A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Colombo, Sri Lanka

Solo travellers can whizz around Colombo by tuk-tuk to see top attractions such as Colombo Town Hall
Solo travellers can whizz around Colombo by tuk-tuk to see top attractions such as Colombo Town Hall | © Anne-Marie Palmer / Alamy Stock Photo
Nick Dauk

Senior Travel Writer

Colonial architecture alongside modern hotels, busy street markets juxtaposed with traditional afternoon tea – the Sri Lankan capital is all about contradictions. A gateway to the country’s ancient temples and unspoilt jungle, Colombo is steeped in history and culture, with plenty of shopping opps, making it a destination in its own right and the perfect spot for a solo stay.

What’s the vibe?

However you make the most of your “me” time, you’re in for a treat in Colombo, with an itinerary of shopping sprees in boutiques and indie stores, bouncing around classy bars and street-food stalls, and time on the beach. A melting pot of cultural influences – from Buddhist and Hindu to western – and generally safe streets make Colombo a great destination for solo travellers of any gender.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Even the transportation in Colombo is diverse – you’ll find brightly coloured vehicles around the city

A Colombo trip overview for solo travellers

The diversity of Colombo spills out into a variety of neighbourhoods both near to and away from the seaside. You’ll need more than two days to explore the Gangaramaya temple, eat your way down the Galle Face Green and wander Pettah’s unique mosque, museum and market. The dry season here runs from December to March, granting the best weather conditions here on the west coast. You won’t be put off when visiting in other months, but you won’t catch nearly as many rays on popular Mount Lavinia Beach.

The Gangaramaya temple is well worth a visit when you’re in Colombo

Where to stay in Colombo as a solo traveller

Divided into numbered neighbourhoods, Colombo is home to 15 unique areas that each have a special flavour. From the up-and-coming Colombo 2 to the ever-growing Colombo 5, there’s an amazing street eat, a revered temple or quirky shop near your hotel. Spice things up with a stay in one of these colourful Colombo neighbourhoods.

Cinnamon Gardens

The affluent Cinnamon Gardens is only 3km (2mi) from the city centre but feels like a world away, and it’s the place to stay if you want to spoil yourself with lavish digs. Check into a hotel and you’ll have the Prime Minister’s Office as your neighbour. Upmarket cafes and galleries will allow you to enjoy your visit in style. With its own rooftop bar and infinity pool, we recommend a stay at Jetwing Colombo Seven.

Fort

Home to some of the oldest buildings in the city as well as the busy harbour, Fort is the CBD of Colombo. Popular tourist spots like the Dutch Hospital and Old Colombo Lighthouse call this neighbourhood home. Spend the night in Fort if you want to stick close to your itinerary without being in the city centre. There are budget options in C1 Colombo Fort and CityRest Fort, as well as a luxury experience available at the Grand Oriental Hotel.

Fort is home to some of the oldest buildings in Colombo

Kollupitiya

Kollupitiya is the multicultural heart of Colombo. Home to the Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum, Galle Face Green and an old colonial brewery, this central neighbourhood puts you within walking distance of the city’s best sights. Push the boat out with a stay at the Taj Samudra or the Galle Face Hotel, right on the shoreline.

Bambalapitiya

Colombo 4, Bambalapitiya, is a shopper’s paradise by the sea. Scour the malls for deals, then take the cash you’ve saved out for a night on the town. Casinos, pubs and restaurants galore dot this bustling neighbourhood.

What to do in Colombo as a solo traveller

The longer you stay in Colombo, the more you realise just how much there is to see and do here. After visiting the hallmark sights like the National Museum and Gangaramaya Temple, dig deeper into the country’s history and culture with these engaging and enlightening activities that are perfect for solo travellers.

Take a relaxed ride on Beira Lake

Located close to the Gangaramaya Temple, Beira Lake is a tranquil place to kick back and rest your feet. The beautiful Buddha statues lining the shore will inspire you to discover the stunning Seema Malakaya temple in the centre. Take a boat ride to get closer to the shrine, spotting wildlife like monitor lizards and storks as you paddle through the water.

Find a peaceful oasis away from the buzz of the city at the Seema Malakaya shrine in Beira Lake

Shop for a batik

Batik is a technique used to dye cloth that originated in Indonesia – and it’s a souvenir you can’t leave Colombo without. Head to one of the best places to get batik from, such as Buddhi Batiks in Koswadiya, where you’ll be supporting a family-owned business full of talented artisans. Buddha Batiks has batik products ranging from bags and saris to bikinis and dresses, so it’s an excellent place to pick up gifts.

Watch local artisans at work when you go batik shopping in Colombo

Drink up a dodgy bar walk

Unlike other cities, the no-frills bars of Colombo are institutions, with their own hole-in-the-wall histories. Downing arrack, a spirit made from the fermented sap of a coconut flower, while getting to know the local history of Colombo, is a wonderful way to liven up a night in the city.

Don’t leave Colombo without trying arrack, the local spirit

You can join a dodgy bar walk during your first night in Colombo on Culture Trip’s 12-day small-group tour of Sri Lanka.

Eating and drinking in Colombo

You’ll find Indian, Dutch, English and Portuguese influences here, so you won’t be surprised to find the capital has an eclectic food scene, and foodies of all budget levels will have a gut-busting good time here.

When dining out in Colombo, you’ll rarely find a menu without rice and curry. The flatbread roti will surely accompany every dish from the pancake-like appam to lamprais, banana leaves full of rice, curry and meatballs. If you’re avoiding meat – whether permanently or just for your trip – fear not. There’s a great selection of vegetarian restaurants to pick from.

Drinking in Colombo is about simple pleasures. A refreshing gulp of coconut water served in the shell always hits the spot. Also, make time for a cuppa – Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth largest tea producer, so you’ll get a decent brew here. For a stronger sip, a drink mixed with the arrack or a local Lion beer is what you should request at the bar.

For an elegant cafe with plenty of tea options in Colombo, head to t-Lounge by Dilmah

Stay safe, stay happy

The Indian Ocean is alluring and you can enjoy time on the beach in Colombo at Galle Face or Wellawatte. However, do keep in mind that undertows can make swimming and surfing dangerous, so be mindful of conditions and only enjoy the water when there’s a lifeguard present.

Getting around Colombo as a solo traveller

The Sri Lankan capital isn’t difficult to navigate, though it may be time-consuming depending on your mode of transportation. Metered taxis are easy to hail, and your hotel should have no trouble arranging a ride if requested. Tuk-tuks and buses will also take you around, though traffic throughout the city could cause delays. If you don’t mind light walking, it’s convenient to take a tuk-tuk to, say, Galle Face Green, and you’ll then have no issues walking to sights such as Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square and the National Museum.

A tuk-tuk is an easy way for solo travellers to get around Colombo

Cultural need-to-knows

You won’t need to be on guard in Colombo any more than you would in the average capital city. However, it’s wise to keep in mind that scammers and pickpockets may take advantage of tourists. Regarding customs, you’ll likely be given cutlery in restaurants, but eating with your right hand is customary around Asia.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article