Private Half-Day Colombo City Tour
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Choose this tour to get a detailed picture of the capital of Sri Lanka with your own licensed private tour guide. Customize it to match your curiousities like tasting local street food etc.
Available options
Pick & Drop Colombo
Colombo: with pickup from your hotel in Colombo and return to the same/other<br/>Pickup included
Pickup & Drop from Negombo
Negombo: With this, you are given the option to start this tour from Negombo. <br/>Pickup included
From Airport with transfers
with 2 way airport transfer: Colombo city tour for layover passengers. with 2 way airport transfer. <br/>Pickup included
from the ship/Colombo port
pickup location: we pickup you from your cruise ship if booked 2 business days prior. If not we will coordinate the pickup.(Includes walking)<br/>Pickup included
Pickup from Galle area
Pickup from Galle area: Ideal for those who want to visit the Colombo and end their tour in the airport for departure<br/>Pickup included
What's included
All Entrance Fees
Air-conditioned vehicle
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
Parking Fees
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Detailed itinerary
1
Old parliament building
2
A lake in the heart of Colombo
3
The mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city.
4
Stop 4
Gangaramaya Buddist Temple
5
The chaotic Pettah markets definitely worth a visit to see the ordinary disorderliness
6
Now a shopping area
7
A floating market
8
Hindu Kovil
9
This 1887 built enormous cathedral is Sri Lanka's biggest church. The cathedral's outer looks are inspired by St. Peter's in Rome.
10
Gem & souvenir shop
11
Hindu Kovil
What's not included
Tips, gratuities and expenses of personal nature
Foods and drinks
Port entrance fee $ 20 USD per tour payable directly to the guide
Airport pickup fee 15 USD. Pickup & drop off after tour 25 USD
Colombo City Tour
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
63 reviews
5★
53
4★
5
3★
1
2★
2
1★
2
Tripadvisor
4.6
63 reviews
5★
52
4★
6
3★
1
2★
1
1★
3
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please advise TOUR START TIME you prefer would like to secure at the time of booking
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made
• The listed price does not include a $20 airport roundtrip fee for layover passengers & $10 port entrance fee per vehicle for cruise ship passengers, fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
• You MUST provide a working mobile contact number
• Tour language is subject to availability of the guide
Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
