Best things to do in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Arriving in Sri Lanka at Colombo Airport, you have to choice of either staying in the big city of Colombo or neighboring town Negombo. It was an easy choice for me. I much prefer the smaller town over the hectic city. Negombo is conveniently located right next to the airport and it’s much more relaxed than Colombo. Negombo is a fishing town, with a thriving fish market, beaches and beautiful canals and temples to visit. Below I’ll tell you all about the things to do in Colombo and my personal favorite spots.

What to do in Negombo

Visit the fish market (early morning)

One of the highlights is visiting the famous fish market. If you come early enough I’ve heard you’ll even see sharks and rays. I was shocked to hear they start around 2 am in the morning, but it runs till 9 am in the morning. However, the earlier you come, the more impressive it will be. We ended up visiting around sunrise. It was very interesting seeing the fishing boats coming in and the fisherman cleaning the fishing nets.

Dried Fish Market

Continue from the night fish market to the dried fish market on the beach. The fish is laid to dry on the beach in huge quantities. It’s impressive to see them working here.

 

Canal and River sunset Boat trip

This trip through the canals is a must do, especially if you love bird watching. There are three different boat trip: the canal and river tour, the canal and lagoon tour and Muthurajawela marsh boat tour. After discussing what we were after with Sarath boat tours, we settled on the canal and river tour during sunset. I’ve never seen kingfishers as close as I got to see them during this tour and the sunset on the water was beautiful!

Visit Angurukaramulla Temple

Away from Negombo’s busier streets, there is Angurukaramulla Temple. As you step through the gate you’re welcomed by a six meter hight Buddha and intricately painted dragon-mouth entrance. As you enter you’re welcomed by colorful murals that depict scenes from Buddha’s life and his teachings. You pay a small fee (500 LKR) for a small booklet that describes the murals you will see inside. Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing and leave your shoes outside.

Visit St. Marry’s church

If you’re exploring Negombo and want to dive into its rich history, St. Mary’s Church is a spot you can’t miss. This stunning cathedral, built between the late 19th and early 20th century, is one of the largest in Sri Lanka and a true reflection of the city’s deep-rooted Catholic heritage.The first thing you’ll notice is its impressive neoclassical architecture, but step inside, and the real magic begins. The intricate ceiling paintings, beautiful stained glass windows, and peaceful atmosphere make it feel like you’ve stepped into another era. It’s not just a church—it’s a work of art.

Since this is an active place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and be mindful of the quiet, reflective atmosphere. Also, note that photography inside the chapel isn’t allowed.

Visit Mother of Purification Church

I didn’t see this church listed anywhere when I was doing my research about what to see in Negombo. However, when we passed it on the road, I though tit looked special. It is 100 year old church, that celebrated its century jubilee on February second of 2014. The church was Built in 1914 by French priests. On the outside you’ll see Roman architecture, and on the inside a white- marbled altar a collection of stained glass. The church looks very grand for the small fishing town of Negombo.  

Try the Local Cuisine

Negombo is a great spot to get your first introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine. The most well known dishes are the rice & curry and Kottu. You might expect a single dish when ordering rice & curry, but it usually consists of several different curries. You can choose to have it with meat, fish or fully vegetarian. I’d say it’s quite a healthy option as well, with all the veggies. Another famous dish is the Kottu. This is chopped up roti with egg, veggies and lots of spices. A must try!

Daytrip to  Colombo

Curious to see what life is like in Sri Lanka’s bustling capital? Take a day trip to Colombo, a city that never stands still. Unlike the laid-back vibe of Negombo, Colombo is lively, chaotic, and full of character—offering a fascinating contrast that’s well worth experiencing.

Start your adventure at Pettah Market, one of the busiest and most colorful markets in the city. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh tropical fruit and spices to clothing and electronics, all sold amidst the lively buzz of bargaining locals. Then, make your way to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, a striking red-and-white architectural masterpiece that stands out in the heart of the city. This iconic mosque, often called the “Red Mosque,” is a must-see for its intricate design and historical significance.

If you need a break from the city’s fast pace, take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a seaside promenade where locals gather to enjoy the ocean breeze and street food snacks. End your visit with some relaxation in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo’s largest green space, where you can unwind under the shade of towering trees before heading back to Negombo.

Pick up your tuktuk from tuktukrental

My favorite way of traveling the country is by driving your own tuktuk. I rented my tuktuk with Tuktukrental.com and they were always available to answer questions and solve problems on the road. We picked up our Tuktuk in Negombo the day after arriving at the airport. Before we took off, they gave us a driving lesson.

Use my code: BRUNETTEATSUNSET for a discount. 

Best restaurants in Negombo

• Zen Cafe: Cute little cafe, perfect for breakfast or lunch. They have a fantastic falafel wrap, but also some traditional breakfast options.
• Zen Beach: Italian restaurant with a sunset view of the beach. Doesn’t get much better than that. Absolutely try the parmigiana and the tiramisu.
• Indian Garden: Covered, outdoor restaurant with super tasty Indian curries! The owner is happy to explain and help you choose.
• Boho Negombo: They serve a great variety of food. Whether you want local or western, you’ll find something in this trendy restaurant. Also one of the few places with good cocktails! I recommend the espresso martini.

Best places to stay in Negombo

I was looking for a comfortable quiet stay to start of my trip in Sri Lanka. I found Villa Shade with a beautiful garden, pool, treehouse and they also grow their own organic veggies! The bungalows are spacious and have showers with the ‘outdoor’ shower feeling, but a cover so can feel secure. It’s located outside of the center, but you can very easily take a grab into town.

If you’d rather stay in the center, then try Serendib Village Guest house. Just 4 minutes from the beach and located next to a canal, this has a great location. It’s also reasonably priced, so don’t wait too long to book as it’s often full.