Login

Colombo

Today
24°C

Photo of Colombo

About Colombo

Colombo once typified the graceful colonial capital of white pillars, grand boulevards and flourishing gardens - in the 19th century it was often referred to as ’the garden city of the East’. But in today's Colombo commerce has well and truly taken hold and the city has burgeoned and sprawled. Most visitors will seek out a bit of both worlds, enjoying the fun of its myriad of markets and appreciating the large scale restoration works going on around some of the most historic architecture, including the central fort complex. The best places to stay in Colombo will allow you to make the most of everything this fascinating city has to offer.

The influx of people has lent the city a more cosmopolitan feel and the foodie and cultural scenes have benefitted. In addition to the restoration work, the city is making new seafront roads that are already sprouting hotels.

Colombo has several excellent museums and galleries, but what you don't want to miss is promenading along Galle Road with the sunset and the Indian Ocean on one side of you and all the colour and life of Colombo on the other…

What not to Miss

  • The National Museum of Sri Lanka is in a beautiful colonial building housing some of Sri Lanka’s greatest cultural treasures. There’s fine art, carvings and statuary, weapons from the colonial period and other interesting odds and ends. Incredible objects from the Ancient Cities, including a magnificent royal throne and an impressive 9th century Buddha who welcomes you at the entrance.
  • Colombo’s Natural History Museum is also excellent - don’t overlook the impressive dioramas featuring the endemic flora and fauna.
  • The Dutch Period Museum is also worth a visit. Converted from the 17th century residence of the Dutch governor, it is now packed with interesting artefacts telling to story of Sri Lanka under the Dutch.
  • On your way to the ocean you’ll cross Galle Face Green which was cleared for the benefit of the Dutch cannons. Now it’s a great grassy expanse offering street food. Beyond is the Indian Ocean making this a very popular place for a stroll. At one end you’ll find Pelican Perches - which is no more or no less than what it sounds like - the place loads of pelicans choose to perch.
  • Viharamahadevi Park is another wonderful place for a stroll. It is Colombo’s largest park and known for flowering trees, graceful fountains and the odd snake charmer…
  • Colombo’s zoo is known for the elephant show. And if you’re interested in meeting the local wildlife you might also want to visit eh Turtle Conservation Villa, which hatches, protects and releases endangered turtles.
  • No one will want to miss the crazy commerce of the Federation of Self Employees Market on 5th Cross Street.

The Best Places to Stay in Colombo

The Best Places to Stay in Colombo for a City Break

  • Colombo Courtyard is a boutique hotel in the heart of town with a rooftop cafe with fantastic views that hosts open air jazz and cinema nights. There are 30 stylish rooms - some with four-poster beds - and a private courtyard. There’s also a spa.

The Best Places to Stay in Colombo for Colonial Style

  • Paradise Road Tintagel has just ten suites, beautifully and classically designed, plus a well stocked library, a steam room and an adults only pool. There’s also a restaurant serving one of Colombo’s finest meals.
  • The Galle Face Hotel is a classic colonial era hotel with elegant interiors and a private beach. It has an infinity pool and a spa, plus a well equipped gym. The hotel restaurant has long had an excellent reputation - good enough to run their own cookery classes.
  • Intimate and unspoiled, Maniumpathy is an old family house tucked away in a smart and central neighbourhood. There are just eight suites. You are surrounded by a charming garden with a plunge pool.
  • Residence, by Uga Escapes is an eleven bedroom mansion dating from the 18th century which has been converted into a boutique-style hotel. The mansion’s heritage features have been augmented with some contemporary twists. The rooms are large and offer private patios and large bathrooms in black marble.

The Best Places to Stay in Colombo for Families

  • The Galle Face Hotel is a classic colonial era hotel with elegant interiors and a private beach. It has an infinity pool and spa, plus a well equipped gym. The hotel restaurant has long had an excellent reputation - good enough to run their own cookery classes.

