Sri Lanka’s cultural capital Colombo is a city of seething energy and action, where sprawling market bazaars mingle with post-colonial architecture and the world-famous beachfront stretches for miles and miles into the distance, forming a picturesque and undeniably inviting divide between the metropolis and Indian Ocean.
While no longer officially the political centre of the island (that honour now falls to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, technically an outer-city suburb of Colombo itself), the wide boulevards and bustling day-to-day life here are definitely the most immersive on Sri Lanka. For the heritage-hungry visitor, colonial history museums and art galleries abound, while for those simply after a taste of the island’s unique cultural vibe, the open market spaces and burgeoning café scene simply can’t be beat.
Be sure to check with your Colombo tour guide about the best gastronomic hotspots between the beachfront Green Promenade and bustling Galle Road, the throbbing heart of the city and focal point for eateries both grand and earthy. If you’re after something even livelier, then head to Mount Lavinia, where bars, clubs and beach bars spill out onto the sand, nurturing a great nightlife vibe that comes with an extra helping of chilled-out charm for being just outside of the centre.