A design-led boutique hotel in a historic Colombo 7 mansion, with dramatic interiors, a small pool and a celebrated restaurant.
- Luxury
A contemporary boutique hotel off Duplication Road with a rooftop pool and café-bar, a spa and good value for central Colombo.
- Mid-range
A stylish boutique hotel in Colombo 7 with Sri Lankan art and textiles, a rooftop pool and bar, and a focus on sustainability.
- Upscale
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Colombo at a glance
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and biggest city, and the first stop for most visitors arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, north of the city. It rewards a day or two: colonial streets in Fort, the markets of Pettah, sunset on Galle Face Green and one of the most exciting café and food scenes in South Asia.
Neighbourhoods to know
- Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens): leafy and calm, home to the National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park and many of the city’s best cafés.
- Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya): central, close to the seafront and packed with restaurants.
- Fort and Pettah: historic buildings, the main railway station and busy markets.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are everywhere. Using a ride-hailing app such as PickMe or Uber gives you a fixed, metered fare and saves haggling.
Good to know
Which area of Colombo is best for cafés?
Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens) and the neighbouring areas have the highest concentration of specialty coffee shops and brunch cafés, many within a short tuk-tuk ride of each other.
How far is Colombo from the airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport is in Katunayake, north of the city. Allow around an hour by car using the expressway, more at peak times.
How do I get around Colombo?
Tuk-tuks are the easiest option. Booking through an app such as PickMe or Uber gives you a metered fare upfront.