What is the best area to stay in Colombo?
By Shantalie Hewavisenti. January 15, 2024
Experience the fascinating contrast between Sri Lanka’s colonial past and its dynamic aspirations for the future in the ever-expanding metropolis of Colombo. Look past the mildewed concrete and gridlocked traffic, and you will be rewarded with the warmest welcome from the friendly locals and a truly unique travel adventure. With a cosmopolitan mix of cultures calling the Sri Lankan capital home, Colombo is a real treat for the senses. So whether you are looking for luxury beach resorts, eclectic nightlife offerings, vibrant shopping experiences or delicious food, Colombo is a destination that won’t disappoint.
When finding a base in Colombo, Kollupitiya is the place to be. Once known for its iconic colonial brewery, Kollupitiya has undergone some drastic changes in recent years, and it is now one of the city’s commercial hubs. Here, you’ll have your pick of great hotels, diverse restaurant offerings and the best shopping opportunities Colombo offers. Kollupitiya is also perfectly located and provides easy access to some of Colombo’s top attractions, including the National Museum, Independence Square, The Old Parliament Building and Pettah Market - all within walking distance or accessible via public transport.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Colombo, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Colombo, you may also be interested in where to stay in Mumbai and where to stay in New Delhi.
Kollupitiya, the best area to stay in Colombo
First Time / Tourists / Couples
Each year, thousands of tourists from across the globe flock to Colombo, attracted by the city’s rich history, pleasant climate, beautiful natural landscapes. and phenomenal nightlife. Kollupitya lies right in the heart of it all, making it the perfect choice for visitors looking to experience the best of everything Colombo offers in terms of cultural attractions, gastronomic offerings and commercial opportunities.
This densely populated neighbourhood is home to a diverse crowd, including wealthy locals, business owners and expats. From visiting must-see cultural gems such as the iconic Gangaramaya Temple and getting an authentic Sri Lankan shopping experience at Kollupitya market or people-watching at Galle Face Green or sipping a tropical cocktail and watching the sunset at one of the local beach bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to attractions and activities in the vicinity of Kollupitiya.
Alternative neighbourhoods to stay in Colombo
Fort
History Buffs / Culture Vultures
For history buffs and culture vultures looking to be close to the city centre while immersing themselves in Sri Lanka’s storied past, Fort is the place to be, especially if this is your first time in Colombo. This charming, albeit less developed, area of the capital has grown to become its financial district. Fort is home to the Colombo Stock Exchange at the World Trade Centre building.
If you are enthusiastic about experiencing Colombo’s history, you’ll love all the stunning colonial buildings and monuments scattered around the area, including the 16th-century Portuguese Fort, which gives the neighbourhood its name. For entertainment, join local business people and visitors at the Old Dutch Hospital Precinct, where you’ll find a wealth of high-quality shopping and dining options housed within Colombo’s oldest heritage building.
Wellawatte
Artists / Creatives / Beaches
Located just 10 minutes from the heart of bustling Kollupitya is the bohemian neighbourhood of Wellawatte. With a more peaceful atmosphere, Wellwatte has become a hub for artists and creatives. The area is home to a wealth of jewellery and textile shops, and the Gandhara Shop comes highly recommended if you are on the hunt for unique local crafts. The historic Savoy Cinema is another must-see attraction located in Wellawatte.
What’s more, when it comes to unwinding, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from Wellawatte Beach, one of the most popular spots in Colombo and home to several high-quality seafood restaurants. Wellawatte is the perfect neighbourhood for creative types who want easy access to all of Colombo’s amenities while enjoying a slightly slower pace of life.
Cinnamon Gardens
Business Travellers/ Shopaholics/ Sports Fanatics
The leafy, upscale Cinnamon Gardens is an excellent choice for business travellers, shopaholics and sports fanatics. Home to the iconic SSC Cricket Ground, Cinnamon Gardens is the perfect spot for those keen on catching a bit of Sri Lanka’s national obsession. Other sporting centres, such as the NCC, CCC Cricket Grounds, and Race Course Rugby Ground, are nearby.
Based in Colombo 7, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the city’s wealthiest residents and foreign diplomats. Escape frenetic city life by heading to Viharamahadevi Park, an oasis of calm in the bustling metropolis. Other notable attractions in the area include Colombo Town Hall and the Planetarium. If a spot of retail therapy is the order of the day, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the offerings available in Cinnamon Gardens. From Odel, Sri Lanka’s most fashionable department store, and the recently revamped Colombo Race Course Shopping Complex to souvenir shops such as Laksala and Paradise Road, there is no doubt you’ll find some of Colombo’s best shopping experiences here.
Borella
Travellers Familiar with Colombo / Looking for a Off the Beaten Path Experience
Borella is a fantastic, off-the-beaten-path option for those who’ve visited Colombo or travellers looking for a more authentic Sri Lankan holiday experience. This quiet neighbourhood in Colombo 8 is home to a diverse local community of Sinhalese, Tamils and Burgher people. Testament to the multi-cultural nature of the area, you’ll find Buddhist temples alongside churches and mosques. When it comes to accommodation options, there are plenty of boutique hotels in Borella, each with its unique charm.
Despite offering a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, Borella is just 15 minutes away from Kollupitiya, which means that travellers can still access the best shopping, restaurant and nightlife amenities that Colombo has to offer while simultaneously getting some authentic insights into the local population and their culture.
Our recommended hotels in Colombo
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in ColomboNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
