How to Plan a Fun Night Out in Colombo – Experience the Rhythm of the City After Dark
Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a diverse range of entertainment options. Whether you are a local or a tourist, planning a fun night out in Colombo can be a daunting task, given the multitude of options available. So, read this comprehensive guide to find out everything from the best places to visit and the top activities you can enjoy in Colombo.
Liberty Cinema | img via wallpaper flare
Choose the Right Time to Go Out
One of the first things you need to consider when planning a fun night out in Colombo is the time you want to go out. The city is generally more active during the weekends, with Friday and Saturday nights being the busiest. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere, you can opt for a weeknight.
Select Your Destination
Colombo is a city that caters to all tastes, from laidback bars to high-end restaurants, nightclubs, and live music venues. To plan your night out, you need to select your destination based on your preferences.
Some of the top places to visit in Colombo include:
- Dutch Hospital Precinct: A restored colonial-era building complex that has been converted into a trendy dining and entertainment hub. It's an excellent place to start your night out, with plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
- Galle Face Green: A long stretch of grassy land facing the sea that is popular with both locals and tourists. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, especially during sunset.
- Mount Lavinia: A beach suburb located about 12km south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia has several bars and restaurants that offer a unique beachside experience.
- Casino: Colombo has several casinos that offer a range of gaming options, including blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Some of the most popular casinos include Bally's Casino.
Plan Your Transportation
Colombo is a busy city, and traffic can be a problem, especially during peak hours. Colombo, by night, turns into a different world, So it's best to plan your transportation in advance to avoid delays and ensure a smooth night out. You can choose to take a taxi, a tuk-tuk, or use a ride-hailing app like Uber or PickMe.
Dress Code
When planning a night out in Colombo, it's important to check the dress code of the place you are visiting - you don't want to be turned away at the door because you are not dressed appropriately.
Keep in mind that some places may have a strict dress code, especially high-end restaurants and nightclubs.
Entertainment
Colombo has a range of entertainment options to choose from, including live music, comedy shows, and movie theatres. Some of the top places to visit for entertainment in Colombo include:
- Nelum Pokuna: A performing arts centre that hosts a range of cultural events, including dance and music performances.
- Park Street Mews: A trendy complex that has several restaurants and bars, as well as a small theatre that hosts comedy shows and other events.
- Liberty Cinema: A cinema that has a rich history, and it has been a popular destination for movie-goers in Colombo for generations.
Food and Drinks
Colombo has a diverse food and drinks scene, with a range of international and local cuisine to choose from. Some of the top places to eat and drink in Colombo include:
- Ministry of Crab: A high-end seafood restaurant located in the Dutch Hospital Precinct. It's a popular spot among seafood lovers.
- Barefoot Garden Cafe: A popular cafe that offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. It's a great place to enjoy a relaxed dinner or drinks.
- Ozo Rooftop Bar: A rooftop bar located in the heart of Colombo that offers stunning views of the city skyline. It's an excellent place to enjoy a cocktail or two.
