Colombo City Tour by Open-Deck Bus
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Colombo City Tour by Open-Deck Bus

Active
(5 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This weekday tour lets you glimpse the heart of Colombo city - that living core formed from its history, culture, architecture, and people. Travel on an open-topped double-decker tour bus around the city watching the most important locations that are seeped in local or old colonial history, or are unique and beautifully built by famous architects, or even the best shopping precincts to visit. This tour gives you an overview of them all to the busy traveler in Sri Lanka who is very short on time. A very appropriate tour for a flight stopover or first day in Sri Lanka.

Available options

Colombo City Tour by Bus

LK60013400: Your tour will start at either 9:00 am or 3:30 pm on a weekday depending on your booking.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Live commentary in English by professional Guide
Open Deck tour as per Itinerary
500 ml bottle of mineral water

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Galle Face Green is a 5 ha (12 acres) ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m (1,600 ft) along the coast, in the heart of Colombo, the financial and business capital of Sri Lanka. The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today. The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but was also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis, and rugby.

2

Colombo Lighthouse is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. It is located at Galbokka Point south of the Port of Colombo on the waterfront along the marine drive, in Colombo fort.

3

Port City Colombo is a multi-services special economic zone located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is currently under construction on reclaimed land adjacent to the Galle Face Green.

Port City Colombo aims to facilitate connections to the South Asian market through investment opportunities, international business environments, world-class infrastructure, and high-quality sustainable living.

4

Fort railway station is a major rail hub in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The station is served by Sri Lanka Railways, with many inter-city and commuter trains entering each day. Fort Station is the main rail gateway to central Colombo; it is the terminus of most intercity trains in the country.

5

The Pettah Floating Markets are located on Bastian Mawatha in Pettah, a neighborhood in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and consist of 92 trade stalls, with a number of the stalls established on boats on Beira Lake. The floating market serves as a tourist attraction selling local produce and local handicraft.

6

The Lotus Tower, also known as the Colombo Lotus Tower, stands at a height of 351.5 meters (1,153 feet) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It has become a symbolic landmark for the country. It ranks as the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world. The lotus-shaped structure serves various purposes, including communication and observation, as well as leisure facilities.

7

Beira Lake is a man-made lake in the centre of the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The lake is surrounded by many large businesses in the city. It initially occupied approximately 1.65 km² of land 100 years ago but has since been reduced to 0.65 km² today due to various reasons.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

The Colombo National Museum, also known as the Sri Lanka National Museum, is a museum in Colombo and the largest in Sri Lanka. Founded in 1877 and maintained by the Department of National Museums, it holds collections of significant importance to Sri Lanka, such as the regalia of the Kandyan monarchs, as well as many other exhibits relating the country's cultural and natural heritage.

9

The Nelum Pokuna Theatre is a performing arts centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The theatre opened on 15 December 2011. The architecture of the theatre is inspired by the 12th century Nelum Pokuna (lotus pond) in Polonnaruwa.

The building spreads over 14,000 m2 (150,000 sq ft) of floor area.

10

Viharamahadevi Park is a public park located in Cinnamon Gardens, in Colombo, situated in front of the colonial-era Town Hall in Sri Lanka. It was built by the British colonial administration and is the oldest and largest park of Colombo. The park was originally named "Victoria Park" after Queen Victoria but was renamed after Queen Viharamahadevi, the mother of King Dutugamunu on July 18, 1958.

11

The Town Hall of Colombo is the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the mayor of Colombo. Built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

12
Stop 12

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for the commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule, with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on 4 February 1948. It is located in Independence Square in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.

13

The Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall is a convention center located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Built between 1970 and 1973, the convention centre was a gift from the People's Republic of China in memory of Solomon Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, Prime Minister.

14
Stop 14

Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century.

What's not included

Food and Drinks
Expenses of Personal Nature
Gratuities (Optional)

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 1.0
1 reviews
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4★
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1★
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Tripadvisor 4.8
4 reviews
5★
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4★
1
3★
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1★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo
By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy
115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle
120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo
35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

  • Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
  • Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
  • Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
  • Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
Get Price per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-80
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 8
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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