The 10 Best Free Things to do in Colombo, Western Province

May 12, 2022 Ying Subia

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling streets of the city.
Restaurants in Colombo

1. Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

Kotahena, Colombo Sri Lanka
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 101 reviews

Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

Reviewed By 189diannec - Redmond, United States

This is a gorgeous Buddhist temple with amazing art work. Take your time and allow at least an hour for the visit. Be sure to also allow time to study the art work in the museum.

2. St Anthony's Shrine

St Anthony's Mawatha Kochchikade, Colombo Sri Lanka
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

St Anthony's Shrine

Reviewed By MinakshiSriLanka

St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade which was damaged in the Easter Sunday bomb blast has been consecrated again on 12th June by the Head of Catholic Church of Sri Lanka - Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. The High Mass held on 13th June on the feast day of St. Anthony without following the traditional procession. The historic Catholic shrine dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua will celebrate the 185th feast of the Saint on 13th June 2019. St. Anthony’s Shrine which is among the most popular Catholics churches and both catholic and non-Catholics have their faith in St Anthony. Current Administrator of Saint Anthony’s Church is Rev. Fr. Jude Raj Fernando.

3. St Lucia's Cathedral

Kotahena, Colombo Sri Lanka
Excellent
50%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 56 reviews

St Lucia's Cathedral

4. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Colombo Sri Lanka +94 11 2 911505 [email protected] http://www.kelaniyatemple.org/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 615 reviews

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Reviewed By Brenda010 - Durham, United Kingdom

This is a very beautiful temple to worship the Lord Buddha. A very sacred area and shoes must be removed of course, however they are removed before you enter the grounds which are quite extensive so do remember to wear socks as the sand and paving stones can be very very hot! There are places around where worshippers leave flowers and gifts for the Buddha and pray. Inside the temple there is a marvellous gold sleeping Buddha covered with the finest muslin or silk. The frescos are very old and tell the story of the temple. A very beautiful sacred place.

5. Nelum Pokuna Art Street

Nelum Pokuna Mawatha Opposite Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka
Excellent
65%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Nelum Pokuna Art Street

Reviewed By sasirir

You will have plenty of choices to select from day to day. Best place to buy hand drawn Arts in Sri Lanka.

6. Mount Lavinia Beach

Colombo Sri Lanka +94 77 670 0439 http://www.plantationhotels.com
Excellent
36%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,509 reviews

Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach is located just out of the Colombo city. This beach strip has a lot to offer for the locals as well as the tourists visiting Colombo. Along the beach there are many nice restaurants pubs as well as relaxing areas. As a tourist who is visiting Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach is a must visit. The weekends could be crowded with locals though, during the week it is relaxing and peaceful. If you would relax at a pool overlooking the ocean or the sunset, The Mount Lavinia Hotel terrace is recommended. You can use the Mount Lavinia Hotel pool for an affordable fee.

Reviewed By Geridog1 - Shanghai, China

Right on our door step. Beaches run for miles. Clean and beautiful sand. People pulling in nets, fishing boats pulled up on shore, restaurants every now and then.

7. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Hospital Street Galle Fort, Colombo 00001 Sri Lanka +94 11 5 288002 https://www.facebook.com/DutchHospital
Excellent
31%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 948 reviews

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Reviewed By style_virgo - New Delhi, India

A heritage building which dates back to Dutch colonial period in 1600s, established as a hospital to look after the officers serving in the Dutch East India Company, which is now a shopping and dining precinct. The place is host to famous restaurant – ‘Ministry of Crabs’, which is owned by Sri Lankan Cricketer and former captain, Kumar Sangakkara. It is one of the liveliest places in Colombo that attracts a lot of tourists.

8. Colombo Fort

Galle Buck, Colombo Sri Lanka +94 71 865 8922 http://colombofort.com/fort.streets.buildings.htm
Excellent
24%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 352 reviews

Colombo Fort

Reviewed By Matzferd-HK - Hong Kong, China

Lonely planet and Bloomberg # 1 destination. Sri Lanka Guys pack your bags and get ready to go Enjoy the nature, culture, food, beach, hospitality and the Sri Lankan smile ????????????????????????????????????????????

9. Galle Face Green

Galle Road, Colombo Sri Lanka +94 77 749 4959 http://gallefacehotel.com
Excellent
27%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,995 reviews

Galle Face Green

Reviewed By sammyweera - Kandy, Sri Lanka

We enjoyed the evening stroll and watched the sun set beautiful. Nice place to hang out. Just take a seat and enjoy the place. And don’t miss to eat “Wade”.

10. Independence Square

Independence Avenue, Colombo 00700 Sri Lanka
Excellent
38%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 828 reviews

Independence Square

Reviewed By mytropicaljournal - Colombo, Sri Lanka

Inspired by the Magul Maduwa (Royal Audience Hall) in Temple of Scared tooth Relic, Kandy, this is a unique creation of a team of 08 architectures, with 48 pillars to mark 1948, the year which country became fully independent from British. Located in the heart of Colombo, this is one of the popular attraction amongst locals and foreigners, specially fitness conscious joggers. Early morning and night view is so beautiful. However, you may not see any food , toy stalls nearby since this is not a commercialized tourist attraction. Simply this is a resemblance of Sri Lankan history. Anyone get free entrance to premises.

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