Sprawling over the island’s west coast, Sri Lanka’s urban capital is the perfect place for exploration. With so many things to do, from visiting the museum to finishing the night with dinner at the best buffet in Colombo, there is so much you can do in a day.

Stroll Through Parks

Start the morning off with a leisurely walk to warm up for the day. The Independence Square and the Viharamahadevi Park are two of the best options available, located quite close to hotels in Colombo like Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.

Alexey Komarov, Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo – panoramio, CC BY 3.0

Explore the Cuisine

One of the best ways to start your day in Colombo is to go out for brunch. There are many chic brunch spots in the area that serve a variety of cuisines including the very best of Sri Lankan staples.

Visit the Museum

The museum is the place to go if you are interested in learning as much as possible about Sri Lanka’s history during your short stay. Afternoons in Colombo tend to get quite hot, so being indoors during this time is best. The museum also has a few cafes where you can refresh after your long tour.

Browse Through the Malls

Colombo has many traditional souvenir shops scattered throughout the city. However, visiting the malls is the best way to do all your shopping in one place. There are many souvenir stores available along with authentic Sri Lankan wellness products and tea lounges.