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Last updated on March 20th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Is Galle worth visiting? This question must have crossed your minds if you’ve ever considered planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
That’s because Galle is one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka, receiving higher volumes of international tourists than other areas in this gorgeous island country.
But, does that take away any of Galle’s charm and is Galle worth visiting regardless of its popularity?
By the end of this article, not only will you have the answers to these questions, but you’ll also know what to expect from Galle and its main sights and learn useful tips for planning a trip to Galle.
Where Is Galle?
Galle is a city in southern Sri Lanka. It’s about two and a half hours by car from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital. If you plan to visit Ella on the same trip, Galle is a three-hour drive from Sri Lanka’s famed Hill Country.
The Importance of Galle Fort
The fortified Old Town of Galle may be one of Sri Lanka’s top attractions now but it has been an important location throughout the centuries, too.
Galle has been the main port of Sri Lanka since ancient times. It remained so during the Portuguese and Dutch occupation, from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Later, British colonists moved the main port to Colombo.
Thanks to its vantage location at the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka on the sea route from Europe to Southeast Asia, Galle has been a busy trade port since the 1st century AD.
In the 16th century, Galle was occupied by the Portuguese, who were the first to build a fort on the peninsula. Then, it was the turn of the Dutch to rule Galle. The Dutch added strong fortifications to the Fort.
In the 19th century, the British occupied the island and made some modifications in their turn.
Today, Galle Fort is the largest surviving fortification in Asia to have been constructed by European colonists.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is not only a fine example of European colonial architecture, but it also represents local culture and South Asian traditions of the past centuries.
Is Galle Worth Visiting?
It’s time to address the question that brought you to this article in the first place: is Galle worth visiting?
When we visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 2019, we regretted not having enough time for a trip to the south, as our itinerary covered the central part of the island.
However, we were determined to explore Galle next time we’d travel to Sri Lanka. And so we did.
We visited Galle on our second trip to Sri Lanka and it took us mere minutes to fall in love with this beautiful place. We found Galle’s calm ambience seductive, especially after visiting Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital.
Not to mention how welcoming the seaside fortified city of Galle felt, coming at the end of an exciting yet exhausting 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Even though Galle is where you’ll see most tourists in Sri Lanka, it hasn’t lost its authentic ambience. In fact, Galle has always had a multicultural character as it was an important trade port throughout the centuries.
Taking long walks along the ramparts, enjoying splendid ocean views, mingling with locals and lazing at cosy restaurants and cafés are the best ways to relax before your long flight back home.
So, yes, Galle is worth visiting. If you ask us, it’s one of the top reasons to visit Sri Lanka in its own right.
Is One Day in Galle Enough?
This is probably the best place to clarify that, when talking about Galle, we’re basically referring to Galle Fort.
In Galle, the Fort isn’t just a tourist attraction, another historical site that you can visit by paying a ticket. Galle Fort is in essence a fortified city that has been inhabited for centuries – and still is.
As visitors, you’ll probably stick to the Fort area, like we did. That’s where most restaurants, cafés and hotels are located.
Outside the Fort’s walls, Galle city is authentic and vibrant, definitely worth your time if you’re planning a multi-day stay in the wider Galle area.
With all this in mind, if you don’t have much time and Galle is only one stop on your Sri Lankan itinerary, one day is enough to explore Galle Fort.
Yet, if you want to enjoy its laid-back ambience, we’d recommend spending a couple of days at one of Galle’s charming hotels.
When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it’s best to add Galle at the end of your itinerary to spend some precious relaxing moments before flying back home.
Best Time To Visit Galle
Sri Lanka has two rainy seasons that can affect your trip depending on which part of the island you are. When the monsoon season is in the southwestern part of the island, the northeastern enjoys relatively dry weather and vice versa.
We visited Galle in November, at the end of the rainy season. Thankfully, the weather was pleasant without any rain.
To avoid heavy rainfalls, the best time to visit Galle and the south of Sri Lanka is from December to February.
Keep in mind that this is also the peak season in Galle. So, is Galle worth visiting in the high season? The answer is yes.
Overtourism isn’t a problem in Sri Lanka – yet. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about crowds even if you visit Sri Lanka in the high season.
This is also the best season to enjoy some beautiful beaches on the island’s southern coast. But, if you don’t have enough time for a day trip, Galle’s urban beaches aren’t bad either. However, these are ideal for walks rather than swimming.
