Explore bustling Nuwara Eliya City Market
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka •
Underrated
Underrated


Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Mar
15°C – 21°C, cool and dry with occasional light showers, medium crowds, peak season
15°C – 21°C, cool and dry with occasional light showers, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Uneven ground; may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Uneven ground; may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Value for money
High
Fresh produce and crafts at budget-friendly prices.
Fresh produce and crafts at budget-friendly prices.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Vibrant Market
Couples loved exploring the colorful stalls and fresh produce together. Romantic!
Great Bargains
Travelers found great deals on local crafts. Perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
Authentic Experience
Couples enjoyed the lively atmosphere and friendly vendors. A true cultural immersion.
Uneven Ground
Some couples noted uneven ground might be challenging to navigate. Not ideal.
Parking Difficult
Visitors found parking near the market very difficult. Plan to walk or tuk-tuk.
Overcrowded Weekends
Weekends were extremely crowded, making it hard to enjoy the market. Go early!
How to book
Hours of operation
Monday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH

16-21°C
December sees a decrease in rainfall to 235 mm over 16 days. Temperatures are cooler, and the festive season brings a lively atmosphere to the market.
December sees a decrease in rainfall to 235 mm over 16 days. Temperatures are cooler, and the festive season brings a lively atmosphere to the market.
Open
Higher demand may lead to crowded conditions; early visits are recommended.
Higher demand may lead to crowded conditions; early visits are recommended.
Recommended
December offers a vibrant market experience with festive decorations and events. While the weather is cooler with occasional rain, the lively atmosphere makes it a popular time to visit.
December offers a vibrant market experience with festive decorations and events. While the weather is cooler with occasional rain, the lively atmosphere makes it a popular time to visit.
January
MEDIUM

15-21°C
Cool and dry with occasional light showers.
Cool and dry with occasional light showers.
Open
Some accommodations may have limited availability due to peak season.
Some accommodations may have limited availability due to peak season.
Recommended
January offers pleasant weather with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit the Nuwara Eliya City Market. While it's part of the peak tourist season, the crowds are manageable, and the market remains vibrant and accessible.
January offers pleasant weather with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit the Nuwara Eliya City Market. While it's part of the peak tourist season, the crowds are manageable, and the market remains vibrant and accessible.
February
MEDIUM

15-22°C
Mild temperatures with low chances of rain.
Mild temperatures with low chances of rain.
Open
Early booking recommended due to peak season demand.
Early booking recommended due to peak season demand.
Recommended
February continues the favorable weather conditions, with slightly warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall. The Nuwara Eliya City Market is lively, offering a variety of local goods and produce. It's advisable to plan accommodations in advance due to the ongoing peak season.
February continues the favorable weather conditions, with slightly warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall. The Nuwara Eliya City Market is lively, offering a variety of local goods and produce. It's advisable to plan accommodations in advance due to the ongoing peak season.
March
MEDIUM

16-24°C
Warm days with occasional light showers.
Warm days with occasional light showers.
Open
Accommodations may be limited; early reservations are recommended.
Accommodations may be limited; early reservations are recommended.
Recommended
March offers warm and pleasant weather, making it a great time to explore the Nuwara Eliya City Market. The market is bustling with activity, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of local products. Due to the peak season, it's advisable to book accommodations early.
March offers warm and pleasant weather, making it a great time to explore the Nuwara Eliya City Market. The market is bustling with activity, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of local products. Due to the peak season, it's advisable to book accommodations early.
How to get there

Bus
Recommended
Buses connect Nuwara Eliya with cities across Sri Lanka. From Colombo, take bus route #79 to the Nuwara Eliya Main Bus Station. From Kandy, buses arrive at the Nuwara Eliya Bus Station.

Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for hire for short trips to the market.

Train
Recommended
The nearest train station is Nanu Oya. From there, take a bus or tuk-tuk to the city center.

Car
Driving to Nuwara Eliya offers flexibility. Parking near the market can be challenging, so consider parking further away.

Walking
The market is situated in the heart of the town, making it easily accessible on foot from many hotels and landmarks.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required

Viator