking on a fascinating journey across the rest of the country.
Even if you’re planning to visit Galle Fort or explore Ella and the Hill Country, two of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations, Colombo never fails to offer an excellent introduction to the magic of Sri Lanka.
Best Time To Visit Colombo
The best time to visit Colombo is in the dry season, roughly between December and February.
How To Get To Colombo
Sri Lanka is well-connected to Europe and the USA with transit flights, primarily via UAE or Qatar. If you’re travelling from London or Southeast Asia, there are direct flights to Sri Lanka.
Check out our beginners’ guide to book a flight and find the best deals for your trip to Sri Lanka.
Colombo should be the first stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary as it’s the closest city to Sri Lanka’s international airport, which is pretty convenient after a long-haul flight.
Sri Lanka’s main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is located in Negombo, a 45-minute drive from Colombo.
The easiest way to get directly to your hotel in Colombo from Sri Lanka’s airport is by booking a private transfer with a trusted local driver.
How To Get Around Colombo
A great way to get around Colombo is a combination of walking and jumping on the iconic tuk tuk three-wheelers.
Several attractions are within easy walking distance from one another, but sometimes you’ll need to cover longer distances. When that happens, nothing’s better than a fun tuk tuk ride.
Alternatively, if you’re on a tight schedule, a tour on a double-decker bus is a great option to see most of Sri Lanka’s capital during an exciting ride.
Where To Stay in Colombo
Cinnamon Lakeside
On our first trip to Colombo back in 2019, we stayed at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel and experienced what we’d call affordable luxury at its best.
Rooms were super comfortable, while the breakfast and dinner buffets offered a great variety of tastes. Yet, what we loved the most about our stay at this 5-star hotel was the huge outdoor swimming pool.
Nothing beats an evening swim in the pool’s warm embrace after a long day sightseeing. The scenic views of the quaint Beira Lake and Colombo’s impressive skyline were also among our favourite things about this stay.
Cinnamon Life City of Dreams
We stayed at another marvellous Cinnamon Hotel for our second time in Colombo. This time, it was Cinnamon Life City of Dreams that spoilt us beyond repair.
Set in a modern building complex that also houses apartments, suites and offices, this newly opened luxury hotel ticks all the boxes for a memorable stay.
The sparklingly clean room with its gorgeous views over the Indian Ocean along with all the pampering by the caring staff was exactly what we needed after our long flight to Sri Lanka.
Meals at the fine-dining restaurant were delicious, while the stunning rooftop swimming pool was the perfect place to relax.
Oh, and let’s not forget about Gatz, the on-site bar where splendid views and inspired cocktails compete for your attention.
Travel Resources For Your Trip To Colombo
2 Days in Colombo – The Perfect Itinerary (For First-Timers or Not)
Day 1
Pettah Market
Start your first day in Sri Lanka’s capital in Pettah, one of Colombo’s oldest districts. This must-visit location is home to a series of vibrant open-air local markets, which fill the air with fascinating sounds and smells of the East.
Your starting point to explore the vibrant Pettah Market is the Khan Clock Tower, one of Colombo’s most popular landmarks.
A few steps from there, it’s worth having a look at a small covered market with its bustling stalls, chattering vendors and local people doing their daily shopping.
Pettah Market covers several blocks in the area. Wander around the busy streets to discover local shops selling from fresh produce – fruit and vegetables – to fabrics and gems.
If you’re looking to buy souvenirs from Sri Lanka to take back home with you, Pettah Market is the right place to do so.
Jami Ul-Alfar (Red Mosque)
Apart from an impressive Hindu Temple on a side street of Pettah Market, you will inevitably stumble upon the imposing Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque while wandering around.
Also known as Red Mosque, Jami Ul-Alfar is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo. It’s also one of the city’s major tourist attractions.
Built between 1908 and 1909, the Red Mosque has a unique architectural style and colour scheme.
Both times we visited the Red Mosque, we didn’t have the chance to get inside as it was prayer time and access to non-Muslims was restricted.
However, the way the iconic red-white striped facade is integrated into the bustling Pettah Market is something to admire in its own right.
Fort Railway Station
A short walk from Pettah Market, your next stop is the old Fort Railway Station in Colombo, a buzzing train station that feels like a journey back in time.
The early 20th-century building is undoubtedly beautiful. Yet, the magic moment is when you stand on the footbridge inside the station and watch, as if in a dream, the old-fashioned trains come and go.
Old Colombo Dutch Hospital
A 10-minute walk from Fort Railway Station, the Old Dutch Hospital is one of Colombo’s oldest buildings. It’s believed that it has been around since 1681.
A prime example of 17th-century Dutch colonial architecture, the Dutch Hospital was designed to keep heat and humidity outside its walls. Nowadays, the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital houses a popular shopping and dining area.
