3 Days in Colombo: City Highlights
2026-11-12
Colombo works best at an easy pace. Most sights sit within a few kilometres of each other, so three short days cover the main ones.
Day 1: Museums and history
Start at Sri Lanka's oldest national museum, established in 1877. Then walk to Independence Square for the memorial hall and the restored colonial-era arcade.
See: Colombo National Museum · Independence Memorial Hall · Arcade Independence Square
Day 2: Pettah and the old city
Explore the busy Pettah area and the market complex beside Beira Lake. Add the Dutch-era Wolvendaal Church and the red-and-white mosque nearby.
See: Pettah Market · Pettah Floating Market · Wolvendaal Church · Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Day 3: Lakes, temples and the seafront
Visit Gangaramaya Temple and walk by Beira Lake. In the evening, stroll the seafront promenade and see the Lotus Tower.
See: Gangaramaya Temple · Beira Lake · Galle Face Green · Colombo Lotus Tower
Before you go
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques.
- Check current opening hours before you go.
- Colombo is hot and humid, so plan outdoor stops for morning or evening.