What to see in Colombo for free: the most complete guide for thrifty tourists

Free Colombo attractions: save without losing impressions

Colombo is a city where you can get acquainted with the culture and history of Sri Lanka with almost no budget:

• ✔ Most temples, mosques, parks and architectural monuments are available for free admission.
• ✔ We have collected more than 25 places that do not require an entrance fee, but give a complete picture of the city.

The peculiarity of Colombo is that the most atmospheric places are completely free: the Galle Face promenade at sunset, the colorful temples of Pettah, the historical buildings of the Fort district. Even some museums can be visited without payment.

Free routes around Colombo for 1-2 days

We have developed optimal routes that allow you to see a maximum of free attractions:

Categories of free attractions

All free Colombo Attractions

A complete list of places to visit without paying, indicating opening hours and how to get there:

• Galle Face

  

  The main place for evening walks in Colombo is completely free. The length of the pedestrian zone is about 1.5 km, here you can watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, taste street food and feel the atmosphere of local life.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: south of the Fort area (the promenade on the map of Colombo)

• Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque

  

  The famous Red Mosque is one of the most photogenic sights of Colombo. Built in 1909, it stands out for its unique red-and-white facade in the style of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Unfortunately, tourists are not allowed inside, but external inspection is completely free.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 11 (Pettah district), at the intersection of 2nd Cross Street and Bankshall Street (mosque on the map of Colombo)

• Viharamahadevi Park

  

  The oldest and largest urban park in Colombo, founded by the British in the XIX century. An ideal place for walking and relaxing between sightseeing. The park has beautiful alleys, fountains and a great view of the city Hall.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens district) (a park on the map of Colombo)

• Sambodhi Chaitiya

  

  A white Buddhist stupa with a height of 20 meters with a free viewing platform. From the top there is a panoramic view of the port and the Colombo Fort area. It has no historical value, but the view is definitely worth climbing.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: from 09:00-16:00, Sunday is a day off

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located near the port in Colombo 1 (stupa on the Colombo map)

• Colombo Maritime Museum

  

  Located next to the Sambodhi Chaitiya stupa on the territory of the port. The exposition is dedicated to the maritime history of Sri Lanka. Although the collection is not too large, it is interesting to combine the visit with the ascent to the observation deck of the stupa.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: from 09:00-16:00, Sunday is a day off

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located near the port in Colombo 1 (museum on the map of Colombo)

• Kathiresan Kovil

  

  Two Hindu temples (New and Old Kathiresan) located on Sea Street in Pettah district. Dedicated to the god of war Skanda. The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the evening after 17:00, when ceremonies are held.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: Ceremony time (early morning or evening)

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 11 (Pettah district), Sea Street (temples on the Colombo map)

• Old Town Hall

  

  The first building of Colombo Municipality, built in 1865 in the style of English colonial architecture. Today there is a modest museum inside. Theoretically, the visit is free, but the attendants expect a tip of 100 rupees.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, 06:00-18:00, weekend – Wednesday

  💰 Entrance fee: free (tip – 100 rupees)

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 11 (Pettah district), Street Main (Old Town Hall on the map of Colombo)

• Independence Hall

  

  A significant monument, opened in 1948 in honor of the declaration of independence of Sri Lanka. It is an open pavilion with columns, guarded by statues of lions. In the basement there is a Museum of Independence with information about national heroes.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock, Museum – 9:00-17:00, weekend – Sunday, Monday

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens district), Independence Avenue (Independence Hall on the map of Colombo)

• Grand Oriental Hotel

  

  A three-star hotel, famous for the fact that Anton Chekhov stayed here in November 1890. A commemorative plaque and a bust of the writer are installed in the lobby. Visiting the hotel lobby is free of charge, and an additional fee may be charged for inspecting Chekhov's room.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge (inspection of the lobby)

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 1 (Fort district), York Street (hotels on the Colombo map)

• Historic Cargills Building

  

  The pearl of colonial architecture of the early XX century made of red and white stone with arches. On the site of the building was previously the residence of the Dutch commander. A tour of the outside is free and gives an insight into the architectural heritage of Colombo.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: you can inspect the outside around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located in the heart of Colombo Fort district on York Street (Cargills building on the map of Colombo)

• Old Parliament Building Old Parliament

  

  Monumental neoclassical white limestone building on the Galle Face promenade. The Parliament of Ceylon met here from the 1930s until 1983. Now the Presidential Secretariat is located in the building, so you can't get inside, but an external inspection is free.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: you can inspect the outside around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located in the city center on the outskirts of Colombo Fort at the beginning of the Galle Face promenade (Old Parliament on the map of Colombo)

