Shopping in Colombo
Discover 10 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Colombo, Sri Lanka. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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The Pettah Market
This is the place to go for shopping for all kinds of things from fruits to clothes to electronics if you want to buy at wholesale prices. You have to bargain extensively and it is recommended that you take a local you trust along with you. Even if you don't buy anything, Pettah, or Colombo 11 is an experience in itself being a very typical, loud and crowded oriental market place full of all sorts of odds, ends and junk. Each street in the market has its own speciality, for example, in 1st Cross Street you can find electrical items, 2nd Cross Street has jewellery and so on. In the Pettah Market area, some street vendors actively ask passers-by, foreigners and locals to view products they are selling though polite refusal is generally accepted.
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Lakpahana
Colombo 07, Cinnamon Gardens. A non-profit organization run by the craftsman association of Sri Lanka with assistance from the government. Offers all handicrafts and gemstone jewellery. Unique metalware, wood carvings,silver jewellery, batik, textile products and other crafts.
14 Reid Ave Website -
Majestic City
In Kollupitiya on Galle Road has a wide variety of clothing outlets- including a sub-branch of '''Odel'''- at very good prices, as well as various electrical goods and toy shops. It's pleasantly air-conditioned and includes a food court on the ground floor.
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Barefoot
Handicraft shop, 706 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Kollupitiya. Has a wide range of good quality souvenirs and handmade items: clothes, bags and children toys, from some of the most beautifully-coloured fabric you've ever seen.
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Odel
A stylish department store, with its very own Delifrance outlet, clothing, houseware, sporting goods, books and movies, as well as Delight – for sweet indulgences from chocolates to exotic nuts.
No 5, Alexandra Place, Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens Website -
Casa Serena boutique
The boutique showcases a wide range of traditional and modern creations to enhance the art of living. Some are practical, some are useful, and some are just beautiful souvenirs
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Liberty Plaza
Another shopping mall similar to Majestic City however it is smaller in size. You can find various items such as clothing, CDs and DVDs.
RA de Mel Mawatha, Colombo 3, Kollupitiya -
Paradise Road
A shop with a small café in a British colonial style building where antiques, home décor items and art can be viewed or purchased.
213, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens 09:00-19:00 -
Crescat Boulevard
Colombo 3, Kollupitiya. An up-market shopping mall. Though it is fairly small, it contains a food court on the basement floor.
89 Galle Rd -
Lakmedura
Colombo 07, Cinnamon Gardens.
113 Dharmapala Rd
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Colombo: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Colombo is one of the best ways to experience local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local specialties, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or looking for handcrafted souvenirs to bring home, Colombo's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler.
This guide lists 10 shopping spots in Colombo sourced from Wikivoyage — the community travel guide written by real travelers. These are the shops, markets, and stores that visitors actually recommend to each other.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Colombo
- Visit markets early for the best selection at Colombo's food and craft markets.
- Carry local cash — many independent vendors and market stalls prefer cash over cards.
- Check opening days — many specialty shops in Colombo are closed on Sundays or have limited weekend hours.
- Ask about local products — the best souvenirs are made locally, not imported for tourist shops.
- Use Nomax to connect with travelers currently in Colombo who can share real-time shopping tips.
Meet Fellow Travelers in Colombo
Download Nomax to see other travelers currently in Colombo. Find a market companion, share shopping discoveries, or join city activities organized by the traveler community. Free on iOS and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Colombo
Where to shop in Colombo?
Colombo has 10 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop in Colombo, from open-air markets to specialist shops. Use Nomax to connect with fellow travelers who can share shopping tips.
What souvenirs to buy in Colombo?
The best souvenirs from Colombo are locally produced food and drink, handmade crafts, books about the city, and artisan goods. Markets are the best place to find authentic products. Check listings in this guide for specialty shops and markets in Colombo.
Are there markets in Colombo?
Yes, Colombo has several markets in this guide including food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Opening days and hours vary by market — check individual listings before visiting.
Is Nomax free to use in Colombo?
Yes, Nomax is completely free. Download it on iOS or Android to connect with travelers currently in Colombo, join activities, and get shopping recommendations from people who know the city.
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