One of the coolest (and highest) places to visit in Colombo is also one of the city's newest things to do. The Colombo Lotus Tower is South Asia's tallest freestanding structure (368 meters/1,168 feet), and a trip to the top rewards visitors with unobstructed views across Colombo and the surrounding cityscape and sea. The tower, which houses a lot of telecommunications equipment, has a telecom museum, a shopping mall (at the base), a revolving fine dining restaurant and indoor and outdoor observation areas. The tower is also a sight to see from the outside - it's covered in LED lighting and presents seasonal themed lighting displays each night. The Lotus Tower, designed to replicate a lotus bulb and flower, simultaneously represents the historic culture of the country and its focus on the future.

The National Museum of Colombo, also called the Sri Lanka National Museum, is the official museum of Sri Lanka and takes you on a journey over the thousands of years of Sri Lankan culture. It's one of those museums that has multiple types of media, from artwork to artifacts, as well as clothing, jewelry, coins, arms, and craftwork. The displays show both the cultural and natural heritage of the country, presented chronologically, starting with pre-history and leading to the present day. Give yourself a few hours to fully explore the collections. The museum is housed in a grand Victorian colonial building in central Colombo near Viharamahadevi Park.

This large, modern performing arts complex hosts a wide range of music, dance, and cultural performances. It was recently renamed for the country's former president, Mahinda Rajapaksa. Like many other things in Sri Lanka, the design is intentionally reminiscent of a lotus flower. Programing includes symphony performances and opera (Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Western). They also do modern pop concerts. Performances are given in the main auditorium or in the open-air amphitheater. The theater is in central Colombo, across from Viharamahadevi Park. The theater's schedule can be viewed online, and tickets can be purchased online as well. It's a cool place to visit in Colombo because regardless of what you go to see, you'll find yourself surrounded by locals.

Another one of Colombo's most popular places to picnic, relax, and go boating or running is Bere Lake. This man-made lake (not to be confused with its larger neighbor, Beira Lake) is surrounded by a lot of green space, yet it's right in the middle of the city. The area is also filled with jogging paths, and it's a great place for running and biking. There are swan boats you can rent and paddle your way around the lake. There are some snack shops and a floating, fine dining restaurant. The restaurant is on a boat and floats around during a dinner cruise. Bere Lake has its own island (connected by a suspension footbridge). The island is a popular spot for couples to take romantic walks. Elsewhere in the lake, there's a small Buddhist temple (Gangarama Seema Malaka) set into the water on several piers.

Train buffs and trainspotters will want to visit this open-air museum in Central Colombo, near the city's main Maradana Railway Station. While there is a larger railway museum in Kadugannawa, near Kandy, the one in Colombo has a respectable collection of carriages, rolling stock, and locomotives, including many steam engines.

Situated nearby Colombo city’s international airport, the Negombo Beach is a stunning beauty to behold. If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind from the hustle bustle of the city, then this is the place to be. Find yourself lost in the beauty of lush palm trees and mesmerizing sunsets. Go for some adventure sports or take a lovely stroll along the beach with a cocktail in your hand as per your whims and desires.

This tourist hotspot was constructed by the Dutch in the 18th century to facilitate irrigation as well as create a inland transportation system. Also called as the Hamilton canal, this canal connects the Kelani river in Colombo to the Puttalam lagoon to drain saline water from the paddy fields. A parallel canal runs alongside the Dutch canal for nearly 15 km giving tourists a picturesque journey through the lush green landscape of Sri Lanka. You can get into a boat and glide through the waterway coming across the local markets, people and their lifestyle.

A sacred religious site of the Buddhism religion, Kalutara Bodhiya remains a must visit the location where Buddhists seek to visit at least once in their lifetime. Buddhists from around the world venerate this sacred place to involve in the special prayers upon their arrival. They keep worshipping at this place beside their involvement in the offerings at the Kalutara Bodhiya or the Bodhi Tree which is believed to exist since 2nd century BC. According to the Buddhist belief, it is one out of the 32 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi saplings. That is why it remains a sacred location where Kalutara Viharaya Buddhist Temple and also famous Kalutara Chaitya Stupa nearby sacred fig turns this location venerated for the visitors.

Sri Lanka is known for its finest beaches. Kalutara Beach comes in the list of select few best beaches in the world. As it is located at a distance of just 40 kilometers from the capital city Colombo, it is easily accessed by the visitors every day. This sandy beach remains filled with the tourists who enjoy in leisure here. Scenic view of this beach in the northern side or Mahawaskaduwa appeals more compared to its Katukurunda or southern side. As this beach is still not spoilt too much, it remains a popular landmark for the tourists delving into the fun activities.

Buddhism religion has close connectivity with the island nation Sri Lanka. As this country houses several sacred religious sites including the famous Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, large chunk of devotees keep flocking here every day. This sacred religious site is located in the northern side of Kalutara. The main purpose to build this temple in 1870s was to shelter the Aluthgama Sangharatne disciples who used to gather at this spot for hearing sermons of the Buddhist monks. The temple has witnessed tremendous expansion over the centuries. It has become a mandatory visit in the itineraries of Buddhist travelers coming on the Sri Lankan trip.