Colombo Private City Tour with Transport
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Colombo Private City Tour with Transport

Active
4h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Unlike standard group tours, Colombo City Tour is completely private and fully customizable. You decide how long to spend at each stop, whether it’s exploring a historic temple, shopping for souvenirs, or simply enjoying a sunset at Galle Face Green.

Your friendly local driver-guide shares insider stories and tips you won’t find in guidebooks, helping you connect with Colombo’s culture, history, and hidden gems. With a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, complimentary bottled water, and hotel pickup included, you can relax and enjoy the journey without the stress of navigating the busy city on your own.

This tour blends must-see landmarks with authentic local experiences, making it the most flexible and convenient way to discover Colombo in just one day.

Available options

Entry Tickets

Entry Tickets to Gangaramaya Temple and Colombo National Museum<br/>Pickup included

Colombo: Private Tour of City's Top Attractions

Pickup included

Pick up from Airport or negomb

Pick up from Airport: Pick up from Airport or Negombo area<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off (within Colombo city limits)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

1

At Diyatha Uyana, travelers will enjoy a peaceful escape from Colombo’s busy streets. This lakeside park is perfect for a short walk along landscaped paths, relaxing by the water, or snapping photos of the colorful flower gardens. Families and couples often enjoy boating on the lake, while food stalls nearby offer local snacks and drinks. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs, take in fresh air, and experience a more relaxed side of the city.

2
Stop 2

Travelers will explore one of Colombo’s most important Buddhist temples, known for its mix of modern and traditional architecture. Inside, they can admire sacred relics, intricate statues, and a fascinating museum of cultural artifacts. The temple offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection, photography, and learning about Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage.

3
Stop 3

At Independence Square, travelers can admire the grand Memorial Hall built to celebrate Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule. Surrounded by lush gardens and colonial-era architecture, it’s a peaceful spot for photos, a short walk, and learning about the nation’s history.

4
Stop 4

Travelers will discover Sri Lanka’s largest museum, home to ancient artifacts, royal regalia, traditional costumes, and archaeological treasures. The grand colonial-era building and its galleries offer a fascinating journey through the island’s history, culture, and art.

5

Travelers can relax in Colombo’s largest public park, featuring landscaped gardens, walking paths, a children’s play area, and the iconic Buddha statue. It’s a calm green escape in the heart of the city, perfect for photos and leisure time.

6

Travelers will see one of Colombo’s most striking landmarks, famous for its red-and-white candy-striped exterior and towering minarets. Built in the early 1900s, this active mosque offers unique photo opportunities and a glimpse into Colombo’s rich Islamic heritage.

7

Travelers will dive into Colombo’s busiest marketplace, where streets overflow with shops selling spices, textiles, fresh produce, and souvenirs. The lively atmosphere, colorful displays, and bustling crowds make it a great place to experience local life and practice bargaining.

8

Travelers will explore one of Colombo’s oldest colonial buildings, now transformed into a lively hub of boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. Its preserved architecture and open courtyards create the perfect setting for shopping, dining, or simply relaxing in a historic atmosphere.

9
Stop 9

Travelers can enjoy Colombo’s famous oceanfront promenade, perfect for relaxing walks, kite flying, and sampling local street food. With wide open spaces and stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean, it’s a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors.

What's not included

Lunch
personal expenses
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

This tour does not include entry tickets to certain attractions. Travelers can purchase tickets directly at the entrance of each site (e.g. Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo National Museum). Your driver will assist you with guidance at each stop. Please bring cash in Sri Lankan Rupees for entry fees.

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

Adults
Age 0-120
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 3
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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