Discover heritage at Old City Hall
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Mar
23°C – 31°C, january in colombo features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
23°C – 31°C, january in colombo features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Historic building with stairs; limited wheelchair access.
Historic building with stairs; limited wheelchair access.
Value for money
High
Free entry, and a unique, historical experience.
Free entry, and a unique, historical experience.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Hidden Gem
Couples loved exploring the architecture and the quiet atmosphere.
Historical Charm
The building's vintage charm made for a romantic, memorable experience.
Unique Exhibits
Enjoyed the quirky exhibits, perfect for a couples' offbeat adventure.
Needs Repair
Some couples felt the building could use a bit of restoration.
Limited Access
Couples with mobility issues found access challenging due to stairs.
Tip Expectation
Some felt pressured to tip the caretakers after the brief tour.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
-
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
23-30°C
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Colombo, with average high temperatures around 30.0°C and lows of 23.0°C. Rainfall decreases, averaging 185mm over approximately 10 days. Humidity is lower, and sunshine averages 8 hours per day.
December marks the beginning of the dry season in Colombo, with average high temperatures around 30.0°C and lows of 23.0°C. Rainfall decreases, averaging 185mm over approximately 10 days. Humidity is lower, and sunshine averages 8 hours per day.
Open
High demand may lead to limited availability of accommodations and higher prices.
High demand may lead to limited availability of accommodations and higher prices.
Recommended
December offers favorable weather conditions with reduced rainfall and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit Colombo. However, it is the peak tourist season, resulting in higher prices and crowded attractions. It's advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance.
December offers favorable weather conditions with reduced rainfall and comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit Colombo. However, it is the peak tourist season, resulting in higher prices and crowded attractions. It's advisable to book accommodations and activities in advance.
January
HIGH
23-31°C
January in Colombo features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
January in Colombo features warm temperatures with minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Open
Due to high demand, early booking is recommended to secure accommodations and tours.
Due to high demand, early booking is recommended to secure accommodations and tours.
Recommended
January offers pleasant weather and vibrant festivities, making it a popular month for tourists. However, expect higher prices and crowded sites.
January offers pleasant weather and vibrant festivities, making it a popular month for tourists. However, expect higher prices and crowded sites.
February
HIGH
24-31°C
February continues the trend of warm temperatures and low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for sightseeing.
February continues the trend of warm temperatures and low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for sightseeing.
Open
Advance reservations are advisable due to the continued high tourist influx.
Advance reservations are advisable due to the continued high tourist influx.
Recommended
With favorable weather and ongoing festivities, February is a prime time to visit Colombo, albeit with increased crowds and costs.
With favorable weather and ongoing festivities, February is a prime time to visit Colombo, albeit with increased crowds and costs.
March
MEDIUM
24-32°C
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a modest increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for travel.
March experiences slightly warmer temperatures with a modest increase in rainfall, yet remains suitable for travel.
Open
While still in peak season, securing bookings may be easier compared to earlier months.
While still in peak season, securing bookings may be easier compared to earlier months.
Recommended
March offers a balance between favorable weather and manageable crowd levels, making it a good time to visit.
March offers a balance between favorable weather and manageable crowd levels, making it a good time to visit.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Colombo's extensive bus network is a cost-effective way to reach the Old City Hall. Look for buses heading towards Pettah or Fort, as the Old City Hall is situated at the end of Main Street in the Pettah market area.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and popular ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe offer a convenient and comfortable way to get to the Old City Hall.
Walking
Recommended
For those staying in the nearby Fort district or other central locations, walking to the Old City Hall is a feasible option.
Car
Travelers opting to drive can reach the Old City Hall via major roads. Key roads leading to the Pettah area include Main Street, where the Old City Hall is located.
Train
The Fort Railway Station is the main rail gateway to central Colombo and is conveniently located near Pettah. From the station, the Old City Hall is a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride away.
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