How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
1. Galle Face Green
A popular seafront park offering scenic views and local food stalls. Avoid overpriced items by buying from the inner stalls and haggle for a better price.
- Price Negotiation: Prices can be negotiated with the vendors
- Inner Stalls: Inner stalls usually offer cheaper items
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the beautiful sunset and coastal views while avoiding tourist traps
2. Pettah Market
A bustling marketplace offering a variety of goods. Visit the local shops for authentic items instead of street vendors to avoid overpriced tourist merchandise.
- Local Shops: Buying from local shops ensures quality and fair prices
- Avoid Street Vendors: Street vendors may sell overpriced tourist merchandise
- Variety of Goods: Find a wide range of goods from textiles to electronics
3. Independence Square
An impressive monument built for Sri Lanka's independence. Avoid restaurants and shops surrounding the square as they often mark up prices for tourists.
- Surrounding Restaurants: Avoid overpriced restaurants around Independence Square
- Monument Significance: Witness the historical importance of Sri Lanka's independence
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the architecturally-rich building
4. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
An iconic mosque with intricate architecture. Avoid tour guides offering inside tours, as it's free to enter and explore on your own.
- Free Entry: The mosque can be visited for free
- Intricate Architecture: Appreciate the beautiful craftsmanship of the mosque's design
- No Tour Guides: Avoid unnecessary expenses on guided tours
5. Beira Lake
A picturesque lake surrounded by upscale areas. Avoid dining at restaurants along the lake as they tend to be overpriced. Visit nearby Gangaramaya Temple instead.
- Overpriced Restaurants: Avoid expensive dining options around Beira Lake
- Gangaramaya Temple: Visit the unique and culturally-rich Gangaramaya Temple nearby
- Picturesque Lake: Enjoy beautiful views of Beira Lake
6. National Museum of Colombo
A treasure trove of Sri Lanka's history. Avoid buying souvenirs from vendors within the museum as they may overcharge.
- No Overpriced Souvenirs: Avoid purchasing overpriced souvenirs inside the museum
- Sri Lanka's History: Learn about the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka
- Spacious Exhibits: Explore large, well-organized exhibits showcasing artifacts
7. Gangaramaya Temple
A unique temple with a mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles. Avoid gem stores inside the temple that offer overpriced items.
- No Overpriced Gems: Avoid purchasing expensive gems from shops inside the temple
- Mixed Architectural Styles: Experience a fusion of architectural styles in one temple
- Cultural Diversity: Learn about the cultural diversity within Sri Lanka
8. Gangabewela Temple
A serene Buddhist temple hidden amidst busy streets. Avoid offering money to monks outside the temple, and instead donate at the main shrine.
- Donation Locations: Donate at the main shrine instead of giving money to monks outside
- Serene Atmosphere: Experience a peaceful environment within the temple
- Hidden Temple: Discover this hidden gem amidst the bustling city
9. Colombo Fort
An area filled with historical buildings and upscale restaurants. Avoid dining at restaurants near tourist attractions as they tend to be overpriced.
- Overpriced Restaurants: Avoid expensive dining options near Colombo Fort's attractions
- Historical Buildings: Visit the well-preserved colonial buildings
- Upscale Shopping: Indulge in upscale shopping opportunities
10. Indian Market (Pettah Central Market)
A large market offering a variety of goods. Avoid buying jewelry or electronics as they may be overpriced or low-quality.
- Overpriced Jewelry: Avoid purchasing jewelry that's overpriced
- Variety of Goods: Find a wide range of goods from textiles to electronics
- Haggling Opportunities: Negotiate prices for the best deals
11. Old Parliament Building
A beautiful building showcasing Sri Lanka's colonial history. Avoid tour guides offering inside tours, as it's not open to the public.
- No Inside Tours: The Old Parliament Building is not accessible for guided tours
- Architectural Beauty: Appreciate the architectural beauty of this historic building
- Photography Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the building's facade and surrounding area
12. Viharamahadevi Park
Colombo's largest city park offering tranquil surroundings. Avoid buying food from vendors inside the park as it may be overpriced.
- Overpriced Food Vendors: Avoid buying expensive food from vendors within the park
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Relax and unwind in a peaceful setting
- Local Flora and Fauna: Enjoy the beautiful local plants and wildlife
13. Slave Island
A residential area with a rich history. Avoid high-end restaurants along the main road as they are overpriced. Instead, visit local eateries for authentic Sri Lankan food.
- Overpriced Restaurants: Avoid expensive dining options along Slave Island's main road
- Authentic Sri Lankan Food: Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in local eateries
- Residential Area: Explore the residential neighborhood with a rich history
14. St. Lucia's Cathedral
A beautiful Anglican cathedral built in the late 19th century. Avoid tour guides offering inside tours, as it's free to enter and explore on your own.
- Free Entry: The cathedral can be visited for free
- Architectural Beauty: Appreciate the stunning Gothic-Revival architecture
- No Tour Guides: Avoid unnecessary expenses on guided tours
15. Modern Art Gallery (Wattego Temple)
A Buddhist temple transformed into a contemporary art gallery. Avoid purchasing artwork from vendors inside the gallery as they may overcharge.
- Overpriced Artwork: Avoid purchasing expensive artwork from vendors within the gallery
- Modern Art Gallery: Experience contemporary Sri Lankan and international art
- Historical Temple: Appreciate the history of the converted temple