Pick a local restaurant at the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital to enjoy a delicious lunch before resuming your exploration of Colombo.
Open-Top Double-Decker Bus Tour
The most fun way to finish your first day in Colombo is by joining a sightseeing tour in an old-fashioned open-top double-decker bus, one of the best things to do in Colombo if you ask us.
The double-decker bus operates tours of the city, during which happy passengers marvel at Colombo’s iconic landmarks in the most comfortable and fun way.
Some of these landmarks include the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Colombo Town Hall, Dewatagaha Mosque and the Replica of Aukara Buddha Statue.
All along the ride, you get to experience the busy city life and admire exquisite examples of colonial architecture, such as the Old Parliament Building.
Day 2
Colombo National Museum
Refreshed from a perfect night’s sleep at your cosy hotel, start your second day in Colombo with a visit to the largest museum in Sri Lanka.
Established in the 19th century in a stunning colonial building, the National Museum of Colombo houses a valuable collection of items related to the country’s past.
From prehistoric times and the thriving Anuradhapura Period to the development of Buddhism and the island’s occupation by European colonists, Colombo National Museum is the best place to take a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rich history.
Apart from its fascinating exhibits, what we loved about this museum was the way it was organised in chronological order, narrating Sri Lanka’s past by historical period, each of which was marked by a different ancient capital city.
Viharamahadevi Park
After this insightful visit to Colombo National Museum, it’s time for a relaxing walk in the oldest – and probably the only – park in Colombo, the nearby Viharamahadevi Park.
Formerly known as Victoria Park, Viharamahadevi Park is home to a large Buddha statue and it’s one of the best places to take a refreshing stroll.
Lotus Tower
From Viharamahadevi Park, hop on a tuk tuk for a short drive to the imposing Lotus Tower.
The lotus flower is one of Sri Lanka’s symbols. This is why the impressive 356-metre-tall construction, which aspires to become the country’s most iconic landmark, is shaped like a lotus flower.
The tower opened its gates to the public in 2019 as the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia.
The Lotus Tower is a recreation paradise for Sri Lankans and tourists alike. The elevator takes you to the observation deck to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Colombo.
Make a reservation for a lunch buffet at the top of the tower with breathtaking views over Colombo and the Indian Ocean.
Gangaramaya Temple
Finish your 2-day Colombo itinerary at one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Colombo.
Situated right next to the tranquil waters of Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple is a complex of various imposing buildings. Among them, there’s a museum with a lovely collection of Buddhist-related items.
We were lucky enough to visit the temple while musicians in the traditional Kandyan attire performed a kind of ritual that involved drums playing as locals knelt before Buddha statues for their evening prayer.
More Places To Visit in Colombo in 2 Days
If you can squeeze more things in your 2 days in Colombo or if you decide to stay longer in the Sri Lankan capital (yay!), here are a few other places to visit in Colombo.
Independence Memorial Hall
Situated on Independence Square, the Independence Memorial Hall is a magnificent monument built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule, which took place on February 04, 1948.
The memorial is situated in the lovely Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood and it’s a mandatory stop for any history buff keen to explore as many of Colombo’s historical monuments as possible.
Apart from its historic value, the monument and the fresh lawn area surrounding it is an ideal place to catch your breath after a stroll under the scorching sun.
Beira Lake
Built by the Portuguese as a means to protect the city from invasions of local kings, Beira Lake offers opportunities for pleasant lakeside strolls in the city centre.
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green is a spectacular urban park that stretches along the coast of the Indian Ocean.
The largest open space in the city of Colombo, Galle Face Green is ideal for a stroll, a picnic or just about any pastime that you’d like to enjoy while listening to the crashing waves and gazing at the vastness of the Indian Ocean.
The area is particularly popular at weekends when locals flock to Galle Face Green to spend time relaxing by the sea.
Royal Colombo Golf Club
If you feel like practising your golf skills, Colombo is home to the second-oldest golf club outside the UK.
If, on the other hand, you’re not keen on playing golf, the Clubhouse is a great place to have a meal or drink before you enjoy a stroll around the golf course and the scenic railway tracks that run through it.
However, keep in mind that this is a members-only club. Therefore, if you’re not there to actually play golf, you’ll have to be in the company of a Club’s member in order to be allowed entry to the Royal Colombo Golf Club.
In any case, the Royal Colombo Golf Club is worth visiting as it’s a place packed with history and the only golf course in the city.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, we hope you agree with us. The Sri Lankan capital is worth your time and spending 2 days in Colombo is the best way to get acquainted with the very soul of Sri Lanka.
WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: We visited Colombo on two separate press trips organised by Sri Lanka Tourism – in 2019 and 2024. However, all opinions are our own, as always.