Places of interestThe historic fort and harbour areas; the Old Parliament House; Buddhist temples; Churches; Hindu Temples; Mosques; the National Museum; Independence Hall; Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall; and the Dutch House Museum, a restored mansion dating back to the 17th century displaying the life and times of the Dutch occupation.
Best buysHandicrafts from the fort area and Galle Road; batiks and wall-hangings from Pettah Bazaar; clothing from Lipton Circle and fine China from Galle Road in Colpetty.
For the familyDehiwala Zoo, where animals roam freely - highlight is the afternoon elephant show and the closest beach is at Mount Lavinia, a few kilometres south of the city centre.
Out and aboutGalle Face Green, where locals enjoy games of cricket and fly kites or take evening strolls watching the sunset.
Sporting attractionsMajor stadiums offer a variety of sports.