Fast emerging as one of Asia’s most exciting cities, Colombo has well and truly shaken off its undeserved reputation as a traffic-choked capital and cemented itself as a favourite stop on any Sri Lankan itinerary . Alongside the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, mythical Galle , Wilpattu, Yala National Parks and colourful Jaffna , Colombo offers a little taste of everything, from romantic garden restaurants and hidden art spaces to one-of-a-kind shops and weekly markets – it’s the ideal beginning or end point to any epic Sri Lankan adventure.
With 15 sub-areas, there’s not one single shopping district in Colombo per se, aside from a selection of air-conditioned malls, of which One Galle Face, Colombo City Centre and Havelock City Mall stand out as premium picks, so it’s best to hop in a tuk-tuk or taxi to get your shopping fix. With an array of new and exciting boutiques springing up in abundance, as well as city stalwarts, who have paved the way with quality products and a passion for Sri Lankan arts, there’s a store for every type of traveller, from fashion-lovers to intrepid adventurers. Here are the best shops in Colombo.
It’s incredibly easy to while away a good few hours at Barefoot , thanks to the store's glorious array of textiles, handicrafts, coffee table books and unique jewellery, as well as its on-site breezy cafe and compact art gallery. It was first opened in the early 1960s by the famed Sri Lankan artist and designer Barbra Sansoni. The store is known for its kaleidoscope of colourful cotton cloth, hand-dyed and hand-woven into various furnishings and clothing. However, there are also plenty of Sri Lankan-made handicrafts and homewares spread across four floors and terraces. Stand-out items include Palmyrah leaf-woven bags by the Jaffna brand Kolam; exquisite, hand-painted bowls by Niluka Dinesh; and Manela Jagoda’s paintbox-coloured ceramics. With its focus on Sri Lankan authors and specialist architecture guides, Barefoot’s bookstore is filled with fascinating novels and coffee table books, making it the ideal place to stock up on pre-holiday reads or post-trip reflections. Open seven days a week.
Address: 704 Galle Road, Colombo 03
With a small home studio in Mount Lavinia, close to some of the best Airbnbs in Colombo , fashion designer Amesh Wijesekera’s joyful creations are as bright and bold as Sri Lanka’s endemic flora and fauna. Created using repurposed pre-consumer waste from Sri Lanka’s clothing industry, knits take inspiration from Colombo’s hazy pink orange sunsets, popular teatime snacks and the glimmering stones that can be found in the reddish earth of the country’s gem mines. Fun crochet pouch bags are the latest addition to the Amesh store, each wonderfully catching the light with touches of delicate gold thread. Hand weaving, knitting and crochet are at the heart of the brand in a love letter to the island’s artisanal crafts, meaning each and every piece is truly one-of-a-kind.
Address: Open by appointment only, email or call ahead to secure a viewing.
Radicle is in the historic Fort area
Art lovers will be captivated by the ever-changing collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures on display at Radicle Gallery , a bold new addition to Colombo’s historic Fort area. Newly opened as one of Sri Lanka’s largest art spaces, the gallery breathes new life into the iconic De Mel Building, a beautifully restored landmark once immortalised by Duran Duran in their 1980s music video Hungry Like the Wolf . Spread across two expansive levels, Radicle showcases a dynamic blend of solo exhibitions and carefully curated works by Sri Lanka’s most exciting emerging and established artists. Every piece on display is available for purchase, and the gallery offers international shipping, ensuring that the beauty and creativity of Sri Lanka can find its way to collectors around the world. A few short steps away, one of Colombo’s best restaurants , Ministry of Crab, is the place to indulge after a day of shopping.
Address: De Mel Building, Chatham Street, Colombo 01
The well-known monochrome tableware
Paradise Road has been at the forefront of Colombo’s shopping scene for decades, but has recently been upgraded with the opening of a brand new colossus of a flagship store on the Galle Road. Adding to the already impressive portfolio of shops, hotels and restaurants, the brand, known for its trademark monochrome aesthetic, boasts homeware, antiques, ceramics, furniture, trinkets and more. It’s worth saving some space in your luggage for a selection of Paradise Road’s signature black and white tableware – not only will it instantly elevate any tablescape, each bowl, plate and dish is hand-painted for a unique look.