• St. Peters Church

  

  One of the oldest buildings in Colombo, built in 1700. Originally a chapel, later the house of the Dutch manager. Since 1821, the building has been transferred to the church, intended mainly for sailors. Finding the way to the church is not easy - you need to walk along the building of the Grand Oriental Hotel.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, 7:00-17:00

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 1 (Fort district), Church St (on the Colombo map)

• Old Lighthouse

  

  A square tower with a height of 29 m, built in 1856. It is interesting because it is the only lighthouse in the world with a clock. It is located in the center of the Fort district, but access is limited due to government offices. You can only take pictures outside.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: around the clock (external inspection only)

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 1 (Fort district), at the intersection of Chatham Street and Janadhipathi Mawatha Street (lighthouse on the Colombo map)

• Galle Buck Lighthouse

  

  The current lighthouse is the successor of the Old Lighthouse. It was built in the form of a military fortress with seven sheathed cannons at the base. A great place to meet the dawn or send off the sunset. It is located on the way to the Sambodhi Chaitiya Stupa.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 1 (Fort district), Chatham St. (lighthouse on the Colombo map)

• The Dutch Hospital

  

  A historic building of the Dutch period, which existed already in 1732. After reconstruction, it has been turned into a prestigious complex with cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Walking around the territory and visiting the architecture are free of charge.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 1 (Fort district), Hospital St (on the Colombo map)

• Pettah Floating Market

  

  An attempt to create a tourist zone, which, unfortunately, has fallen into disrepair. Visiting the territory is free of charge, but there is practically no infrastructure. It is of interest only as an example of an unsuccessful tourist project.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: restaurants are open from 8:00 to 23:00

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located in the Pettah area (floating market on the Colombo map)

• Wolvendaal Church

  

  One of the most interesting historical churches in Colombo, built in 1757 during the Dutch period. The name translates as "Valley of the Wolves" - jackals really lived here. It is closed for reconstruction, but external inspection is free.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: external inspection around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), Wolvendaal Lane (church on the map of Colombo)

• Wolfendhal Jumma Masjid Mosque

  

  A small beautiful mosque across the street from the Volvendaal Church. The building consists of two floors with a high minaret. It is free for external inspection, visiting inside - during prayers.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening Hours: Prayer time

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), Mohamed Zain Mavatha Street (mosque on the map of Colombo)

• Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil

  

  A Hindu temple of unusual architecture made of gray Indian granite with interesting carvings. Unlike other Hindu temples, it is not so colorful and lush in decoration. Free to visit.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: Ceremony time (early morning or evening)

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), Srimath Ramanadan Mawatha Street (temple on the Colombo map)

• St. Anthony Church

  

  A church with a rich history associated with the development of Catholicism in Sri Lanka. It was built in 1828. The interior is luxurious, with many statues of saints. Saint Anthony, according to beliefs, helps to return lost things.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, 5.00-8.30

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), St. Anthony Mawatha Street (church on the map of Colombo)

• St. Lucia Cathedral

  

  One of the oldest and largest churches in Sri Lanka, built by the Dutch in 1782. It houses the residence of the Catholic archbishop. Statues of saints, wooden confessionals, a marble font and an old organ are of interest.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, 5.30-12.00 and 14.00-19.00

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), St. Lucia St (church on the map of Colombo)

• Grand Mosque Colombo

  

  The oldest and largest mosque in Sri Lanka, which existed before the arrival of the Portuguese in the XVI century. It is the center for the management of Muslim communities in the country. It was rebuilt several times, but retained its significance.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: prayer time, day off - Friday

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 12 (Kochchikade district), New Moor Street (mosque on the map of Colombo)

• Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam

  

  The largest and oldest Hindu temple in Colombo, dedicated to the gods Shiva and Ganesha. The colorful towers and interior decoration are impressive. Admission is free, but they can ask for 100 rupees for a photo.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, morning and evening

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 2 (Slave Island), in the eastern part of the big lake Biera (temple on the Colombo map)

• Sri Shiva Subramaniam Swami Kovil

  

  A Hindu temple built around 1870. Despite religious attachment, it is multi-confessional - representatives of different religions come here. A huge carved tower with many statues is bright and colorful.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening Hours: Ceremony time

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 2 (Slave Island district), at the intersection of Kew Rd with Sri Murugan St (temple on the Colombo map)

• National Art Gallery

  

  Located next to the National Museum. The exposition contains permanent and temporary exhibitions of works by local artists. The exhibition is modest - only one floor, but it is of interest to art lovers. Admission is absolutely free.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, 9:00-17:00, weekend – full moon days Poya

