Markets in Colombo

Grab your bargains at the Pettah Market

No trip to Colombo is complete without a visit to Colombo’s largest market that serves almost any item. It can surely satisfy your retail needs. It’s probably the best way to introduce yourself to the real flavor of Colombo by absorbing the sounds and smells around the market.

Over here, you’ll find vendors proudly exhibiting their items by bawling as loud as possible just so that they could grab your attention. This is also them trying hard to outdo their competitors. Pettah market is an open-air market filled with items ranging from a combination of knick-knacks, consumer electronics, clothing, jewelry and of course huge crowds. Make sure you get your local guide to help you navigate through the busy, narrow streets of Pettah!

Go organic at the Good Market

This place is more than just an ordinary Colombo market as it is setup in a way that makes it a great meeting spot and also to catch up on some al fresco entertainment. Do note however that it’s a weekend market open only on Saturdays. Most locals visit this place with their families to see what new and exciting items the market has to offer.

The best thing about this market is that it’s centered around the concept of supporting local communities, non-profit ventures and charitable organizations. So, shopping here gives you the chance to make a positive contribution too! Also, the market features budding ventures that are sustainable, local and also socially conscious thereby contributing very positively to the local economy.

Visit the Galle Face Green night market

If you’re in a mood for some local street food, this would be an ideal market in Colombo for you. The first thing that is most likely to grab your attention would be the boiled and salted chickpeas served with lime and chilly. Move further ahead and you’ll find stalls selling crabs, prawns and fish served on a “wade” - a local short eat made of ground lentils deep-fried in the shape of a patty. Also, be amazed at the sights and sounds of making kottu – a popular dish amongst the locals – as they chop away the roti in a rhythm. They are generally spicy so get your local host to request for less spice if you’re not a fan of spicy food.

Kala Pola Art Market

This is another weekly market in Colombo open only on Sundays. This market is set up to support local artists that come from all around the country together at the heart of Colombo. It provides them an opportunity to exhibit their paintings and sculptures in stalls that line the side of the streets. You can browse through several affordable artworks each having their own unique touch to it. Apart from the art, there’s also entertainment for kids and even local food stalls making it a perfect way to experience how the locals would spend their weekends in Colombo. This is an amazing opportunity to support the local art community! If you wish to do so, get your local guide to help you engage with the local vendors.

Floating market in Pettah

A market in Colombo accessible to everyone, it offers a wide range of everyday items but with an interesting twist. The vendor’s stalls are on wooden platforms built around a lake setting a picturesque scene to the market as a whole. It features some local eateries alongside stalls that sell items ranging from electronics, fancy jewelry and clothing. It’s a great spot to hangout especially during sunset. Items on sale are very affordable too! If you’re not up for shopping, this market is still worth a visit because of its unique ambience! Ask your local guide to let you know the interesting things to do around the area.