Colombo Holidays

Things to do in and around Colombo

Colombo, a vibrant city perfect for family and business vacations, offers a variety of activities, including shopping malls, centres, and local markets. Visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures, embark on a shopping spree, and discover the city's rich culture through day trips and sightseeing. Exploring Colombo promises an engaging blend of experiences, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement.

Shopping

Pettah Market offers a vibrant public market experience, perfect for local gifts and souvenirs. Marino Mall features family-friendly shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, visit the Gem Museum to explore exquisite gemstones and jewellery unique to Sri Lanka.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Sugathadasa Stadium, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Indulge in luxury at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, where you can enjoy high-end facilities. For a delightful day outdoors, the Royal Colombo Golf Club offers a scenic golf experience amidst lush greenery.

Adventure

At Pearl Bay, located 25.7km from Colombo, enjoy thrilling water rides and family-friendly attractions in a vibrant atmosphere. Leisure World Entertainment Park, situated 27.4km away, offers an exciting range of water activities and entertainment, perfect for a fun-filled day with loved ones.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Colombo by visiting the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre for a cultural performance, or enjoy a show at Elphinstone Theatre, both offering family-friendly entertainment and a romantic atmosphere perfect for an unforgettable evening.

Find the best attractions in Colombo

Colombo, ideal for family, city, and business-themed holidays, offers a rich blend of cultural experiences. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as temples, mosques, and urban parks. Don't miss the historic Colombo Fort, the bustling Colombo Bazaar, and the scenic Colombo Harbour, all perfect for immersing yourself in the local culture and urban charm.

• Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall: This iconic venue boasts stunning architecture and serves as a hub for international conferences and cultural events. Its serene gardens provide a perfect backdrop for networking and relaxation amidst Colombo's vibrant atmosphere.
• Colombo Town Hall: A striking example of modern civic architecture, Colombo Town Hall plays a pivotal role in local governance. The building's impressive façade and surrounding landscaped gardens create a dignified setting for public events and ceremonies.
• High Commission of India: This historic palace showcases beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, reflecting Sri Lanka's rich cultural ties with India. Visitors can appreciate its grandeur while exploring the surrounding gardens, which are steeped in history.

Best time to go to Colombo

The best time to visit Colombo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Colombo falls in April, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Colombo falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	79.7°F (26.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	80.8°F (27.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
July	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
September	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	80.2°F (26.8°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
December	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colombo

Colombo offers numerous free activities, such as visiting Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park. To save on transport, consider using Tuk-tuks, buses, and trains, which are budget-friendly options. The best months for cheaper stays are May to June and November, while booking hotels about a month in advance can yield better deals. Saturdays are the least expensive days to stay, whereas Mondays are pricier. Use Expedia to compare prices, search for hotel deals, and consider combining bookings for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Colombo are May to June and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Colombo is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Colombo is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Colombo is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To uncover the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Colombo hotel reservation with your flights and activities when you book an Expedia package.