Neighborhood guide
Where to Stay in Colombo
The 3 areas worth basing yourself in Colombo, Sri Lanka — ranked by our editors, with walking distances from the center. First-timers: start with Fort.
City centerNeighborhoodsClick the map to enable scroll zoom
Decide by trip type
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We’ll match Colombo’s neighborhoods to how you travel — and show you why.
Top pick
Fort
Old colonial centre — the Dutch Hospital food court, the lighthouse clock.
22 min walk from center
#2
Galle Face Green
Seafront promenade — kite flying, street food, sunset crowds.
29 min walk from center
#3
Cinnamon Gardens
Leafy embassy neighborhood — restaurants, boutique hotels, the museum.
32 min walk from center
Getting around
Tuktuks via PickMe app are cheap and metered; trains down the coast are scenic and easy.
Take the southern train to Galle for the Indian Ocean coastline — a half-day in a window seat.