Galle Face Green
Colombo, Western
Laid out in 1859 by British Governor Henry George Ward, Galle Face Green is a five-hectare stretch of open lawn running along Colombo's oceanfront, originally used for horse racing and golf before becoming the public promenade it is today. Every evening it fills with kite-flyers, food carts selling grilled corn and prawn fritters, and crowds gathering simply to watch the sun drop into the Indian Ocean. It's one of the few places in Colombo where you'll see the whole cross-section of the city out together, tourists and locals alike.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon into sunset, when the food carts open and the sea breeze picks up.
Visitor tip
Evenings are popular; take care around the shoreline and check weather conditions.
Local pick
Walk to the southern end near the Galle Face Hotel for a quieter stretch of the same lawn, away from the busiest food-cart crowds.
Quick answers
Where is Galle Face Green?
Galle Face Green is in Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit Galle Face Green?
Late afternoon into sunset, when the food carts open and the sea breeze picks up.
How far is Galle Face Green from Colombo?
About 2 km in a straight line. Road journeys are longer, so check current travel times before you go.
What is near Galle Face Green?
Nearby places include Pettah Market (about 1 km away), Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) (about 2 km away), Colombo Lotus Tower (about 2 km away), Pettah Floating Market (about 2 km away).
Add to my itineraryNearby places
- Pettah MarketWestern Province
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)Western Province
- Colombo Lotus TowerWestern Province
- Pettah Floating MarketColombo
More places in Western Province
More to see around Colombo: things to do in Colombo. Planning a trip? See the top attractions in Sri Lanka, the best time to visit and how many days you need.