Sri Lanka’s executive capital may be filled with towering skyscrapers and cultural attractions, but its true charm lies in the everyday. If you’re visiting for the first time and are looking to discover the true, authentic side of the city, these experiences will have you feeling like a true local.
Stroll by Independence Square
Enjoying a slow walk past this monument gives you a sense of the country’s eventful history and its bustling present. Its stately features certainly carry a trace of the past, but it’s surrounded by joggers and families enjoying the green lawns of the nearby Arcade – an ordinary scene but one that’s at the heart of Colombo’s charm.
Visit the Pettah Market
As one of the largest markets in Colombo, the Pettah Market is where you’ll really learn to shop like a local. It’s utter chaos – narrow streets chock full of stalls, vehicles and pedestrians in the heat of the day. But once you learn to navigate it all, you’ll experience what down-to-earth street shopping is all about in Colombo.
Spend an Evening at Galle Face Green
If you’re staying at one of the 5-star hotels in Colombo, head to this iconic promenade for a spectacular view of the sunset. It’s just a quick walk from Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams and will give you a glimpse of a typical evening in Colombo – the sight of families enjoying the day’s end out on the green.
Try the Street Food at Night
Cap off your day with a street food tour, one of the best ways to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The mouthwatering flavours of kottu, string hoppers, parippu vadai and other classics are heightened by the sight of busy vendors and eager customers, and the aromas that waft along the street, inviting you to try something new.