Travel Resources For Your Trip To Galle
What To See in Galle Fort – Walking Route
This carefully planned circular walking route can take you from as little as a couple of hours to as much as one full day if you stop for meals, drinks or photography sessions along the way.
Galle Fort Map
Galle Fort Main Entrance
Located between the Moon and the Sun Bastions at the northern fortification wall, the tunnel is the main gate of Galle Fort. This is the starting point of your walking route in Galle Fort.
Galle Fort’s main entrance was opened by the British in the late 19th century. The old gateway was in the Old Dutch Warehouse, one of the following stops along this walking route.
Galle Heritage Emporium Building
Once you cross Galle Fort’s main entrance, walk past a small park on your left hand to make your first stop at the Galle Heritage Emporium Building.
Initially, the 17th century building served as the residence of the Portuguese Governor. Later, under Dutch rule, it was used as military barracks. During the British period, it functioned as an army hospital.
After several decades of neglect, the building was repaired and repurposed to serve as a small mall with shops selling local artefacts and a restaurant area.
Amangalla Hotel
A few steps from the Galle Heritage Emporium Building, the elegant 17th-century edifice on Church Street that today houses Amangalla Hotel was initially the headquarters of the Dutch and British colonists.
In the 19th century, it was converted into a hotel to accommodate travellers coming to the port of Galle from Europe.
Dutch Reformed Church
Stay on Church Street to visit the Dutch Reformed Church – or Groote Kerk – right opposite Amangalla Hotel.
Constructed in 1755 with the Dutch Commander Casparus de Jong and his wife’s donations, the Dutch Reformed Church is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest churches.
Step inside the Dutch Reformed Church to admire its charming interior. Grave tablets on the floor and the walls narrate the – sometimes heartbreaking- stories of people that lived in Galle in the past centuries.
Queen’s Street
A stone’s throw from the Dutch Reformed Church starts Queen’s Street. At the start of the road, the former residence of Queen Victoria stands out.
On your left-hand side, the 17th-century Dutch Warehouse was where all the goods and animals were kept before being sent for trade to Europe.
The gate you see now used to be the Old Gate to Galle Fort. Nowadays, the building houses the National Maritime Museum.
Court Square
At the end of Queen’s Street, you’ll reach Court Square. This area used to be the local market. Nowadays, it’s home to courthouses and lawyers’ chambers.
For visitors, the leafy square is a great place to mingle with locals and take some great photos – always after asking for locals’ consent, of course.
Old Dutch Hospital
Just around the corner from Court Square, the Old Dutch Hospital is a fine example of Dutch colonial architecture.
Built in the 17th century by the Dutch, the oblong two-storey building features two colonnades on both long sides.
The building served as a hospital for Dutch officers and sailors during the Dutch era. In the late 19th century, the British used it as barracks.
After Sri Lanka’s independence, Galle’s Town House was housed in the Old Dutch Hospital. In recent years, the building operates as a shopping centre with several small stores lining the colonnades.
Aurora Bastion
Located next to the Old Dutch Hospital, Aurora Bastion offers panoramic views of Galle Port. Thanks to its proximity to the Old Port, Aurora Bastion is of great historical significance as it enabled the monitoring of sea routes.
Galle Fort Beach
Galle Fort Beach – or Lighthouse Beach as locals call it – is the best beach in Galle Fort to enjoy a much-needed break from sightseeing. Most locals go to the beach in the late afternoon to hang out or take long seaside strolls.
Galle Lighthouse
Situated at the southeastern bastion of Galle Fort, the concrete Lighthouse is the most famous landmark in Galle and the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka.
Originally built by the British in 1848, the Lighthouse was made of iron and it was located in a different spot at the nearby Flag Rock Bastion.
After a fire, the Lighthouse was destroyed and the British rebuilt it in 1939 in its current position.
Flag Rock Bastion
Walk along the southern ramparts to Flag Rock Bastion. Here was the original location of Galle Lighthouse. It was also the place from where the Dutch warned ships against hitting rocks upon entering the port.
Nowadays, it’s the perfect spot for panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. You might even catch a glimpse of local daredevils diving into the deep waters but, please, don’t be tempted to do the same.
What you should do, though, is to be on time for a mesmerising sunset to remember for life. Stand in awe before the spectacle of the burning sun diving into the horizon.