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens district) (gallery on the Colombo map)

• Street Gallery Street Art Gallery

  

  Original open-air art space next to Viharamadevi Park. Local artists put up paintings for sale right on the sidewalk. You can find interesting works, you shouldn't go on purpose, but if you find yourself nearby, take a look.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: during daytime

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located in Colombo 7 near Viharamadevi Park on Green Path Street (gallery on the Colombo map)

• Cinnamon Gardens Baptist Church

  

  One of the main Baptist churches in the country with a rich history dating back to 1813. A unique place with a multiethnic community, open to all. Creates a truly international and friendly atmosphere.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens), Dharmapala Mawatha Street (church on the map of Colombo)

• Sri Sambodhi Maha Viharaya

  

  A Buddhist temple a kilometer east of Viharamahadevi Park. The structure consists of five tiers, has several outbuildings and a beautiful courtyard with Buddha figures and a Bodhi tree. One of the most interesting temples in Colombo.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens district), Gregory Road (temple on the Colombo map)

• Gotami Vihara

  

  A small temple of the early XX century, famous for frescoes on the walls inside depicting scenes from the life of Gautama Buddha. The murals were painted by prominent Sri Lankan artist George Keith in 1939-1940. Free to visit.

  Practical Information

  🕐Working hours: during daytime.

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 8 (Borella district), Gothami Rd (temple on the Colombo map)

• Borella Cemetery

  

  The Central cemetery of Colombo, the territory of which is conditionally divided into parts according to the religious beliefs of the buried. Separate places are allocated for the burial of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus. Sometimes you can see symbolic cremation rituals.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: daily, until 19.30

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 8 (Borella district), Bauddhaloka Mawatha street (cemetery on the map of Colombo)

• Siri Vajiraramaya Temple

  

  A sacred place for every Buddhist, built in 1901. Despite its modest size and unremarkable appearance, it is one of the centers of Buddhism. It is believed that this is where the spread of this faith around the world comes from.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: during daytime

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 4 (Bambalapitiya district), Vajira Road (temple on the Colombo map)

• Isipathanaramaya Temple

  

  The temple was built in 1915 with a large number of frescoes and paintings depicting various stages of the life of Gautama Buddha. Colorful images adorn the walls and ceiling. Preserved in its original form. Free to visit.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Working hours: during daytime

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 5 (Havelock Town district), Isipathana Mawatha Street (temple on the Colombo map)

• The Victoria Memorial Eye Hospital

  

  The most beautiful building in the Indo-Saracenic style, built in 1905. Named in honor of the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria. It looks spectacular today, but the maintenance is not carried out properly. Outside inspection is free.

  Practical Information

  🕐 Working hours: around the clock.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 10 (Maradana), at the intersection of Perera Mawatha and Ward Pl. (on the Colombo map)

• Dewatagaha Mosque

  

  The second most important mosque in Colombo with a 150-year history. The foundation is fanned by the legend of a saint who helped a poor woman. Attracts spiritual purity and notable architecture with elegant minarets. Free to visit.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening Hours: Prayer time

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 10, St. C WW Kannangara Mawatha (on the Colombo map)

• Museum of Money

  

  A little-known but interesting place with absolutely free admission. It offers an extensive exposition on the history of the country's money. It's not worth going on purpose, but if you find yourself in the Fort area for currency exchange, go in for an informative idea of the island's economy.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: from 09:00 to 16:00, lunch from 13:15 to 14:15, weekends - Saturday and Sunday

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo Fort district on Chatham street (museum on the map of Colombo)

• Khan clock tower

  

  The historical tower of the early XX century, built as a memorial in honor of the son of a rich merchant. It serves as a recognizable landmark in the Colombo Fort business district. Located on a busy transport interchange, it is impossible to get inside. It is more convenient to see on the way to other attractions.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: between Fort and Pettah districts on the Main Street road ring (clock tower on the map of Colombo)

• Port City

  

  A new area under construction on artificial land in the center of Colombo. So far, only the Marina pedestrian promenade is available, which offers a beautiful view of Galle Face Green. There is nothing more to do, but for a photo on the background of the city - a good place.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: Port City continues the Fort area towards the sea (Port City on the map of Colombo)

• Friendship Bridge

  

  Beautiful modern pedestrian bridge in the new area of Port City. So far, except for the bridge and a small part of the embankment, there are only construction sites around. We recommend it only if you have free time for beautiful photos with a view of the city.

  Practical Information

  🕑 Opening hours: around the clock

  💰 Entrance fee: free of charge

  🚶 How to get there: located on the territory of the Port City district under construction (Port City on the map of Colombo)