394 Hotels in Colombo, Basnahira Palata

Where to stay

Hotels in Colombo

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At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

Sinhala and Tamil and English

Local currency

LKR (LKR)

Local time

02:37 (GMT+5)

Ideal trip length

2–4 days

Cost level

2 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Fort/Galle Face

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Optional, small amounts appreciated

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 60 · Moderate

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Kottu Roti Hoppers Lamprais Parippu (Dhal Curry)

When to visit Colombo

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: February Busiest: Dec-Mar

Jan

80

Dry, sunny, pleasant
Feb

85

Very dry, sunny
Mar

80

Hot, mostly dry
Apr

70

Hot, humid, some rain
May

50

Monsoon begins, wet
Jun

45

Heavy monsoon rains
Jul

60

Rains ease, humid
Aug

65

Warmer, less rain
Sept

55

Monsoon lingers, wet
Oct

50

Inter-monsoon, rain
Nov

55

Northeast monsoon starts
Dec

75

Drier, pleasant

80

Jan Dry, sunny, pleasant

85

Feb Very dry, sunny

80

Mar Hot, mostly dry

70

Apr Hot, humid, some rain

50

May Monsoon begins, wet

45

Jun Heavy monsoon rains

60

Jul Rains ease, humid

65

Aug Warmer, less rain

55

Sept Monsoon lingers, wet

50

Oct Inter-monsoon, rain

55

Nov Northeast monsoon starts

75

Dec Drier, pleasant

Things to do in Colombo

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Visit Gangaramaya Temple

Slave Island 1.5 hrs

Explore a vibrant Buddhist temple and museum complex.

Indoors Good for children

Explore Pettah Market

Pettah 3 hrs

Dive into a chaotic, vibrant hub of goods and local life.

Outdoors

Best in the afternoon

3 places

Lotus Tower Observation Deck

Borella 1.5 hrs

Ascend for panoramic city and ocean views.

Indoors Good for children

Discover National Museum

Cinnamon Gardens 2 hrs

Journey through Sri Lanka's rich history and heritage.

Indoors Good for children

Relax at Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia 3 hrs

Escape the city for sun, sand, and seafood.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Stroll Galle Face Green

Galle Face 2 hrs

Enjoy sunset, street food, and kite flyers by the ocean.

Outdoors Good for children

Dine at Dutch Hospital Precinct

Fort 2 hrs

Enjoy upscale dining and shopping in a renovated colonial building.

Indoors Good for children

Colombo itineraries

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First-timer highlights

3 Days in Colombo — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the vibrant pulse of Sri Lanka's capital, blending colonial heritage with modern charm.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the essential sights, sounds, and flavors of Colombo. From bustling markets and ancient temples to colonial architecture and relaxing beaches, it offers a comprehensive overview of the city's unique appeal.

3 Days 15 Stops

See the full plan