Colombo Court Blog Colombo
How many days do you need in Colombo?
One night, two days or four? A practical answer for a city that many people treat as an airport stop, from a team who want you to enjoy it.
Most itineraries give Colombo one night at the start of a trip and one at the end. We think that is too short, and that four days is usually too long. Here is what each option offers.
One night
One night is enough to recover from a flight, and that is perfectly reasonable. If you land at three in the morning and leave for the hill country at nine, do not try to sightsee. Sleep, have breakfast, have a swim, and then set off.
If you have a free evening, go to Galle Face Green from half past five and then on to a rooftop. It makes a very good Colombo evening, and it costs little more than the tuk-tuk fare.
Two days, which is our answer
Two days gives you time to see the temple, Fort, Independence Square and the National Museum without hurrying, to enjoy two good meals, and to spend an afternoon relaxing. It is also long enough for Colombo to feel like a place to enjoy, rather than a series of traffic queues between sights.
We have written the order we would do it in, including a restful break between two and four in the afternoon.
Three days
Worth it if you would like a day trip. Galle, a walled Dutch fort town by the sea, is two hours away on the expressway and offers something quite different. Kalutara and Bentota are closer. Negombo is near the airport and worth an afternoon if your flight leaves at an inconvenient time.
Four or more
Only if you are working, or if you plan to use Colombo as a base for day trips. This is a good way to see the south-west of the island without packing and unpacking every night. As a sightseeing destination on its own, Colombo does not need four days.
The split we would recommend
Spend two nights at the start of your trip rather than one at the end. Arriving tired in an unfamiliar city can be difficult, while leaving from a city you already know is easy. Popular restaurants and spa treatments also get booked up, and they are easier to arrange when you are not leaving the next morning.
Have a look at the rooms, or send us your dates on WhatsApp and we will advise you on whether a second night is worthwhile.
