Colombo , Sri Lanka

Full Day Colombo City Tour

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(5 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The commercial capital of the country with a fascinating blend of the past and present give colourful and vivacious enough to attract the visitors in big number. Remains of Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlement, interesting sights and also a modern way of life, technologies, buildings can be explored throughout the city.
Main Sights you cover in this tour
• Dutch Hospital
• Galle Face
• Gangarama Seema Malaka & Temple
• National Museum
• Nelum Pokuna Theatre
• Vihara Maha Devi Park
• Independence Square
• Replica of Aukana Buddha Statue
• Old Parliament Complex
• Galle Face Green
• Colombo Lighthouse
• The last Sri Lankan King’s Prison Cell in Colombo
• Lighthouse with Clock Tower designed by Lady Ward (built before the Big Ben in London),
• York Street with remnants of British Colonial Architecture

Available options

Pick up from Ambalangoda

Pick up from Ambalongoda: Pick up and drop off to most centrally located hotels in Ambalangoda. Pickup included

Pick up from Colombo

Pick up and drop off to most centrally located hotels in Colombo. Pickup included

Pick up from Bentota

Pick up and drop off to most centrally located hotels in Bentota. Pickup included

Pick up from Ahungalla

Pick up and drop off to most centrally located hotels in Ahungalla. Pickup included

Pick up from Hikkaduwa

Pick up and drop off to most centrally located hotels in Hikkaduwa. Pickup included

Pick up from Kalutara /Wadduwa

Pick up from Kalutara/ Wadduwa: Pick up and drop off to most centrally located hotels in Kalutara / Wadduwa. Pickup included

What's included

Fuel surcharge

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

500ml water bottle per person during the sightseeing tour

Pick up and drop off to mentioned locations.

Private transportation with service of an English-speaking chauffeur

Detailed itinerary

07.30 AM - You will be greeted by your own chauffeur guide and started to witness the Colombo city which is a busy and vibrant place with a mixture of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins. You will start your sightseeing tour from The Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. It is the supreme legislative body of Sri Lanka. It alone possesses legislative supremacy and thereby ultimate power over all other political bodies in the island. It is modelled after the British Parliament. Thereafter you will visit The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Built between 1970 and 1973, the convention centre was a gift from the People's Republic of China in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister (1956–1959). And then visit Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo.

12.00 PM - Lunch at a local restaurant.

01.00 PM - Second half of the day, you will be able to visit Gangarama Temple, Seemamalaka Temple and Pettah market. After doing a scenic ride through the city, you will be taken to spot the alluring sunset at Galle Face Green.

05.00 PM - On the completion of your catchy city tour, you will be dropped off to the hotel.

What's not included

Any video/still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit

Entry/Admission fees to the Sites

Meal Plans

Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.

Anything else not mentioned in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat