If you’re staying in a Colombo city hotel, there is ample opportunity to explore the city and see it past it’s a hectic and dusty rat race. But when you’re tired of keeping the pace, here are some places you can sit back and relax.

Viharamaha Devi Park
The oldest and largest park is situated in the heart of Colombo. The park was first built during British colonial rule and named Victoria Park. The name was changed to one of a famous Sri Lankan queen after Independence. The park is beautiful and green and should be visited from March to May to experience all the flowers in full bloom. It’s perfect for walks or picnics and is a ten-minute drive from hotels such as Mandarina Colombo.
Galle Face Green
The most popular public promenade in Colombo and possibly the whole country. This strip of land is sandwiched between the Galle Road and the Indian Ocean and stretches out to 1.5 kilometres. It is bordered by some of Sri Lanka’s foremost hotels and street food carts and is visited by people from all walks of life.
Independence Square
The Independence Commemoration Hall was built after Sri Lanka gained its independence from the British in 1948. The pavilion was constructed to mirror an audience hall from the Kandyan era. The area around the monument is used to host special national events and cultural shows. It can be visited at any time.
Slave Island
Before slavery was abolished in 1845, Slave Island in Colombo was where the slaves of the British colonial chiefs were kept. It was a narrow island back then, but not so anymore. Today Slave Island is a commercial hub with many offices, department stores, hotels, and churches.