other · Colombo · Free · 1km from Colombo

Colombo's old bazaar district, a grid of crowded streets where each one sells something different: textiles, spices, hardware, wedding goods and dried fish. The busiest and most alive part of the city.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings before 11am; many shops close on Sundays

Typical visit duration

2 to 3 hours

Tips

Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket. A local guide makes it far easier to find the spice shops and tea stalls.