Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a viewpoint in Colombo's Galle Face. It ranks among Colombo's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Entry is free and 1-2 hours gives you a thorough visit.

You walk on open grass with kite strings crossing overhead, the smell of frying spices drifting from carts, and waves breaking against the sea wall just beyond a low railing.

It's the one spot where Colombo's working-class evening life, colonial architecture, and ocean all meet in one frame. That puts it near the top of any Colombo visit, and it deserves the spot. Combine it with Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct and Colombo Lighthouse (Old Lighthouse) - they are close enough to walk between and together make the strongest half-day in Colombo. Afternoon tends to work best here.

You will find it in Galle Face. It is one entry in our list of things to do in Colombo. The Colombo guide covers transport, costs and when to go.

We plan trips to Colombo and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.