What to do in Galle, Sri Lanka: top sights and best tips
August 21, 2025
- Sri Lanka
Lois Weeterings
Content
Negombo is often the first stop on a Sri Lanka trip, and trust me, that’s a great way to start. You step off the plane and before you know it, you’re in this laid-back coastal town just minutes from the airport. It’s the perfect spot to ease into your Sri Lankan adventure and soak up the local vibes right away. Negombo isn’t a place to linger for days, nor does it have a long bucket list of must-sees. And that’s exactly what makes it such a great first stop. You can take it easy, soak up some local culture, try your first kottu, and end the day with a beautiful sunset by the sea. In this article, I share my personal tips for a short but memorable stay in Negombo, from great places to eat to fun things to see and do.
1. Relaxing at the beach
Negombo's beach may not be the most beautiful in Sri Lanka but it is the ideal spot to truly kick off your journey. Feel the warm sand beneath your feet, let the waves gently tickle your ankles, and slowly sync with the rhythm of the sea, and of Sri Lanka. The moment you’re here, you instantly know you’re somewhere far away. With its wide, peaceful stretch of sand, Negombo’s beach is the perfect place to unwind and recover after a long flight.
What I personally love is how the beach slowly comes alive towards the end of the afternoon. Local families and groups of friends gather for a stroll, a game of cricket, or simply to enjoy the sunset. It’s such a nice feeling to be part of this and a great way to get a genuine glimpse of local life.
Tip: After a stroll along the beach, there’s nothing better than settling in on the terrace of Ocean 14 Restaurant. With your feet in the sand, you can enjoy delicious local dishes, from fresh fish to flavorful curries and more!
2. Visit the wet and dry fish market in Negombo
Negombo is a traditional fishing town, and you can feel it everywhere. From the salty scent of fresh fish in the air to the colorful fishing boats lined up on the beach, and the lively buzz around the markets. If you want to get a real taste of local life, a visit to Negombo’s wet and dry fish markets is an absolute must.
The difference? The wet fish market is all about fresh fish, hectic and raucous activity, while the dry fish market is quieter and shows you how fish are dried in the traditional way. Both markets give you a unique insight into Negombo's fishing life and show how deeply rooted fishing is in the culture here.
The wet fish market is an experience in itself. Early in the morning, the whole place comes alive: fishing boats are emptied, and trays full of fresh tuna, crab, shrimp and barracuda are brought ashore and sold at a rapid pace. It's messy, loud, sometimes a bit chaotic, and exactly that makes it a special scene to behold. You'll find the wet fish market at this location.
Just steps away you will find the dry fish market, and it is perhaps even more impressive for your camera. Fish lie in long rows drying in the sun, on mats of palm leaves or burlap. The colors, rhythm and scale on which this is done is fascinating. This is the location of the dry fish market.
Tip: Go to the markets early in the morning, between 6:00 and 8:30 a.m., to catch the liveliest action.
3. Have breakfast at Café Zen
After the hustle and bustle of the fish markets, there’s no better place to unwind than Café Zen, a cozy hotspot in Negombo. Start your day here with a refreshing smoothie bowl packed with tropical fruits, a great coffee, or a homemade pastry, all served with a warm smile. The vibe is relaxed, with a simple yet stylish interior. You’ll find yourself sitting in a shady courtyard garden, soft music playing in the background, a place where you immediately feel at home. And if you’re on the hunt for a special gift or souvenir, don’t miss the little shop inside, offering handmade jewelry, soaps, cards, and linen bags.
4. Enjoy a delicious kottu at TukTuk Wine & Dine
Whoever says Sri Lanka, says kottu. This is the island's typical street food dish. It is a flavorful stir-fry dish that you will probably order more than once during your trip. It consists of finely chopped pieces of godamba roti (a type of pancake-like bread) mixed with vegetables, egg and spices. You can order kottu with chicken, beef or cheese.
I had the tastiest kottu in Negombo, and my top tip is to try it at the cozy, colorful hotspot Tuktuk Wine & Dine. The vibe here is as great as the food! Their chicken cheese kottu is a must-try. It is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of spice.
5. Stay overnight at Serendib Village Guest House
Looking for a nice and affordable place to start your journey through Sri Lanka? Serendib Village Guest House was the perfect base for us and we are happy to pass that tip on to you. The rooms are simple but comfortable, the pool is a wonderful bonus to cool off in and the riverside terrace is a nice place to sit over breakfast or with a book in your hands at sunset.
The location of the accommodation is also ideal. It is quiet, yet within walking distance to the beach, cozy restaurants and some nice stores. What we especially appreciated was the relaxed atmosphere.
Tip: The accommodation offers an airport shuttle ($15). This means no hassle on arrival, just direct transfer in and to your hotel. How nice!
6. Rent a tuktuk in Negombo for your tour of Sri Lanka
If you want to experience Sri Lanka in a truly special way, rent your own tuktuk. For us, this was the ultimate way to explore and really feel the country. Imagine driving around with the wind in your hair, a big smile on your face, and the freedom to stop whenever and wherever you want. We kicked off our adventure in Negombo on three wheels and spent three unforgettable weeks riding across the island.
Before we hit the road, we got a quick but clear driving lesson: how to shift gears, make turns, and, most importantly, how to handle the chaotic traffic. For some, driving on the left side of the road takes a bit of getting used to (though for some drivers, it might feel familiar). Blinkers seem optional, and honking is basically the local way of saying “Hey, I’m here!” Luckily, before long, we felt right at home behind the wheel.
We rented our tuktuk through Tuktuk Rental, a reliable and sustainable organization working with local owners. Everything was perfectly arranged, from the insurance to the convenient drop-off at our hotel in Colombo. And the best part of this adventure? You don’t just drive, you truly become part of everyday street life. The colors, smells, and sounds will stay with you long after the journey ends.
And then? On to the real adventure in Sri Lanka!
After a relaxing start in Negombo, it’s time to hit the road. From here, you’re free to explore in any direction and start your true adventure. Perhaps drive north for a safari in Wilpattu, dive into history at the temple ruins of Anuradhapura, or be enchanted by the lush greenery around Kandy. Curious about our Sri Lanka itinerary or looking for practical tips on traveling the country by tuktuk? With our travel tips for Sri Lanka, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your own adventure!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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