Why Colombo is a Must-Visit for Heritage, Music and Food Lovers

If you love exploring destinations full of history, heritage, music and delicious food, you’re going to love Colombo. This beautiful city, the capital of Sri Lanka, brings together two worlds: old and new. One minute you’ll be walking through a heritage site, and the next you’ll be gorging on yummy street food. The appeal of Colombo is varied, and whatever your interests may be, there’s something waiting for you. This is why Colombo is a must-visit for heritage, music and food lovers.

Street Food 

The cuisine reveals a great deal about a city’s heritage. Street food is a big part of Colombo’s culinary scene. Head to Galle Face in the evening and you’ll find rows of vendors lining the promenade, selling favourites like isso wade – lentil fritters topped with fried prawns.

Want to try something heartier? Head to Marine Drive or Wellawatte after dark, where you’ll hear the clang of metal spoons echoing through the streets – the beckoning sign of kottu roti. It’s chopped-up flatbread mixed with vegetables and meat, cooked with generous amounts of spices.

Sri Lankans love their spicy snacks. During your food tour, try spicy pickled fruit, fried rolls and parathas. You can find all these and more at Pettah Market, a place where local life unfolds. 

For a cleaner but still authentic experience, try Independence Arcade or Racecourse.

Heritage Sites in Colombo 

Colombo is a city where history, culture and modern times mingle in the most interesting way. It’s a city that’s chaotic on the surface, but peek beneath and you’ll see culture and heritage shaped by history, ancient kingdoms and colonial days. 

Start your journey at the Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most revered religious sites in the city. Inside, you’ll find a collection of intricate carvings and statues, all surrounded by a serene atmosphere. Then visit the Dutch Period Museum in Pettah, where you can explore what life was like during the 1700s. History buffs and those who appreciate architecture will also love the Old Town Hall and St Peter’s Church, two colonial buildings that still stand today. 

Other must-visit heritage buildings include the Independence Memorial Hall, Viharamahadevi Park, the King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Prison Cell and the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. 

To make your exploration of history and heritage easier, consider where you want to stay during your time in Colombo. The good news is you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. If you prefer somewhere high-end, options include Amari Colombo, which is a popular Colombo 5-star hotel.

Colombo Jazz and Art Festival 

To enjoy some live music while admiring the local art scene, head to Hospital Street. It’s where the Colombo Jazz and Art Festival takes place. This colourful open-air event usually happens on Saturdays and Sundays, when the street fills with musicians, artists, and art and music lovers. 

The best part is that it’s all free. Plus, food vendors line the street, serving delicious street food and drinks. 

The goal of the festival is to bring art, music and community together. The festival is a massive success, and you should definitely give yourself the opportunity to experience it.

Colombo National Museum 

The Colombo National Museum holds Sri Lanka’s history, art and culture within its walls and deserves a special mention. The collection is extensive, housed within a stunning colonial-era building. Opened in 1877 by British Governor Sir William Gregory, it is the largest and oldest museum in the country.

When you enter, you’ll be greeted by a 5th-century Buddha statue in a meditation pose. From there, the displays unfold in chronological galleries, beginning with prehistoric tools and pottery, followed by artefacts from the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa periods, and later treasures from the Kandyan era. One of the highlights is the ornate throne of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, the last monarch of the Kandyan Kingdom. 

In addition to human history, the museum also includes a separate natural history wing, where rare fossils, taxidermied animals and botanical exhibits reveal Sri Lanka’s incredible biodiversity.