A Shopping Sojourn for Two

A Guide to the Best Shopping in Colombo

Colombo is a romantic shopping delight for couples. If you’re looking for that unique keepsake, a memento of your travels or to pick up something exotic & island-made, Colombo has all you need and more. The city boasts a host of luxury malls, quaint roadside hawkers and local markets which will satisfy even the most discerning of shoppers. So, head over for some of the best shopping in Colombo.

One Galle Face Mall
Colombo City Centre
Havelock City Mall
The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
Paradise Road
Laksala
Stone ‘N’ String

One Galle Face Mall

This mall is an extension of Hotel Shangri-La Colombo, right in front of the picturesque Galle Face Green, One Galle Face isn't your average mall; it has seven levels of modern luxury brands, local crafts, cuisine and a multiplex theatre complex. The mall features everything you need from global luxury brands like Mont Blanc and Armani Exchange to popular local gems such as Barefoot and Amante. If you’re seeking the perfect piece of jewellery to gift your special someone, the mall has many boutiques showcasing luxury handcrafted jewellery, including ethically sourced blue sapphires, rubies, cat eyes, star sapphires and other locally mined precious stones.

Other local favourites found in the mall include Sri Lankan batiks, silks, porcelain and clay products and handloom fabrics, all a testament to local craftsmanship. For gifts for loved ones back home, One Galle Face is a treasure trove of spa products, Ceylon Teas, Ceylon Cinnamon and other spices, as well as artisanal local food items, to bring a taste of Sri Lanka.

Colombo City Centre

Colombo City Centre

Colombo City Centre caters to every shopper's desire. From international brands like Apple and Body Shop to established Sri Lankan favourites like ODEL and Spa Ceylon, discover a delightful blend of global trends and local favourites.

Take a break from shopping and enjoy a Hollywood, Bollywood or a local cinematic masterpiece at the multi-theatre complex. City Centre is also home to a host of gaming and virtual reality experiences. Virtually adjoining Gangarama Temple and in front of the Beira Lake, it provides the perfect occasion to combine a visit to the Gangarama Temple with some mall shopping. As the first integrated lifestyle complex of its kind in the country, the Mall at Colombo City Centre has a selection of fast food, local delights and fusion cuisine as well as a sports bar that features live music on most evenings.

The Colombo Marriot is also conveniently located inside the City Centre complex featuring luxury accommodation and a host of dining delights including a terrace café. The City Centre food court is particularly popular for its specialty cuisine from all over Southeast Asia and a high-end dessert bar conceptualised by a three-star Michelin Chef offering a wide array of enticing flavours to savour.

Havelock City Mall

Recently opened in 2024, Havelock City Mall offers a brand-new luxury shopping experience in the heart of Colombo. Spread across six levels, the mall is designed to provide a delightful and surprising experience for both couples and families. Featuring a lively food court with international fare, the mall is soon to be home to Sri Lanka’s first IMAX experience.

Havelock City Mall features iconic brands mixed with Sri Lankan retail giants. With Apple, ODEL, Nike, Adidas and LG to name a few, the mall has no shortage of glamour and quality.

For entertainment, along with the soon-to-be-opened theatre complex, the gaming arcade features a jungle zone, a wet and wild adventure zone as well as a scaling wall to test your limits.

With local and international food options galore, the mall also has numerous cafes that offer mouth-watering sweet and savoury baked goods, ever a local favourite.

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

Step back in time at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, a former Dutch Colonial era hospital that was creatively converted into a charming food court and shopping experience, while retaining its original Dutch architectural charm. With pedestrian-friendly courtyards, live music is often a weekend feature for some late-night revelry.

Key Shopping Highlights at Dutch Hospital Promenade

For Romantic Retail Therapy:

Barefoot Ceylon: A uniquely Sri Lankan store, boasting handmade and ethically sourced linen and handloom fabric made for men’s and women’s wear, soft toys, proudly indigenous literary works and other island-made delights.
Spa Ceylon: Unwind and rejuvenate with a relaxing spa treatment or shop their extensive range of spa products ranging from head-to-toe holistic treatments to delicious pamper products. The shops also feature great Spa gift packs to take back home.

Culinary Delights for Two:

Ministry of Crab: The most famous location in the Dutch Hospital and often an experience that every couple enjoys during a visit to Sri Lanka. Featuring an intimate ambience and all sizes and preparations of Crab known to man, while Ministry of Crab is on the pricier side it is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.
The Colombo Fort Cafe: For delicious comfort food in a relaxed setting with a terrace and courtyard view, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Heladiva Tea Room: Bond over a pot of Sri Lanka’s finest tea at the elegant Heladiva Tea Room. Their diverse tea selection offers a unique and sophisticated experience and education for tea lovers.

When night comes

Enjoy a selection of local craft beers with live music on weekends at this local pub.
Next Innings: For a more intimate setting, head to Next Innings. This cosy wine bar offers a wide selection of fine wines, perfect for relaxed conversation and comfort.

Paradise Road

A haven for everything, with a Sri Lanka motif, Paradise Road is a popular one-stop shop. Discover exquisite hand-woven baskets, artisanal ceramics, luxurious comfy furniture, stone and wooden crafted statues and elegant tableware. A fusion of contemporary styles with a Sri Lankan twist all products are made by local craftspeople. The perfect place to find something uniquely island-made. Beyond Shopping, Paradise Road Café located within the shop has artisanal coffee and delectable sweet treats to keep you going.

Laksala

Laksala is more than a shop, it is a portal to Sri Lanka’s soul. A household name established in 1964, this state-owned craft and souvenir shop offers the island's most extensive collection of handcrafted treasures. More than mere souvenirs, each piece whispers a story of tradition, meticulously crafted by over 10,000 master artisans across Sri Lanka's rural and cottage industries.

Featuring batik clothing, gems and jewellery, wood-crafted items, stone sculptures and artisanal Ceylon Teas get lost in a captivating blend of curios where each item is infused with local artistry and craftsmanship.

Stone 'N' String

Stone ‘N’ String makes our list for its unique contemporary design expression of Sri Lankan pearls and other stone jewellery pieces. If you’re seeking something truly unique then Stone ‘N’ String offers something different with a Sri Lankan twist. Whilst becoming famous for its pearl-infused pieces, today Stone ‘N’ String uses many local precious and semi-precious stones to create their designs. Featuring precious gemstones like sapphires, rubies, moonstones and roses, white and rare black corals are all transformed into elegant and contemporary pieces of elegance and beauty.

Stone ‘N’ String's ethically sourced pearls and stone come in eye-catching bold designs. Their jewellery is perfect for those who want a statement piece made in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

An eclectic mix of modern and contemporary, traditional and luxury, Colombo offers couples a fascinating range of shopping and boutique experiences to explore. From upscale elegance featuring designer global brands to local crafts and small business brands, the city is a dynamic mix that will cater to every couple’s desire.