Address: 138 Galle Road, Colombo 03
Just opposite Milk & Honey, one of Colombo’s best cafes , sits PR , a concept store that champions local Sri Lankan designers, as well as South Asian artisans. Filled with a little bit of everything, from bold swimwear and sandals, to organic beauty products, homeware and jewellery, chances are if you’re limited on time, you’ll find something you love here. Pop-ups, limited edition curations and themed take-overs are regular occurrences, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the store’s Instagram for the latest drops. Local designers to look out for include Aadhitya Jayaseelan, Kúr and Oshun – both spectacular and well worth investing in.
Address: 41 Horton Place, Colombo 07
Don’t let the name put you off, this tiny store in Colombo 06 holds an array of natural treasures worth stocking up on. Row upon row of aromatic essential oils celebrate the bounty of Sri Lanka’s abundant landscapes, with the likes of blue lotus oil, said to help promote mental clarity, and earthy cinnamon leaf oil among the best sellers. And to beat the country’s tropical heat, Caveman Redux’s hydrosols are a godsend. Created through the steam distillation of aromatic and therapeutic botanicals, many of which are native to Sri Lanka, these delightfully scented mists are the ideal addition to any skincare routine and are 100 per cent natural. Store in the fridge before spritzing over the face and neck each morning and evening, or simply carry in a handbag for refreshment on the go.
Address: 8 Stratford Avenue, Colombo 06
Surprisingly, for a creative, vibrant and all-around fun city, there aren’t many outdoor markets to frequent, but of the ones there are, Good Market stands out as the most exciting. Taking place every Saturday, between 9am to 5pm, stalls sell everything from sustainable coconut shell bowls, natural skincare products, homemade cakes and clothing crafted from naturally dyed fabrics, as well as addictive Naimiris Sauces, made with local varieties of Naimiris chilli grown in Sri Lanka. There’s usually live music too. If you’re not in town on a Saturday, there’s a Good Market store selling a handful of natural beauty items, juices, fruits and various other treats, open seven days a week, at 14 Independence Avenue.
Address: Nuga Tree Car Park, Colombo Racecourse, Colombo 07
Founded by two friends, The Design Collective holds over 50 Sri Lankan and South Asian independent clothing and beauty brands across an airy one-level store in Colombo 06. Set behind an antique shop, the lifestyle brand features something for all budgets, from a small selection of Sri Lankan-authored books and hand-picked beauty items from the likes of That Brown Bark and Evolve Organic, to beach dresses, stand-out swimwear and mesmerising wedding saris. Close to Caveman Redux, this part of town is pleasant for an afternoon stroll, plus there’s a nail studio (Noeline’s) and a brilliant cake shop (Oh My Cake!) on the same street.
Address: 28 Stratford Avenue, Colombo 06
With at least nine stores throughout Colombo, chances are you’ll happen upon Spa Ceylon even if you don't intend to. As the brand of choice for many of Sri Lanka’s leading hotels, products are fragranced with a range of Sri Lanka’s most bountiful ingredients; think delights like thambili (king coconut), aloe vera, turmeric and fragile frangipani. The beach range, inspired by Sri Lanka’s best beaches , features four collections named after the beach towns and villages that dot the island’s coastline. Nilaveli features notes of Ceylon plum, night jasmine and sandalwood, while Arugam Bay evokes sun-kissed adventures with hints of mango, lotus and mandarin.
Address: various locations across Colombo
Oversized pleats, origami folds, sculptural silhouettes and playful colour palettes fill Nåd Store ’s rails in leafy Colombo 07. Tucked away on the top floor of Senanayake Flats, one of Colombo’s most revolutionary architectural buildings, designed by the pioneering architect Minette De Silva, the compact store’s offering is all ethically made in Sri Lanka, with each piece unique in shape and style. The Palm and Pine collection stands out with pocketed A-line dresses, keyhole necklines and bright white jumpsuits with oversized collars.
Address: 41 2/2 Senanayake Flats, Gregory’s Road, Colombo 07
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