Some of the Most Romantic Hotels in Colombo

  • Paradise Road Tintagel has just ten suites beautifully and classically designed, plus a well stocked library, a steam room and an adults only pool. There is also a restaurant serving one of Colombo’s finest meals.
  • Casa Colombo is a sleek, chic, lively creation with colourful rooms and shabby chic furnishings. There's a cocktail bar and an excellent Asian restaurant. The pool and deck are gorgeous.
  • Intimate and unspoiled, Maniumpathy is an old family house tucked away in a smart and central neighbourhood. There are just eight suites. You are surrounded by a charming garden with a plunge pool.
  • Residence, by Uga Escapes is an eleven bedroom mansion dating from the 18th century, which has been converted into a boutique-style hotel. The mansion’s heritage features have been augmented with some contemporary twists. The rooms are large and offer private patios and large bathrooms in black marble.

For Great Value

  • The Havelock Place Bungalow is a true home from home, providing an alternative to Colombo’s five star hotels and offering just seven rooms with cosy quilted, striped wallpaper and carefully chosen furniture. The restaurant is very popular, so book in advance, and you are within walking distance of the Town Hall and Independence Square. Rooms start from around £70 per night.
  • For around the same room rate you can stay in Cinnamon Red Colombo, a centrally located tower with 242 colourful rooms. The restaurant is very good, the atmosphere is youthful and you’re close to Viharamahadevi Park.

Prefer an apartment or Villa?

If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The closest international airport to Colombo is Bandaranaike Airport, which is closer to Negombo than Colombo - it’s 30 to 60minutes drive depending on traffic, and there’s a bus you can catch between the airport and the Central Station which takes the same expressway route as cars do.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Aside from the monsoon season, which runs between June and September, there’s really no bad time to visit Colombo. For the rest of the year the weather is relatively pleasant.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Colombo

Best Hotels in Colombo

  • Jetwing Colombo Seven Colombo (Cinnamon Gardens) 91 rooms from £68

    Business meetings  -  Business travellers are well-situated for getting around town, plus the hotel boasts meeting spaces of its own
    City Style  -  A stylish city pad with all the mod-cons, swish interiors and a rooftop pool, spa and two eateries
    Local exploring  -  With its cental location, Jetwing Colombo Seven is an ideal base for exploring the city highlights
    Great walks  -  Speak to the team about guided walks through Cinnamon Gardens, the lively Pettah markets or the quirky bars of Colombo Fort
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParking

    A slick choice in the heart of the city's smartest neighbourhood, this is a top business or city break hotel for well-heeled travellers. Facilities include a small spa, gym & striking rooftop pool. Sip cocktails with a view of the Lotus Tower and city beyond after days of shopping and sight-seeing. See More

    Check Availability
  • Cinnamon Red Colombo Colombo 242 rooms from £70

    Great walks  -  Nearby Viharamahadevi Park for a leisurely stroll.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Full of character
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsNo pets

    Centrally located with colourful interiors - add to this an attractive price and Cinnamon Red attracts a fun, young crowd. Rooms are decorated with splashes of the hotel's signature red and feature good sized modern bathrooms. Cuisine is top notch including adaptations of Sri Lankan dishes. See More

    Check Availability
  • Prana Home Colombo 5 rooms from £62

    Local exploring  -  A charming spot located in the heart of the city, ideal for exploring on foot
    Yoga  -  Offering an extensive programme of yoga, meditation and holistic treatments
    Sights nearby  -  Explore Colombo: amble to the National Museum, the Lionel Wendt theatre, and nearby bars and restaurants
    Great walks  -  Stroll through beautiful Cinnamon Gardens, a neighbourhood filled with cafes, galleries and shops
    Air conditioningSpaGardenParkingNo pets

    A welcoming retreat in Colombo’s most exclusive neighbourhood, with fabulous rooms set above a popular yoga and wellness centre. Expect design incorporating a mix of the old and the new. Relaxation, rejuvenation and the perfect location. See More

