It seems that all stories both start and end in Colombo, it is inevitable. This 24 hour guide to Colombo, Sri Lanka will give you a taste of what you can do when you land or leave. As the major airport for getting into Sri Lanka, Colombo tends to be a layover city, with minimum time spent. Those who stay a bit longer find gems in this major city — even between the mess of tuk tuks and the never ending traffic. It’s filled with it all — incredible restaurants, cafes, and beautiful architecture. Searching out this amidst the chaos of the city is rewarding, and definitely gives Colombo a great starting point for a journey in Sri Lanka. 
Come here to be surprised by a city that often gets overlooked. Merge through the traffic, look past the chaos, and be pleasantly surprised by Colombo.
The 24 Hour Guide to Colombo, Sri Lanka
What to Know Before Visiting Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Getting around is easy, with plenty of tuk tuks. (Cash only and always negotiate price before getting in).
- Cash is best for most restaurants though bigger hotels accept card.
- It is a more conservative city, so I would suggest being a bit more covered up then say when you’re at the beach.
Where to Stay in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Moss B&B: We booked this small hotel that ended up being perfect. It was uber cheap in comparison to the other hotels, and the rooms were clean and they had a good breakfast.
- The Kingsbury: This is a luxury option for those looking to experience one of the most historic hotels in Sri Lanka. It’s location is also footsteps from the action.
- More hotels in Colombo here.
Where to Eat in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- The Gallery Cafe: A beautiful space setting in an inner courtyard where the food is as good as it looks. I came here twice and it was incredible.
- Upali’s by Nawaloka: A good choice for Sri Lankan food.
- Nihonbashi: Who would of thought there would be good sushi in Colombo, this gem of a restaurant lands itself on San Pellegrino’s Asias Best 50 list and it’s delicious. Order the grilled rice!
- Flamingo House: A lively restaurant and bar, for a good evening out.
What to Do in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Visit the beautiful Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple.
- Take a city tour by tuk tuk to go explore the fort.
- See the incredible Red Masjid mosque.
- Explore the National Museum of Sri Lanka.
- Eat your way through Pettah Market.
Purchase Travel Insurance
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
