Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Colombo

Designed by Sri Lanka’s leading architect Geoffrey Bawa in the late 19th century. The Seema Malaka Buddhist Temple is a peaceful oasis in the middle of hectic Colombo. Come here for some mediation and rest and be amazed by this beautiful piece of architecture and design.

Get a real sense of life in Colombo and experience the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka's capital with a visit to the Pettah Market, also called Manning Market. At this busy open-air market, visitors can explore scores of shops selling everything under the sun, from fresh vegetables, spices and meats to clothing, electronics, gold and jewellery. Arrive early before trishaws and touts clog up the streets.

At the Colombo National Museum, you can browse through a wealth of exhibits from prehistoric times to the colonial era. Look out for traditional fearsome masks said to be linked to magical powers.

Dating back to the colonial era, the Dutch Hospital has served as a hospital for the Dutch officers, a police station after the country's independence, and in 2011, it was converted into a shopping and dining complex. A nice place to hang out, grab a bite, and marvel at beautifully preserved seventeenth-century colonial architecture.

Enjoy the sights from the comfort of an open-deck, double-decker bus with live commentary–the only open-deck city sightseeing service in Colombo. Three different tours stop over the major sights of the city leaving from different pick-up points. Pick-ups: from Colombo city hotels en route. (for more information see the website below)

The paintings at the National Art Gallery reflect local themes and scenes, but this museum also features exhibitions that show contemporary artworks. There is no entrance fee to view this collection of works by Sri Lankan artists.

A peaceful interlude can be found here from the cacophony of town with neat paths bordered by tropical vegetation. You can spot slumbering bats in mahogany and eucalyptus trees, bird life and monitor lizards on the lawns. There is also a playground for the kids and a golden Buddha statue.

This fine collonaded Dutch building with creaking floors and staircases contains exhibits from the Dutch colonial era. The interesting display of artefacts such as coins, clothing items, and furniture of that era will offer you a unique learning experience of the history of Sri Lanka.

Weekends bring kite-flyers, strolling families and impromptu cricket matches to this 5 ha ocean-fronted promenade, which stretches for 500 m along the coast. Enjoy a drink at the Galle Face Hotel at the southern end of this urban park or fill up on tasty snacks on the waterfront.

Lionel Wendt Art Centre is a prestigious venue for the performing arts, especially music. It features a theatre and two galleries showing different exhibitions of contemporary art and crafts.

These kovils or temples dedicated to the Hindu war god Murugan (Skanda) bring colour to Colombo’s back streets with their ornate exteriors of sculptured Hindu deities. Visit at night when priests perform the evening puja or prayers to the sound of drums.

A must-see historic site in Colombo, this Buddhist Temple houses many treasures, from Buddha statues to ancient coins. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and a good place for meditation.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country. Believed to be sanctified during Buddha's third visit to Sri Lanka, the original temple was destroyed on two different occasions by invaders from India, and later from Portugal. Restored in the 18th century by the Dutch, it contains historic statues and paintings that preserve the spirit of past ages.

Indulge your taste buds with authentic Sri Lanka flavours at this fine dining restaurant located at the Renuka City Hotel. Enjoy your pick of traditional Jaffna fare: milk hoppers, fried fish puttu, and seafood soup as well as some tasty local desserts. As Palmyrah fills up fast, make sure to book ahead.

The Bayleaf welcomes diners in a beautiful colonial villa setting right in the heart of Colombo. It offers a great selection of authentic Italian dishes, excellent service as well as a sophisticated cocktail bar.

When entering Sakura Restaurant you are met by authentic red lanterns, counter seating or traditional Japanese seating at the rear of this long-established restaurant. This place is known for its friendly service, reasonably priced set lunches and sushi and sashimi prepared by Japanese-trained chefs. Chinese fare is also on the menu.

Located at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Long Feng offers diners an extensive menu of authentic Chinese cuisine, an elegant ambience, and beautiful views of the hotel pool and Beira Lake.

Tucked away in the corner of the Old Dutch Hospital, Ministry of Crab is an upscale restaurant offering excellent seafood in a contemporary setting. Curry crab, baked crab, and garlic chilli crab–choose your preferred variety, or go for a different one but equally delicious. Make reservations ahead of time as this is a very popular restaurant.

The Mango Tree is a homely Indian restobar offering the best of Northern Indian cuisine, including an assortment of vegetarian dishes. Their naan bread and the mango lassi - an Indian milkshake - come highly recommended.

If you're looking for a different dining experience, come by The Sizzle, where your entire meal is served on a hot cast iron plate making your food sizzle when you get it, hence the name. Authentic Halal recipes are incorporated in seafood and veggie dishes, and why not try their sizzling brownies laced with ice cream?

Barefoot Garden is a café, a shop, an art gallery, and a performance space all in one. Despite its location right in the heart of Colombo, this unique outdoor café offers a peaceful ambience, where you can relax over a cup of coffee, some freshly brewed tea, or a nice cold beer. Be sure to check out their Instagram page for their daily specials, which include Black Pork Curry, spinach quiches, and Lamprais–a famous local delicacy.

Tucked behind the busy Galled Road is this lively cafe offering wraps and burgers as well as an assortment of Sri Lankan delights. As the name reveals, this venue is dedicated to cricket, so here, you will find cricket memorabilia, endless matches on TV, and dishes named after cricketers.

BreadTalk has made bread baking into an art form. Spread over 16 countries, this popular bakery is known for its wide variety of fresh and tasty items as well as gourmet desserts, and generous fillings. Stop by one of their three Colombo locations for a taste of flavourful pastries.

This café occupies the former offices of Sri Lanka’s renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. Don’t miss the stylish setting inside or the courtyard where French and Italian cuisine, mouth-watering desserts, and their signature tamarind-chilli cocktail are served.

