Sights · 23 of the best in Sri Lanka
Pettah markets
Colombo’s bazaar
About Pettah markets
Pettah is Colombo’s old bazaar district, just east of the Fort. The narrow, busy streets are still loosely organised by trade: fabrics, spices and dried fish, electronics, hardware, jewellery and wholesale everything. Go in the morning, wear comfortable shoes, keep your bag in front of you and take a tuk-tuk out when you have had enough. The Red Mosque, Kayman’s Gate and the Dutch Wolvendaal Church are all nearby.
Why it's on our list
- Spices, fabrics and hardware
- Street food
- Old Colombo
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Pettah markets before you go.