How to Spend One Day in Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Planning to spend just one day in Colombo and wondering how to make the most of it? You are not alone. Many travellers begin or end their Sri Lankan journey in this bustling capital, and with the right plan, one day is all you need to uncover its cultural and historical charm.

During our visit, we used Colombo as both our entry and exit point – and while many see it as just a transit city, we discovered it offers a lot more. From colonial landmarks to colourful temples and sky-high city views, Colombo is a fascinating blend of old and new, with layers of history waiting to be explored.

In this one-day itinerary, I will guide you through a well-paced schedule that showcases Colombo’s most iconic religious sites, colonial architecture, and national treasures – all with realistic timing, tuk-tuk transfers, and a relaxed pace that suits midlife travellers.

Whether you’re soaking up the local scene at Galle Face Green or dining at world-renowned Ministry of Crab, this guide helps you experience the best of Colombo without the stress of trying to see it all. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).