Rustic wooden tables, plants and pictures of Sri Lanka decorate this colonial house, which is home to Cafe Kumbuk. With the goal of promoting healthy and sustainable living, this charming cafe offers fresh and healthy items made from local ingredients. Vegan options are also available.

This Southern California coffee chain has made its way to Sri Lanka, and it has provided the Colombo community with its amazing varieties of coffee and tea, savoury and sweet pastries, and, of course, its signature ice-blended beverages.

Whether you're looking for a bar by the pool, a lounge where you get to breathe in the sea breeze, or just your casual pub, the Galle Face Hotel got you covered. Have your pick of bars at this charming waterfront hotel and enjoy your cocktail while you watch the sun go down.

After a day exploring the city, unwind by the sea with a cocktail in your hand at this beach club with a swimming pool, pizza, and live entertainment after sunset.

Unleash your inner singer at this homey karaoke bar! Sopranos prides itself on offering a friendly atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Grab a drink and sing along to your favourite tunes until late hours.

Catch spectacular 360 views of Colombo from 24 stories above ground and listen to tropical house chill-out beats and jazz as you enjoy a highly-crafted cocktail at this trendy rooftop bar. Besides boasting one of the best panoramic views of the city, Vistas is known for its very attentive staff, who are more than happy to take care of you, shisha smoking, and its tasty food, which is served in modern cutting board style plates, ready to be shared.

Take in beautiful views over the city and its shoreline while enjoying a skilfully crafted drink or savouring a modern Japanese dish at this elegant rooftop restaurant and lounge.

One of the trendiest nightspots in Colombo is located on the 14th floor of the Radisson Hotel. Overlooking the ocean, ON14 provides guests beautiful sunset views while they sip one of their signature drinks or try one of their spectacular dishes. An infinity pool, lounge seating, and live entertainment perfect the sophisticated atmosphere.

Get a real sense of life in Colombo and experience the hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka's capital with a visit to the Pettah Market. At this busy open-air market, visitors can explore scores of shops selling everything under the sun, from fresh vegetables, spices and meats to clothing, electronics, gold and jewelry. Arrive early before trishaws and touts clog up the streets.

Dating back to the colonial era, the Dutch Hospital has served as a hospital for the Dutch officers, a police station after the country's independence, and in 2011, it was converted into a shopping and dining complex. A nice place to hang out, grab a bite, and marvel at beautifully preserved seventeenth-century colonial architecture.

For authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs head over to Lakarcade. This shopping mall offers an amazing and unique collection of local products ranging from teas, spices and traditional art to gems and jewellery. Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind art piece to decorate your home or just a souvenir from your trip to Colombo, you'll surely find it here.

Very close to Viharamahadevi Park, you'll find this charming shop selling multiple home decor items, including dishware, handicrafts and art, plus, antiques and unique gifts along with an array of condiments and jams. Very popular among locals and tourists alike. They also have a cafe on the 1st floor where you can relax with a good cup of coffee and a piece of cake.

Adjacent to Cinnamon Grand Hotel, this shopping centre features several floors of shops and exclusive boutiques linked by escalators selling everything from books, clothing, and records to a place where you can buy tea from the Mlesna Tea Centre. In the basement, there’s a supermarket and a large bustling food court.

Race Course Arcade is the perfect place for a leisurely evening stroll, even if you aren't looking to do much shopping. If you are, however, there are plenty of boutiques and shops to choose from. Here, you'll also find a variety of cafes and restaurants.

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is located 32km from the CBD. The simplest and quickest way to get into town is to take a taxi. Allow at least 1½ hours for your journey. Bus 187 runs every 30 minutes from 6h - 21h to Fort Bus Station. You have to take a free bus shuttle from the airport terminal to the bus stop. Be aware that the driver might try to charge tourists extra for luggage. The train station lies 500m from the airport with departures from 7h - 18h and it stops at many stations before reaching the city center. If you have heavy luggage, the best way to reach the train station is by Trishaw.

Citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are exempt from requesting a visa. All other travelers need to submit an application online in order to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting Sri Lanka. The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of your arrival, however it may be extended for up to six months. For more information, visit the website:

With sunny and enjoyable weather pretty much all year round, there isn't really a bad time to explore Colombo. However, if you want to avoid the monsoon season, then don't plan your trip from June to September. Having said that, the best time to visit Colombo is usually from January to March, when days are more pleasant and when festivals such as the Duruthu Perahera and the Poya Festivals take place. If you want to get great prices on accommodation and flights, then May is the best month, when the city is also less crowded. Watch out for the beginning of the monsoon season! November and December are usually hot and humid, but that's when you can catch the Deepavali celebrations, the Hindu festival of lights, which last for five days.

Buses run from 5am–10pm and are generally crowded, slow, and a bit confusing. When in doubt about routes, bus numbers, and stops, ask a local. The best way to get around is to walk or flag down a trishaw. Always agree to a price before accepting a ride in a trishaw and pay the exact fare.

Taxi is the easiest and most comfortable way to get around the city. Most of the cars do not have a taxi meter so always decide on a price before the journey starts. Ace Cabs www.acecabs.lk +94 112 818 818 Kangaroo Cabs www.2588588.com +94 112 588 588 Or you can always download the Uber and the Taxiyak apps.

You can buy stamps in one of the post offices across town. You find the General Post Office at:

There are several pharmacies in Colombo, and some of them are located within a grocery store. The supermarket chain LAUGFS features pharmacies that are open 24 hours. Rajya Osu Sala is another drugstore chain and you find one of their outlets at:

Country code: +94 Area Code: 011

In Sri Lanka there are two plug types: D and G. D has three round pins in a triangular pattern while G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern (same used in the United Kingdom and Ireland, for example). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.