Clock Inn Colombo
A clean, good-value hostel on Galle Road, popular as a safe first base in Colombo.
- Budget
Colombo Beach Hostel
A lively party hostel near Mount Lavinia beach, with cocktail nights and dorms and private rooms.
- Budget
Clock Inn Dehiwala
A boutique-style hostel near Mount Lavinia beach, with workspaces, lounges and free breakfast, popular with digital nomads.
- Mid-range
SeSaya Poshtel & Bistro
Billed as Colombo’s first luxury poshtel, with private pods, co-working, meeting rooms and a rooftop bistro and bar.
- Mid-range
- Luxury poshtel
- Co-working
- Rooftop bar
Hangover Hostels Colombo
The Colombo branch of Sri Lanka’s best-known home-grown hostel brand, a short walk from the sea in Bambalapitiya.
- Budget
C1 Colombo Fort
A quiet, stylish hostel-style stay in Fort, near the Khan Clock Tower, the Dutch Museum and the harbour.
- Mid-range
Bunkyard Hostels
A sociable, budget hostel in Colombo, a favourite with backpackers looking to meet people.
- Budget
Drop Inn Hostel
A relaxed, boho-style hostel in a quiet Colombo neighbourhood, with a garden café, quiz nights and street food tours.
- Budget
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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.