10 Things To Do In Colombo In One Day On Your 2024 Vacay!

Things to Do in Colombo in One Day

1. Visit Gangaramaya
2. Pray at Seema Malaka Temple
3. Go to Red Mosque
4. Marvel at Independence Square
5. Relax at Victoria Park
6. Visit Colombo Lotus Tower
7. Explore Dutch Hospital
8. Dine in at Vistas Skybar
9. Spend your Evening at Galle Face Green
10. Shopping at Pettah Market

With the plethora of attractions the place has to offer, it is not easy to put out a list of things to do in Colombo in one day. Nevertheless, it is not impossible. Among all the attractions, there are some major ones which just cannot be missed at any cost.

Your list of activities to do in Colombo in one day must include visiting the attractions which offer you an insight into the history of Colombo as well as the entire nation of Sri Lanka, such as the Independence Square  and Gangaramaya.

Other activities which take you on adventures and give you a whole new experience, such as scuba diving and river rafting are also a must do.  And if you just want to unwind and take a breath after a day full of activities then watch the sunset at Galle Face Green and end your day by filling up your appetite at the night market. No matter what the activity you’re looking for, Colombo has it all.

Here is the list of best things to do in Colombo in one day:


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01

Visit Gangaramaya

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If you've always wanted to understand more about South Asian cultures and faiths, this is one of Sri Lanka's most famous Buddhist temples. It also has a museum attached to it. The statue of Lord Buddha emanates the temple's signature brightness and tranquilly.

Visiting this temple is one of the top things to do in Colombo in one day. Gold, stones, elephant ivory, Chinese sculptures, stamps, watches, cameras, photos, coins, and other extremely rare objects from India, Myanmar, China, and Thailand are among the numerous religious artefacts on display at the museum.

Location
: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka

Timings:
6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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02

Pray at Seema Malaka Temple

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Seema Malaka is a Buddhist temple in Colombo that is nestled within lush greenery and the emerald waters of the Beira Lake. Rather than worship, the temple is mostly utilized for meditation and repose. Seema Malaka is located a few hundred meters to the east of the Gangaramaya Temple.

The edifice's architecture is reminiscent of the Kandyan period. Numerous sitting Buddha sculptures in various mudras may be found on the platforms. A wooden paneled meditation shelter is located on the middle platform. Meditating at this beautiful location is one of the tourist-preferred things to do in Colombo in one day.

Location:
Sir James Pieris Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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03

Go to Red Mosque

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The mosque is a famous tourist attraction in Colombo and is one of the city's oldest mosques. The outside candy-striped walls have earned it the nickname "Red Mosque." It stands out among Colombo's noteworthy structures because of its distinctive architectural design.

It's a hybrid architectural style that mixes aspects of local Indo-Islamic and Indian architecture with Gothic revival and Neoclassical styles. It had a capacity of 1,500 worshipers when it was built. However, when expansion construction began, its capacity was raised to 10,000.

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04

Marvel at Independence Square

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Independence Square, located in the centre of Colombo's busy metropolis, is an immortal reminder of a nation's pride, where the country's memories are inscribed for eternity in magnificent beautiful monuments. It's a wonderful homage to Sri Lanka's great history, its valiant heroes, and the diversity of its art and culture.

The sculpted moonstone and the stone walkway are bordered by small ponds. Architecture is one of the most significant sources for understanding history, which is why it is sometimes referred to as "built heritage." Today, the Square is more than simply a national landmark; it is also a place to rest and take in the beauty of nature while being surrounded by ancient structures.

Location:
WV38+PXX, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
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05

Relax at Victoria Park

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Viharamahadevi Park, often known as the "garden city of the east," is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, with a multitude of activities in store for tourists. Victoria Park is Colombo's oldest park, named after Queen Victoria's reign at the time.

As the scene of a variety of historical events, the location is historically significant. A walk across the groomed turf and paved walkways beneath the canopy of palm groves is one of the recommended things to do in Colombo in one day. The park is bordered by the Nanu Oya river, which contributes to the beauty of this well-kept public park in Sri Lanka. 

Location:
Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

Timings:
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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06

Visit Colombo Lotus Tower

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The Colombo Lotus Tower is a 350-meter tower in Colombo. It also depicts a significant Sri Lankan landmark. As of September 2019, the tower is South Asia's highest self-supported construction. The Lotus blossom inspired the design of this structure, which is supposed to reflect the country's booming growth.

Visiting this tower is a must among the things to do in Colombo in one day. Tourists may visit banquet halls, retail malls, hotels with suites, restaurants, museums, auditoriums, and much more in the tower. At the top, there is a rotating restaurant with a beautiful view of the city.

Location:
Colombo, Sri Lanka
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07

Explore Dutch Hospital

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The Old Dutch Hospital, constructed by the Dutch in the late 17th century, is one of the oldest structures in the Colombo Fort region. It was built to oversee the health and welfare of Dutch East India Company employees, and its proximity to the sea was deemed perfect for catering to Dutch sailors.

