Guidebook for Colombo
Sightseeing
A collection of our recommended stops. Remember that Foozoo offers guided tours and customised tours in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka.
Independence Square is a historical landmark and the setting for many important national events, celebrations and festivals.
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Independence Square
Independence SquareIndependence Square is a historical landmark and the setting for many important national events, celebrations and festivals.
National Museum
Sir Marcus Fernando MawathaGalle Face
Gangaramaya Temple
61 Sri Jinarathana RdThe nicest beach you can find in Colombo. Offers a host of lovely bars and restaurants along the beach as well.
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Mount Lavinia Beach
The nicest beach you can find in Colombo. Offers a host of lovely bars and restaurants along the beach as well.
A beautiful church you can drop in and check out. 5 minutes from Foozoo.
St. Theresa's Catholic Church
364 Thimbirigasyaya RoadA beautiful church you can drop in and check out. 5 minutes from Foozoo.
A more traditional temple compared to the touristy Gangaramaya Temple
Isipathanaramaya Buddhist Temple
Isipathana RoadA more traditional temple compared to the touristy Gangaramaya Temple
A beautifully landscaped park used for walking and hanging out. A good place to observe local life.
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Wali Park
Nawala RoadA beautifully landscaped park used for walking and hanging out. A good place to observe local life.
A large park with a shopping area that mostly specialised in ornamental plants, fish and Sri Lankan food. Some good restaurants are also in the area. One of Colombo's underrated venues when it comes to witnessing local life and culture.
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Diyatha Uyana
B240A large park with a shopping area that mostly specialised in ornamental plants, fish and Sri Lankan food. Some good restaurants are also in the area. One of Colombo's underrated venues when it comes to witnessing local life and culture.
Essentials
Supermarkets and Pharmacies and other important places
Asiri Surgical Hospital
21 Kirimandala MawathaNational Hospital of Sri Lanka
ENT Ward RoadA well-stocked supermarket operating as part of a chain. Offers a bakery section, fresh fruits and veggies as well as a pharmacy.
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Keells - Thimbirigasyaya
487/22 Thimbirigasyaya RdA well-stocked supermarket operating as part of a chain. Offers a bakery section, fresh fruits and veggies as well as a pharmacy.
Healthguard Pharmacy - Thimbirigasyaya
391 Thimbirigasyaya RoadA well-stocked pharmacy just minutes from Foozoo
One of Colombo's premier hospitals for the common cold or a more serious condition. They have emergency service and works around the clock.
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Lanka Hospitals
578 Elvitigala MawathaOne of Colombo's premier hospitals for the common cold or a more serious condition. They have emergency service and works around the clock.
This is the closest hospital to Foozoo and has a doctor on call at all times.
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Asiri Surgical Hospital
21 Kirimandala MawathaThis is the closest hospital to Foozoo and has a doctor on call at all times.
This supermarket stores alcohol. It is not so great for other grocery shopping though. There are however a few liquor stores located much closer to Foozoo but not listed online. Speak to the team for directions.
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Cargills Food City
90 Thimbirigasyaya RdThis supermarket stores alcohol. It is not so great for other grocery shopping though. There are however a few liquor stores located much closer to Foozoo but not listed online. Speak to the team for directions.
The place to go for visa renewals and visa related matters. About 30 minutes away by tuk-tuk.
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Department of Immigration and Emigration
Subuthi DriveThe place to go for visa renewals and visa related matters. About 30 minutes away by tuk-tuk.
Narahenpita Police Station
Elvitigala MawathaThe nearest police station to Foozoo.
Getting Around
This is a handy guide to getting to and from Foozoo and some other helpful tips.
If you are arriving into Colombo by train along the Negombo line, Trincomalee line, Up Country line for example (all north and west of Colombo) This station is just before the main Station (Colombo Fort) and is much closer to Foozoo. A tuk tuk ride from here should be about Rs.300
It is also the bes station to start from if you are heading south (Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Matara and beyond). Because most southbound trains start here and you are more likely to get a seat!
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Maradana Railway Station
Jayantha Weerasekara MawathaIf you are arriving into Colombo by train along the Negombo line, Trincomalee line, Up Country line for example (all north and west of Colombo) This station is just before the main Station (Colombo Fort) and is much closer to Foozoo. A tuk tuk ride from here should be about Rs.300
It is also the bes station to start from if you are heading south (Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Matara and beyond). Because most southbound trains start here and you are more likely to get a seat!
This is Sri Lanka's main station. And is usually the start and end of all train journeys. (See our notes on other stations). This is also where you should ideally visit should you need to reserve train seats in advance.
A tuk-tuk from here should not cost more than Rs.400
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Colombo Fort Station
This is Sri Lanka's main station. And is usually the start and end of all train journeys. (See our notes on other stations). This is also where you should ideally visit should you need to reserve train seats in advance.
