Holiday In Colombo
Get outta town and get in on cool island vibes in Colombo, Sri Lanka, quick!
Dubbed the official commercial capital of Sri Lanka and definitely not the political epicentre, this seaside city has everything you need to relax, and it follows one of the cardinal rules of holiday-making: no serious business! Instead, spend your holiday to Colombo museum-hopping, Colonial home stalking and of course, market shopping. (Psst. Save on Colombo packages now, splurge on fancy Ceylon teas and gorgeous textiles later. We know how it goes.) Bring an extra suitcase and let’s go!
Things to Do in Colombo
Colombo holidays deliver a mix of old and new, neon and au naturel. Get the inside scoop on ancient Sri Lanka at the National Museum, located near the waterfront, just south of Viharamahadevi Park. From there, you won’t be far from getting your culture fix at the National Art Gallery and the modern art galleries of the Sapumal Foundation. We know why you’re taking a Colombo holiday, so before you hit the tea shacks and sales racks, hike to the top of Mount Lavinia for a baller view of the Laccadive Sea, or find your Zen at Gangaramaya Temple. If the quiet vibes don’t put you in a chill mood, maybe the peaceful presence of many, many Buddhas will do the trick. Before you doze off, pick up one of our sweet Colombo car hire options. The city centre is very walkable, but you might need the boot for your bazaar haul.
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Colombo is a designer’s shopping dream. You’ll find ready-to-wear fashions and wall-ready décor in the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct in Galle Fort and in the shops at the Arcade Independence Square. But if you’re at all crafty, sift through the racks of local textiles and embellishments and make your own showstoppers—or pile them in your closet and think about it.
A plate of fish ambul thiyal, a sour fish curry, and spiced jackfruit will take your tastebuds on an adventure, and your tummy is invited along. Indulge your sweet tooth by biting into a hopper—like a crisp Sri Lakan crepe in the shape of a bowl, which is an ingenious way to keep all the sprinkled sugar and coconut inside. Say what?
When you’re ready to get down, sea level is the place to be. Along the waterfront, north of Kirulapana Canal, you’ll find a long stretch of lovely scenery and baller bars and clubs lining multiple neighbourhoods. Belt out your best shower songs at karaoke bars, chat up the locals in a beachside bistro, crawl pub-to-pub or bust several unsightly new moves at a discotheque. You’ll find a little bit of everything when the sun goes down in Colombo!
What’s Next?
No matter how you get there, it’s time to go to Colombo. Wanna save major dollarydoos in the process? Mix and match ridiculously good-looking deals on airfares and accommodation when you book one of our Colombo holiday packages here at lastminute.co.nz. While you’re in an island state of mind, add a holiday to the Maldives, because, y’know, it’s pretty and you want to.
Top hotels for your Colombo holiday
Marino Beach Colombo
Reviewed on 23 Dec. 2024
Galle Face Hotel
Reviewed on 19 Dec. 2024
Mandarina Colombo
Reviewed on 23 Dec. 2024
Popular places to visit
Galle Face Green
Explore the great outdoors at Galle Face Green, a lovely green space in Colombo 03. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
You can find out about the history of Colombo with a stop at Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. Amble around this culturally rich area's seaside and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct during your visit to Colombo. Wander the area's seaside or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.
Book your Colombo holiday package
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.co.nz from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.