The Ministry of Crab, Colombo Fort Café, and Spa Ceylon are among the tempting dining choices within the Old Dutch Hospital's ancient walls. The structure is divided into two floors and has five wings that form two courtyards. 

Location:
Hospital St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

Timings:
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
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08

Dine in at Vistas Skybar

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Vistas is currently Colombo's social meeting place, standing 24 stories tall and stealing the show. Colombo's 360-degree vistas are breathtaking. From its spectacular location, take in panoramic sunsets and stunning ocean views. Throughout the evening, listen to tropical house, chill-out music, and jazz.

With fusion and cocktail shishas bringing the shisha smoking experience to a whole new level. Add this experience in your list of things to do in Colombo in one day. From June through September, Vista Sky Bar is open on weekends, holidays, and Tuesdays.

Location:
No 24 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Timings:
5:30 PM - 12:00 PM
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09

Spend your Evening at Galle Face Green

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Galle Face Green, a 5-hectare urban park in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a popular tourist attraction. As the day draws to a close, you'll notice residents and visitors strolling down the beach, playing cricket, or simply unwinding. Grab some shrimp cakes or deep-fried lentil cakes with prawns if you're hungry, and eat them while watching the sunset.

There are no entrance fees and the beach is accessible all year. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the optimum time to visit the beach. It is advisable to go about 4 p.m. to catch the sunset and work up an appetite for the delicious cuisine at the night market.

Location:
56 Colombo - Galle Main Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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10

Shopping at Pettah Market

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Shopping at Pettah Market is one of the top things to do in Colombo in one day. As you meander around the busy alleys of Colombo's open-air market, you'll undoubtedly find the finest place to understand and absorb the true essence of Sri Lankan life.

Take a tuk-tuk or cab to the end of the market district and then wander through the alleys to find hidden gems among the little street stores. On weekends, you'll have to prepare for the crowd. While looking for anything of interest, one might get a good deal on clothes and other items.

Location:
Keyzer St, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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People Also Ask About Colombo

  1. Which are the best places to visit in Colombo?

    1. Victoria Park - Often known as the "garden city of the east," Victoria Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, with a multitude of activities in store for tourists.

    2. National Museum - You'll be greeted with a smiling Buddha statue dating from the 9th century as soon as you enter the museum's interior. Relics, busts, and artefacts from the colonial period, as well as swords, palettes, and other mementos, are shown in galleries. After rambling around the museum's many galleries, you may rest and enjoy your favorite beverage in the museum cafeteria's cool and peaceful ambience.

    3. Beira Lake - It's the ideal place to relax and soak in the romantic atmosphere in peace. Several islands with homes and coconut plantations dot this 65-hectare lake.

    4. Galle Face Green - Galle Face Green, an urban park in Colombo, is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can stroll down the beach to simply unwind or grab some shrimp cakes or deep-fried lentil cakes with prawns at the night market.

  2. What are the best things to do in Colombo at night?

    1. Galle Face Green: Galle Face Green, an urban park in Colombo, is a popular tourist attraction. It is advisable to go about 4 p.m. to catch the sunset and fill up your appetite with the delicious cuisine at the night market.

    2. Bally's Casino: Bally's Casino is a popular nightlife destination in Colombo. It features a large gaming area that is constantly busy with visitors and locals alike.

    3. Rhythm and Blues Nightclub: This is one of Colombo's most prestigious nightclubs. It has a warm atmosphere, and its cuisine is recognized for its delectable finger appetizers and top-notch cocktails. It's a fantastic spot to party in Colombo if you're with a bunch of your pals.

    4. Mount Lavinia: Mount Lavinia is one of the best spots in Colombo to see the beauty of the sunset. Witnessing this beautiful sunset is in the list of every tourist’s top things to do in Colombo in one day.

  3. Which are the best cafes to visit in Colombo?

    1. Plus Nine Four: Plus Nine Four is a cute little cafe in Colombo. It offers coffee and casual dining as well as a limited number of cuisines for breakfast, lunch and brunch.

    2. The Barefoot shop: The Barefoot shop, which opened in 1964, includes the Barefoot Garden cafe. Barefoot has a bookshop and an art gallery in addition to its designer hand woven textiles. In the center of Colombo, it is a courtyard garden bistro.

    3. Coco Veranda: This tiny 'Veranda' serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, and drinks. A must-try for anyone looking for a low-cost meal with delicious cuisine. Add a visit to this adorable cafe to your list of things to do in Colombo in one day.

    4. Saphyr Lounge: Saphyr Lounge has floor to ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural Sri Lankan light. There's something for every appetite, from savory pastries with unique contents delivered hot from the oven to crunchy fresh puffs and sandwiches, as well as a selection of exquisite sweets.

  4. What is the best time to visit Colombo?

    The best time to visit Colombo is during the winter season starting from November till march. The weather of Colombo remains very pleasant during this time, with low humidity and very occasional rain showers allowing tourists to enjoy and participate in many sightseeing tours and island related activities.
  5. What are the best Sri Lanka tour packages that we can book with Thrillophilia?

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