Those in search of some serious shopping will certainly enjoy Colombo. Definitely the best shopping in Sri Lanka, Colombo offers everything from bustling outdoor markets to modern, air conditioned shopping malls, and from street vendors to specialty boutiques. And not just that, you will find the prices almost as good as the variety of items on sale.
Colombo is a bargain hunter's paradise! Let us guide you to the best places to shop.
Our Colombo shopping guide below gives a brief description of what the shopping scene in Colombo is like, as well as listing a number of recommended stores which you may wish to browse through, or perhaps even purchase a few items! For more in depth information about shopping in Sri Lanka, including some traditional goods that you may wish to take as souvenirs, check out our Sri Lanka Shopping Guide. Also take a look at our Colombo Restaurant Guide, as you'll need something to fuel your shopping trip!
Colombo Shopping Guide
Bargains can be found everywhere from the shopping malls to the specialty stores, but your best bet is to dive straight in to one of the many outdoor markets. Examples of these include those in the Pettah area (the Pettah Bazaar), as well as across from the Fort Railway Station. Some great deals can be had on clothing, as Sri Lanka manufactures a lot of clothes that are then sent overseas (and sold for many times the cost of the same item in Sri Lanka). Ceylon tea, of which Sri Lanka is justifiably famous, can also be found throughout the city.
If you are looking for expensive, high-quality items, your best bet is the more modern, luxury stores. The quality of some items at the markets and from street vendors can be suspect at best, so be sure to inspect the items closely before parting with any hard earned cash. This includes everything from gems, jewellery and spices to things such as woodcarvings and various other handicrafts. Our list of shops below highlights some of the better stores to look in for quality goods, great bargains or both!
Shopping Places
Barefoot
Barefoot products are completely handmade. The cotton yarn we use has been dyed and woven by hand. All materials including dyes are safe and eco-friendly.
Paradise Road is one of the most popular shops in Colombo for not only antiques but also home decor. Reproductions are available as well as art, pottery, glass, porcelain, statues, dolls, window, and doorframes, scented candles etc. A must if you are in Colombo.
Definitely the most popular department store in Sri Lanka set in a beautifully designed interior. Offers brand-name clothing at great prices and has everything you need in one shop-accessories and jewellery, shoes, bags, cosmetics, home ware, sunglasses, tea, books, music, a hair salon, cafe, florist, watches, swimwear, winter clothing, sports wear, play section for kids, candy and chocolate store, bath products, sushi bar, plants and an excellent selection of Sri Lanka T-shirts. An Italian ice cream (Il Gelato) parlour is also present. Definitely the place to go shopping while in Colombo.
Popular with both foreigners and locals of every class of society, offering an enormous selection at very affordable prices. Besides clothing, it offers a large range of other items such as toys, sports goods, baby items, bath towels and mats, and even a greater choice for teenagers and adults. You cannot find a more affordable place.
28, R. A De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 4
0094 112 504639
Arena
Arena is one of the leading clothing shops in Colombo. It offers winter as well as summer clothing - for ladies and gents - a range of shoes, bags, accessories, children's clothing and a separate lifestyle and home section.
338, T .B Jaya Mawatha, Colombo 10
0094 115 555338
arenaint@eureka.lk
Beverly Street
Outlet open 24 hours a day
438 Duplication Road, Colombo 3
0094 112 564777
The Cricket Shop
Cricketing equipment of all leading manufacturers from countries such as England, Australia, India and Pakistan are freely available at extremely competitive prices at "The Cricket Shop".
An added and unique service provided, specially to "budding" cricketers, is the free consultation and advice, on selecting the right equipment for the right age with the proper use and maintenance of such equipment by trained personnel, is most appreciated by our clientele.
Promotes eco-friendly natural products such as woven cotton, hand turned pottery, wrought masterpieces in metal, wood, wax, stone and paper.
Horton Place, Colombo 7
0094 114 715480
ecogal@eureka.lk
Laksala
Run by the Sri Lanka Handicraft Board it offers everything Sri Lanka has to offer in wood carving, brass items, furniture, silver ware, leather, batik, spices, tea, books and cards. Very affordable prices.
Offers very special deals for Titan Internation brand wathcres for Ladies genst and Children
64, Liberty Plaza, Colombo 03
Adidas - Exclusive
Original Adidas Sports goods and Sports wear.
78, Havelock Road, Colombo 05
Senani Silks
Sells Ladies and gents silk clothing, They also have a wide range of Cotton, official wear and casual wear at Very compatitive price
Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Prasanna Jewellers
Prasanna Jewellers offer high quality Gems and Jewellery crafted by their own local crafts men, You could also view the Gem Museum, and the artificial Gem mine. They also Offer all Merchandise at a very competitive price backed by internationally valid identification reports & guarantee certificates.
921, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
+94-08-12-389891-2
Prasanna Jewellers
Prasanna Jewellers offer high quality Gems and Jewellery crafted by their own local crafts men, You could also view the Gem Museum, and the artificial Gem mine. They also Offer all Merchandise at a very competitive price backed by internationally valid identification reports & guarantee certificates.
921, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
+94-08-12-389891-2
Kreations
Hand Made Batik garments, wall hangings, table cloths, cusion covers and many more items availlable. You could also have a tour of seeing how these batik products are designed and made in the work shop.
Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Chitra Lane Sheltered Workshop
The Chitra Lane Sheltered Workshop , through its many projects reachers out to many women and children with special needs. Many years of education and psychological support along with training in vocational skills have brought all those that benefit from this project to a point today where they can be proud of their own creations .... works of art that take place wherever.
The "Colours of Life " collection is all hand made with much care and help, its creator to schieve sense of accomplishment that is vital for his or her existence. The products offered are Reed Mat slippers, Ladies Crochet Belts, Priest Bags, Bracelets,Girls Fun Bags,Denim Bandana, Mobile Phone Bags, Hand Made Shawl, House Hold linenRecycled paper products, Printed produtcsand many more. SHOP WITH US KNOWING THAT YOUR MONEY IS CONTIBUTING TOWARDS THE SURVIVAL OF AN ENTIRE FAMILY.
28, Galle Road, 3rd Floor, Bata Building, Dehiwala.
+ 94 11 2761860
Villa Saffron
Colonial Antique reproductions, Contemporary furniture & architectural artifacts, are a few which are on offer ...at the Villa Saffron
15,Bogahahena Road, Battaramulla
+94 5531651
Dankotuwa TableWare
Has sri lanka Porcelain products from Tea sets, Coffee sets to a complete dinner sets.
Meet Chaminda, Athif and Thilanka of LUXE ASIA - we are your local connection in Colombo. Extremely passionate about Sri Lanka, we want to use our extensive local knowledge so each and every holiday will be a truly amazing and unique experience for you.