Colombo , Sri Lanka

Colombo City Day Tour

Active

(40 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join our 6-hour Colombo tour to visit the city's must-see attractions, including the stunning Kelaniya Temple, Gangarama Temple, and Seema Malaka Temple. Stroll through Galleface Green, admire the War Memorial, and reflect at Independence Square. Your day also includes a shopping stop to pick up unique souvenirs. Enjoy convenient pickup and drop-off, plus refreshing drinking water throughout the tour. Book now for a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of Colombo's highlights!

Available options

Colombo City Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Colombo

Local taxes

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The exciting day starts with pick up from your hotel by a representative of Sanota Walkers. Then you will be whisked to visit one of Sri Lanka's highly venerated temples called Gangarama Temple which is located on the famous and picturesque Beira Lake in the middle of the city of Colombo. The Gangarama Temple was established about one hundred and twenty (120) years ago and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Originally built to be a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land in the 19th BCE, the temple has grown to include several imposing buildings and become an internationally known place of worship, a centre for learning, as well as an assembly hall for monks while also hosting a museum, a library and a Relic chamber among others.

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.

Stop 3

Once you have had your senses excited with the old and the new at Fort & Pettah, it is now time to visit the world famous Galle Face Greenand relax in the soothing sound of waves lapping at the shores. Overlooking the magnificent Indian Ocean, adjoining the beautiful Galle Face beach and the famous colonial styled Galle Face Hotel (which is known as Asia's Emerald on the Green since 1864) is an elegant promenade lined with swaying palm trees and frequently visited by both locals and visitors alike called the Galle Face Green.

Stop 4

Now let us head on to a very special place called theIndependence Squarelocated just a few minutes away from the Old Parliament building. This building was built to commemorate Sri Lanka’s independence from colonial rule and is situated at the same location where a special podium was constructed in 1948 to mark the ceremony of Sri Lanka’s start of self-rule and new parliament. The Independence Square building also houses a museum displaying a history of all the individuals who struggled and fought for Sri Lanka’s independence.

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, seven miles from Colombo. The Chief Incumbent is Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera.

Drop your Hotel or Airport or Port

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Negombo or any other area pickups (required, extra charges)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

24 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Minimum age is 6 years

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Dress code is formal

Recommend for pregnant travelers.

Important notes

• Dress code is formal

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