A tuk-tuk from here should not cost more than Rs.400
Not a lot of trains stop here but this is the closest main station to Foozoo (about 1km). You can use this station to get to Maradana or Fort Railway stations to catch a connecting train.
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Narahenpita Railway Station
Colombo 5Not a lot of trains stop here but this is the closest main station to Foozoo (about 1km). You can use this station to get to Maradana or Fort Railway stations to catch a connecting train.
This is the closest station to Foozoo on the Southern Railway Line. However, not all trains stop here. So check in advance.
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Bambalapitiya Railway Station
Bambalapitiya TerraceThis is the closest station to Foozoo on the Southern Railway Line. However, not all trains stop here. So check in advance.
Colombo city has several bus stands and it is important to know which bus starts from where. Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand is dedicated to private buses.
Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
Olcott MawathaColombo city has several bus stands and it is important to know which bus starts from where. Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand is dedicated to private buses.
Gunasinghapura Bus Stand station
The second private bus stand in Colombo City.
Almost all main Government sector (public) buses start and terminate at this bus stand.
Colombo Central Bus Stand station
Olcott MawathaAlmost all main Government sector (public) buses start and terminate at this bus stand.
Foozoo offers airport transfers to and from the airport. Airport pickups happen from within the arrival lounge and involve a driving waiting for your arrival with name-board.
If you are travelling on your own, you can use local services like Pick-Me or Uber.
You can also use public transport but this is not encouraged after dark.
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Bandaranaike International Airport
Canada Friendship RdFoozoo offers airport transfers to and from the airport. Airport pickups happen from within the arrival lounge and involve a driving waiting for your arrival with name-board.
If you are travelling on your own, you can use local services like Pick-Me or Uber.
You can also use public transport but this is not encouraged after dark.
Food & About
Java is considered as the place you can get the best coffee in Colombo.
They also serve great pasta, sandwiches and cakes. So if you still prefer something for the western palette this should be your go-to place.
10 minutes walk from Foozoo
Java Lounge - Serving Starbucks Coffee
135 Jawatta RdGreat coffee just a few minutes up the road. Also offers some delightful snacks so ideal for breakfast or a quick bite anytime of night and day.
5 minutes walk from Foozoo
Cafe Noir Blanc
Thimbirigasyaya RoadGreat coffee just a few minutes up the road. Also offers some delightful snacks so ideal for breakfast or a quick bite anytime of night and day.
5 minutes walk from Foozoo
Owned and managed by our dear friend Chanditha, Callisto is the perfect dinner spot with great ambience. And because it is run together with Colombo's best Pizzeria (Giovanni's) you get a lot to choose from. Open from about 6.00 pm every night and just a 6-minute walk from Foozoo.
Callisto Italian restaurant
Owned and managed by our dear friend Chanditha, Callisto is the perfect dinner spot with great ambience. And because it is run together with Colombo's best Pizzeria (Giovanni's) you get a lot to choose from. Open from about 6.00 pm every night and just a 6-minute walk from Foozoo.
They say it's the best Pizzeria in Colombo. We agree.
Great ambience too.
A 6-minute walk from Foozoo
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Giovanni's
145 Thimbirigasyaya RdThey say it's the best Pizzeria in Colombo. We agree.
Great ambience too.
A 6-minute walk from Foozoo
Isso (meaning prawns) specialises in just that. They have a wide-ranging menu that features prawns in different styles. A must visit if you enjoy sea-food.
10 minutes walk from Foozoo
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Isso Express
Isso (meaning prawns) specialises in just that. They have a wide-ranging menu that features prawns in different styles. A must visit if you enjoy sea-food.
10 minutes walk from Foozoo
Dineash Foods
Excellent vegetarian food for cheap cheap.
8-minute walk from Foozoo
Sri Lankans love a good pastry shop. And the Fab is one of the best around. And if you like to try out some essential Sri Lankan fare make sure you try their ice coffee, milk toffe, coconut toffee, love cake and vegetable samosa. And if you happen to drop in around lunchtime, check if you can get hold of their Lamprais ( a rice dish wrapped in banana leaf).
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The Fab
571 Thimbirigasyaya RdSri Lankans love a good pastry shop. And the Fab is one of the best around. And if you like to try out some essential Sri Lankan fare make sure you try their ice coffee, milk toffe, coconut toffee, love cake and vegetable samosa. And if you happen to drop in around lunchtime, check if you can get hold of their Lamprais ( a rice dish wrapped in banana leaf).
Great local pub-grub with crazy local atmosphere.
Can get particularly loud and chaotic during cricket matches.
Perfect if you are looking for a local experience. Prices are also super reasonable.
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Randoli RNB
88 Kirula RdGreat local pub-grub with crazy local atmosphere.
Can get particularly loud and chaotic during cricket matches.