    Check Availability
  • Colombo Court Hotel & Spa Colombo 32 rooms from £83

    Spa  -  The Amber Spa offers a range of restorative treatments.
    Local markets  -  The open air Pettah Market is a vibrant visit.
    Sights nearby  -  A visit to the National Museum is a must.
    Views  -  Sweeping views of Colombo
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking

    Boutique hotel in the heart of Colombo City, boasting a rooftop cafe with fantastic views. Rooms are stylishly modern and elegant with feature walls, some come with four posters and a private courtyard. The Scarlet room offers fusion cuisine & the Cloud Cafe hosts jazz & film nights under the stars. See More

    Check Availability
  • OZO Colombo Colombo 158 rooms from £85

    Business meetings  -  Well equipped for business meetings and rooms feature desks and good wifi, ideal for business travellers
    City Style  -  A slick city hotel decorated in a clean contemporary style
    Sights nearby  -  Explore the historic districts of Fort and Pettah in one direction and savour the local snacks of Galle Road in the other
    Local markets  -  Rise early to find your fill of fresh fruit and vegetables at nearby Kollupitiya Market
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A slick city hotel priding itself on cosy comfort. Smart rooms offer big inviting beds and plenty of light from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooftop pool lends striking views over the Indian Ocean. Well-located for discovering the sights of Colombo. See More

    Check Availability
  • Galle Face Hotel Colombo 81 rooms from £93

    Cooking classes  -  Menaka Culinary Art Academy teaches guests the art of Sri Lankan flavours. Hint: it includes plenty of spice.
    Sights nearby  -  Take a tour of Colombo's attractions in the hotel's classic car.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Spa
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Classic colonial style the Galle Face Hotel boasts elegant interiors in muted palettes. There is an infinity pool overlooking the private beach area as well as an indulgent spa and well equipped gym. Dine at In... On The Green popular amongst locals. A great stay for couples and families. See More

    Check Availability
  • Aathma Colombo House Colombo (Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte) 8 rooms from £100

    Local exploring  -  A tropical bolt-hole ideally placed for exploring the city
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A lakeside oasis within striking distance of the city. Bright, spacious suites feature large linen-draped four-posters, a technicolour of fabrics, and traditional art; the best have private hot tubs. Expect quirky luxurious charm, a gorgeous garden pool and fantastic, friendly service. See More

    Check Availability
  • Residence by Uga Escapes Colombo 11 rooms from £207

    Great walks  -  Take a turn around nearby Viharamahadevi Park.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Set amidst luscious gardens this eleven bedroomed mansion, dating back to the 18th-century evokes both its rich heritage with some contemporary twists. Rooms are expansive, decorated in dark woods and rich red and gold accents. They feature private patios and large, black marble bathrooms. Divine. See More

    Check Availability
  • Maniumpathy Colombo 8 rooms from £187

    Sights nearby  -  Its central location means that all of Colombo's highlights are easily accessible
    Restaurant  -  Enjoy casual dining at the Nandi restaurant or fine dining in the Ebony Room
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor plunge pool in the courtyard
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    Old family house tucked away in a smart neighbourhood. Perfect for siteseeing Colombo. Intimate and unspoilt with eight suites and small charming garden See More

    Check Availability
  • Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo 10 rooms from £258

    Swimming Pool  -  Head down to the adults only lap pool in its own private walled garden
    Restrictions on children  -  Whislt children are welcome in the hotel the pool is adults only.
    Great walks  -  Colombo's long promenade is great for walking off big dinners.
    Sights nearby  -  The National Museum is a must visit.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    An historic mansion, turned boutique hotel in the exclusive Cinnamon Gardens area. With individual rooms offering plunge pools, private balconies, luxurious furnishings and wonderful bathrooms. The hotels restaurant and bar are popular spots with locals and the gardens are charming. Superb! See More

    Check Availability