For a pre-dinner snack, don’t miss the chance to try fresh fruit sprinkled with local spices from the nearby street vendors.
Pedlar Street
It’s time to explore the narrow streets of Galle Fort. Lined with souvenir shops, chic boutiques, hotels and restaurants, Pedlar Street is the Fort’s main street.
This is the best place to buy Sri Lankan souvenirs or make a quick stop for coffee, ice cream or lunch.
The Merchant Galle Fort Hotel
On Pedlar Street, you will find The Merchant Galle Fort Hotel, a location that hides many layers of history.
Since 2015, the building has been a boutique hotel, one of the finest in Galle. Yet, its history goes back a long way.
It used to be a marketplace during the Dutch occupation. Later, it served as government administrative offices. There are also ruins of ancient tombs that you can still admire today.
West Bastions
Continue your walk along the ramparts of the western fortifications. Start from Neptune Bastion with its remains of a naval signal station.
On your way to Star Bastion on the Fort’s northwestern corner, there are also remains of several small bunkers.
During the Dutch period, canons were installed on the bastions which were replaced with artillery guns by the British.
One of the best things to do in Galle Fort is to watch a beautiful sunset from the bastions of the western fortifications.
Clock Tower
Overlooking Moon Bastion at the north of Galle Fort, the iconic Clock Tower is your last stop along this walking route.
The stone-built Clock Tower was erected by the British in the late 19th century to honour the memory of Dr. Anthonisz, a Burgher doctor who was greatly loved by the people of Galle.
Wander around the lower terrace of Moon Bastion before walking along the northern ramparts.
From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Galle International Cricket Stadium, which is situated north of the fortifications. If you are cricket fans, you can watch cricket games there during your trip to Galle.
At the northeastern corner, Sun Bastion is the perfect place to see the old natural harbour of Galle.
Where To Stay in Galle
The compact fortified city is home to several gorgeous hotels, such as the afforementioned historic 5-star The Merchant Hotel on Pedlar Street.
Spending the night within the fort walls in such a notable building certainly adds more value to your travel experience.
If you’d like to sleep by the sound of the waves and nothing but, though, we have yet another suggestion, this time outside the walls of the Fort town.
During our recent trip to Galle, we stayed at Jetwing Lighthouse, a luxury hotel perfect for endless pampering moments. Located along the west coastline, this hotel is a 5-minute tuk tuk ride from Galle Fort’s main entrance.
The jawdropping sea views, outdoor swimming pools and sparklingly clean and spacious rooms are only a few of the reasons we would pick this accommodation again.
FAQs About Visiting Galle
How much is the entrance to Galle Fort?
As mentioned above, there’s no admission fee to enter Galle Fort. The small fort is in essence a fortified city rather than a historical site that you must buy a ticket to enter.
How do you get around Galle Fort?
Walking is by far the best way to get around Galle Fort and take in all its charms.
Although you can discover the treasures of Galle Fort at a leisurely pace on your own, a guided tour is yet another great way to get to know Galle in depth in the company of a local guide.
Are there whale-watching opportunities near Galle Fort?
Galle is one of the best places to go whale watching in Sri Lanka. From Galle, you can join a boat tour of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, during which you’ll be able to spot sperm whales, blue whales, orcas and other marine life.
Are there any beaches near Galle Fort?
The wider Galle area on Sri Lanka’s south coast is home to some of the country’s prettiest beaches. A sandy beach you shouldn’t miss is Unawatuna Beach, a short drive from Galle (30 minutes).
Is Galle suitable for someone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time?
Galle is probably the best place to use as a base during your first visit to Sri Lanka. That’s because Galle is home to some of the country’s finest hotels and best restaurants.
Moreover, the city’s extraordinary history, its proximity to some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and its popularity among foreign visitors render Galle the ideal destination for first-timers in Sri Lanka, offering the perfect transition to the Sri Lankan way of life.
So, after reading this article, what do you think? Is Galle worth visiting? We absolutely believe it is.
If you plan to travel around Sri Lanka, you’ll see that Galle is different from any other city or village.
It’s a unique place that perfectly blends the extraordinary history of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, stunning scenery, top-notch hospitality and easy-going vibes.
We regret having spent just one day in Galle and we plan to go back for more before too long.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria
Disclosure: We visited Galle as part of a press trip organised by Sri Lanka Tourism, but all opinions are our own, as always.