Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus

6 to 8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This is the original Colombo City Tour and Sri Lanka’s first and only open deck city sightseeing bus experience.

Enjoy panoramic views of the city while exploring Colombo’s most iconic landmarks, from historic colonial buildings and bustling markets to modern attractions such as Port City and Lotus Tower.

With live commentary by a professional guide, included entrance tickets, refreshments and nearly a century of tourism expertise behind the operation, this tour offers an authentic and comprehensive introduction to Sri Lanka’s beautiful capital.

What's Included

Bottled water
Snacks

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Hotel pickup is available from selected hotels within Colombo city limits. Guests should be present in the hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before their scheduled pickup time. Kindly get in touch with us to confirm your pick up point. Travelers staying outside the pickup area may join the tour directly at the meeting point at Galle Face Hotel.

OR
Meeting point
Galle Face Hotel

Please wait at the main entrance of Galle Face Hotel. Look for the Colombo City Tour open-deck bus or an Ebert Silva Holidays representative. Guests are requested to arrive 30 minutes before departure.

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple

    Visit one of Colombo's most important Buddhist temples, renowned for its unique blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture. Established in the late 19th century, Gangaramaya Temple is a major religious and cultural landmark featuring sacred relics, intricate artwork and a rich collection of historical artifacts.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Independence Memorial Hall

    Explore Sri Lanka's iconic Independence Memorial Hall, built to commemorate the country's independence from British rule in 1948. Located in the prestigious Independence Square, this landmark offers beautiful architecture, historical significance and a glimpse into the nation's heritage.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Laksala

    Visit Sri Lanka's state-owned handicrafts emporium, showcasing a wide range of authentic local products, traditional handicrafts, batik items, wood carvings, gemstones, souvenirs and cultural artwork created by local artisans from across the island.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Galle Face Green (Pass by)

    Travel along Colombo's iconic oceanfront promenade, a popular gathering place overlooking the Indian Ocean. Enjoy panoramic coastal views while passing one of the city's most famous public spaces and witnessing the vibrant atmosphere that makes Galle Face Green a must see attraction.

    Admission ticket free
  • Colombo Port City (Pass by)

    View Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka's largest urban development project and one of the most ambitious waterfront developments in South Asia. Built on reclaimed land, this modern extension of the city showcases Colombo's future as a global business and tourism destination.

    Admission ticket free
  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Pass by)

    See the world-famous Red Mosque, one of Colombo's most photographed landmarks. Built in 1909, this striking mosque is known for its distinctive red and white striped façade and unique Indo Islamic architecture that stands out in the bustling streets of Pettah.

    Admission ticket free
  • Colombo Lotus Tower (Pass by)

    Admire the Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia's tallest self-supported structure and one of Sri Lanka's most recognizable modern landmarks. Inspired by the lotus flower, the tower dominates the city's skyline and symbolizes Colombo's rapid urban development.

    Admission ticket free
  • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct (Pass by)

    View the beautifully restored Dutch Hospital, one of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in Colombo dating back to the Dutch era. Today, this historic landmark serves as a vibrant lifestyle and dining precinct while preserving its rich architectural heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Old Town Hall

    Stop for photographs at Colombo's historic Old Town Hall, a significant colonial era landmark located in the heart of Pettah. This elegant white building reflects the city's architectural heritage and remains an important symbol of old Colombo.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Colombo National Museum (Pass by)

    Pass Sri Lanka's largest and most important museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts, royal regalia, ancient manuscripts and exhibits that showcase the island's rich history, culture and heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • Sambodhi Chaithya (Pass by)

    View the distinctive Sambodhi Chaithya, an iconic Buddhist stupa overlooking Colombo Harbour. Elevated on a unique concrete structure above the surrounding area, it stands as one of the city's most recognizable religious landmarks.

    Admission ticket free
  • Colombo Fort Clock Tower (Pass by)

    See the historic Colombo Fort Clock Tower, a Victorian era landmark that has stood for over a century. Originally serving as a lighthouse, this prominent structure remains one of the oldest surviving monuments in Colombo's Fort district.

    Admission ticket free
  • Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre (Pass by)

    View the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Sri Lanka's premier performing arts venue. Inspired by the shape of a blooming lotus flower, this architectural masterpiece hosts cultural performances, concerts and national events throughout the year.

    Admission ticket free
  • Viharamahadevi Park (Pass by)

    Pass through Colombo's oldest and largest public park, known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, towering trees and peaceful surroundings. Named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the park remains one of the city's most popular recreational spaces.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (Pass by)

    View Sri Lanka's premier conference and exhibition venue, gifted by the People's Republic of China. The BMICH is a significant national landmark that hosts major international conferences, exhibitions, cultural events and state functions.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Ebert Silva Holidays

Tags

Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
City Tours

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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