Half Day Colombo City Tour
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Half Day Colombo City Tour

Active
(2 reviews)
1h - 4h
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

Sightseeing in Colombo can be stressful if you’re using cabs or the often-crowded buses. Check out the city’s attractions in one smooth, easy trip on this private tour, with a guide to fill you in on the sights. Traveling by private air-conditioned vehicle, visit Seema Malaka, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, and more; and tailor the duration and itinerary to suit your personal wishes. Central hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

Available options

Half Day Colombo City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

National Museum of Colombo, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum is one of two museums in Colombo. It is the largest museum in Sri Lanka. It is maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government

2
Stop 2

Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in the Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century

3

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is one of the most attractive shopping centres in the country. The building was originally a hospital during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, and is considered to be the oldest building in the historic Colombo Fort area. It was also used as a police station and an apothocary, before it was finally converted into its current role in 2011. The building is centred around two courtyards, which sometimes host live music. It has a few cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. It's a nice place to stop and enjoy the shade, and with low slung tiled roofs and attractive colonades.

4
Stop 4

Independence Memorial Hall (also Independence Commemoration Hall) is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility[2] to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is located in Independence Square (formerly Torrington Square)

5

The Old Parliament Building, is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Situated in the Colombo fort area facing the sea, it is in close proximity to the President's House, Colombo and adjacent to the General Treasury Building

6

St. Anthony's Shrine is a famous Roman Catholic church in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The church is located at Kochchikade, Colombo 13, and is dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. The church is declared as national shrine

7

Viharamahadevi Park is a public park located in Colombo, next to the National Museum in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and largest park of the Port of Colombo. Situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall building, the park is named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu

8

This is the main railway station situated in the heart of Colombo. The building was built and put into operation in 1908. At present, the station consists of 10 platforms and caters 0.2 million passengers daily. It consists of passenger waiting rooms, changing rooms (utility rooms) and cafeterias. Station has special arrangements for disabled persons. The main seat reservation counter of the Sri Lanka Railways too is at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.

9

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, is a convention center located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. 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

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0
1 reviews
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4★
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Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
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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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant island nation known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. From ancient temples and colonial architecture to pristine beaches and verdant tea plantations, it offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress with stunning frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.

Historical 3-4 hours Moderate (LKR 5,000 for foreigners)

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in Kandy, this temple houses a relic of the Buddha's tooth and is a significant pilgrimage site.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget (LKR 1,500 for foreigners)

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world to see leopards, Yala National Park is also home to elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Nature Full day Moderate (LKR 6,350 for foreigners, including safari jeep)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Hoppers (Appa)

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

Breakfast Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti bread, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Street Food Can be vegetarian or non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Wildlife safaris Surfing White-water rafting Beach lounging Ayurvedic spa treatments Tea plantation tours Yoga and meditation

Best Time to Visit

December to April (for the west and south coasts) and May to September (for the east coast)

This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka as the weather is generally dry and pleasant. It's ideal for beach activities, wildlife safaris, and exploring cultural sites.

25°C to 30°C 77°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable transport services and agree on fares in advance
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranayake International Airport • 35 km from Colombo
By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Colombo Central Bus Stand, Bastion Street Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are a scenic and affordable way to travel, with options ranging from local trains to express services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Galle Fort Colombo Fort

Day trips

Nuwara Eliya
180 km from Colombo • Full day

Known as 'Little England' for its colonial architecture and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is a scenic hill station with tea plantations, waterfalls, and historic sites.

Adam's Peak
40 km from Ratnapura • Full day

A sacred mountain believed to contain the footprint of the Buddha, Adam's Peak is a popular pilgrimage site with a challenging but rewarding hike.

Festivals

Vesak • April/May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • August (full moon day)

Pro tips

  • Travel by train for a scenic and affordable way to explore the country, especially the route from Kandy to Ella
  • Hire a private driver or use app-based taxi services like Uber and PickMe for convenient and reliable transport
  • Visit lesser-known attractions like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa to avoid crowds and experience authentic Sri Lankan culture
  • Try local street food and dishes like kottu roti, hoppers, and rice and curry for an authentic culinary experience
  • Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and using your right hand for eating and giving
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 16-100
1
Childs
Age 3-15
0
Infants
Age 1-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 4
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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