What You Need to Know Before Visiting Colombo, Sri Lanka

by Tsvete Popp
Travel Guide Colombo Sri lanka

Colombo Sri Lanka

Are you looking for the perfect destination to explore and experience the beauty of Sri Lanka? Look no further than Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Uncover the Best of Colombo: A Travel Guide to Sri Lanka is the perfect guide to help you explore the city and its attractions. From historical sites to modern shopping malls, Colombo has something for everyone. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your trip to Colombo. You’ll learn about the best places to stay, the top attractions to visit, and the best restaurants to dine at. So, start planning your trip to Colombo and get ready to uncover the best of this vibrant city!

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lanka

Where to Stay

Choosing a hotel in Colombo can be crucial for your stay in the city.  As you would expect from a major travel destination in South Asia, Colombo has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaCinnamon Grand Hotel is a great choice for travellers looking for a luxurious and convenient stay in Colombo. With its prime location, excellent dining options, and top-notch facilities and service, the hotel is a popular choice among both business and leisure travellers. The Cinnamon Grand Hotel is located in a prime location in the heart of Colombo, with easy access to many popular attractions, including Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, and Independence Square.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaThe hotel features over 500 guest rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with luxurious bedding and elegant decor. The Cinnamon Grand Hotel offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes and delis to upscale restaurants and bars. The hotel has over 14 restaurants and bars to choose from, serving a variety of cuisines, including Asian, Italian, and seafood.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaThe hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities for guests, including a fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, and business centre. The hotel also has extensive meeting and event spaces, making it a popular choice for conferences and corporate events. The Cinnamon Grand Hotel is known for its exceptional service and hospitality. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the hotel offers a range of personalized services, such as concierge and room service.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lanka

If you are searching for a more budget-friendly but still amazing hotel we can recommend staying at Cinnamon Red. Cinnamon Red is a great choice for travellers looking for a modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Colombo. With its excellent location, stunning views, and environmentally conscious practices, it is a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaCinnamon Red offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant and bar, Cloud Red, which serves delicious local and international cuisine, and the Lobby Lounge, which serves snacks and drinks throughout the day. Cinnamon Red has a range of facilities to keep guests entertained and relaxed during their stay. The hotel has a rooftop infinity pool with stunning views of the city, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and a spa offering a range of treatments.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaCinnamon Red is an environmentally conscious hotel, and it takes measures to reduce its environmental impact. The hotel uses renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and has implemented water conservation measures. Overall, Cinnamon Red is a great choice for travellers looking for a modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Colombo. With its excellent location, stunning views, and environmentally conscious practices, it is a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lanka

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Explore a wide range of hotels in Sri Lanka here (Booking.com)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Sri Lanka here (Tripadvisor)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Sri Lanka here (Agoda)

Discover affordable hostels in Sri Lanka here (Hostelworld)

Easily compare prices and book hotels in Sri Lanka here (Hotellook)

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lanka

What to know before you go?

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and a bustling city with a mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a vibrant cultural scene. Here are some things you should know before you go and some insider tips for visiting Colombo.

How Many days to spend in Colombo?

The number of days to spend in Colombo as a tourist can vary depending on your interests and travel plans. Colombo is a vibrant city with a lot to offer, from cultural attractions and historic landmarks to shopping and dining experiences.

If you are interested in exploring the city’s cultural and historic attractions, I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Colombo. This would give you enough time to visit popular attractions such as the Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the National Museum, as well as explore the city’s many parks and gardens.

What to Know Before You Go:

  • Sri Lanka’s official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, but English is widely spoken, especially in Colombo.
  • The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee.
  • Colombo is a relatively safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take basic precautions like avoiding walking alone late at night and keeping your valuables secure.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaInsider Tips for Visiting Colombo

    • The best way to experience the city is on foot or by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are affordable and offer a fun and authentic way to see the sights.
    • To get a taste of local life, visit Pettah Market, a bustling bazaar with stalls selling everything from spices to clothes to electronics.
    • Colombo has a thriving food scene, with a mix of local and international cuisines. Try some of the delicious street food, like kottu roti, hoppers, and samosas.
    • If you’re interested in history and culture, visit the National Museum of Colombo, which has a collection of artefacts that tell the story of Sri Lanka’s rich past.
    • For a relaxing break from the city, head to Galle Face Green, a promenade by the sea where locals gather to fly kites, play cricket, and enjoy the sunset.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaBest Time of Year to Visit Colombo

The best time to visit Colombo is from January to April when the weather is dry and sunny. Sri Lanka’s monsoon season runs from May to October, so expect more rain during this time.

Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, has a tropical monsoon climate. The temperature in Colombo remains fairly constant throughout the year, with average high temperatures ranging from 30°C to 32°C  and average low temperatures ranging from 23°C to 25°C. The city experiences two monsoon seasons – the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from December to February. During the monsoon seasons, the city experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoons and evenings. Overall, Colombo is warm and humid throughout the year.

Travel Guide Colombo Sri lankaBest Transport to Get Around Colombo

Tuk-tuks are the most convenient and affordable way to get around Colombo. Our advice is to download the PickMe application (similar to Grab or Uber) – you can order online and pay by credit card without negotiating with the drivers on the street, which could be very annoying. Metered taxis are also available, but make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in. The city also has a public bus system which is cheap to travel with, but it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.


Travel Guide Colombo Sri lanka

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka Accommodation

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

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Rental Car in Sri Lanka

Looking to rent a car in Sri Lanka? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Sri Lanka to find you the best price possible.

Sri Lanka Tours

If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find the best-organized tours

Travel Insurance

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Enjoy the day!

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