Perfect if you are looking for a local experience. Prices are also super reasonable.
Great German fare and ingredients. Has odd operating times so call before you drop in. About 8 minutes from Foozoo.
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German Artisan Bakery
461 Thimbirigasyaya RdGreat German fare and ingredients. Has odd operating times so call before you drop in. About 8 minutes from Foozoo.
Take a tuk-tuk and head to Buba on any sunny afternoon and watch a stunning sunset unravel while you sip Lion beer and nibble on fantastic seafood. Located under large palm trees with thatched roofing, this is an experience not to be missed if you like to do things with an island vibe.
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Buba Beach Seafood Restaurant
Take a tuk-tuk and head to Buba on any sunny afternoon and watch a stunning sunset unravel while you sip Lion beer and nibble on fantastic seafood. Located under large palm trees with thatched roofing, this is an experience not to be missed if you like to do things with an island vibe.
This is a large 5-star hotel with a seemingly infinite choice of restaurants, bars and cafes. Really. So we made a list of our favourites here:
Cheers Pub
Nuga Gama - Themed Sri Lankan restaurant under large Banyan Tree
Noodles - Great food for reasonable prices
Lagoon - Seafood heaven
Breeze Bar - Sipping drinks by the pool
Coffee stop - Quick bite in the lobby with live music
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Cinnamon Grand Colombo
77 Galle RdThis is a large 5-star hotel with a seemingly infinite choice of restaurants, bars and cafes. Really. So we made a list of our favourites here:
Cheers Pub
Nuga Gama - Themed Sri Lankan restaurant under large Banyan Tree
Noodles - Great food for reasonable prices
Lagoon - Seafood heaven
Breeze Bar - Sipping drinks by the pool
Coffee stop - Quick bite in the lobby with live music
Ideal for sunny afternoons. Small but excellent menu with loads of Sri Lankan influence. The gallery within also features some good art and the restaurant is actually an extension to the main lifestyle store which is also featured in our shopping section.
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Barefoot Garden Cafe
704 Galle RdIdeal for sunny afternoons. Small but excellent menu with loads of Sri Lankan influence. The gallery within also features some good art and the restaurant is actually an extension to the main lifestyle store which is also featured in our shopping section.
The Paradise Road Gallery Cafe is expensive. But worth it. Especially at nights.
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The Gallery Café
2 Alfred House RdThe Paradise Road Gallery Cafe is expensive. But worth it. Especially at nights.
This used to be a super small business. But the great atmosphere and consistently good food had elevated this into one of Colombo's top seafood restaurants. It's located between the railway line and the beach.
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The Station Restaurant & Bar
41 Wasala RdThis used to be a super small business. But the great atmosphere and consistently good food had elevated this into one of Colombo's top seafood restaurants. It's located between the railway line and the beach.
Shopping
A collection of shopping spots frequented by us and recommended.
One of Colombo's best places for picking up local crafts and distinctly Sri Lankan produce.
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Barefoot
704 Colombo - Galle Main RdOne of Colombo's best places for picking up local crafts and distinctly Sri Lankan produce.
Urban Island
181 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala MawathaGreat stuff by local designers
A wonderful collection of designer clothes and jewellery from a group of independent Sri Lankan designers.
The Design Collective
6 Stratford AveA wonderful collection of designer clothes and jewellery from a group of independent Sri Lankan designers.
Diyatha Uyana
B240Ornamental plants, fish, food etc
A chaotic and vibrant market with interconnected streets that sell literally, everything. Perfect for bargain hunters.
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Pettah Market
Keyzer StreetA chaotic and vibrant market with interconnected streets that sell literally, everything. Perfect for bargain hunters.
A local fashion brand that does great designs in linen and cotton.
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Dilly & Carlo
49 Flower RdA local fashion brand that does great designs in linen and cotton.
Sri Lanka's newest mall houses quite a few interesting brands and a wonderful food court.
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Colombo City Centre
137 Sir James Pieris MawathaSri Lanka's newest mall houses quite a few interesting brands and a wonderful food court.
Perfect for homeware and decorative items. Very Bawa inspired.
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Paradise Road
213 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala MawathaPerfect for homeware and decorative items. Very Bawa inspired.
A collection of organic food and produce. This shop is open throughout the week while the main good market operates across the street in a larger market setting on Saturdays.
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Good Market
14 Independence AveA collection of organic food and produce. This shop is open throughout the week while the main good market operates across the street in a larger market setting on Saturdays.
Great linen and handloom-based products. Fairtrade certified.
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Selyn (Fair Trade)
102 Fife RdGreat linen and handloom-based products. Fairtrade certified.
Food scene
Our inhouse Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an all-day snack menu. We are Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly.
Mahasen by Foozoo
15 a Mahasen MawathaOur inhouse Kitchen offers breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an all-day snack menu. We are Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly.