Explore vibrant Pettah Market
Colombo, Sri Lanka • 
Must Do
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Dec
25°C – 32°C, january in colombo is characterized by warm temperatures and light rainfall, making it a pleasant time to visit, high crowds, peak season
25°C – 32°C, january in colombo is characterized by warm temperatures and light rainfall, making it a pleasant time to visit, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Crowded, narrow streets; limited accessibility.
Crowded, narrow streets; limited accessibility.
Value for money
Medium
Bargains available, but potential for overspending exists.
Bargains available, but potential for overspending exists.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Bargain Hunting
Couples loved finding unique items and negotiating prices together in the market.
Vibrant Culture
Visitors felt immersed in the authentic Colombo experience at Pettah Market.
Great Photos
Couples found the market offered many photo opportunities with the landmarks.
Overwhelming Crowds
Couples found the narrow streets and crowds could be a little overwhelming.
Lost Belongings
Travelers worried about pickpockets due to the crowded environment.
Difficult Navigation
Couples found the market layout confusing, making it hard to find things.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday
08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday
08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Saturday
08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday
08:30 AM - 07:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Join a traveler on exploration of Pettah Floating Market.
A duo embarks on a visit to Pettah Floating Market.
Embark on a walking tour at Pettah Floating Market.
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
26-26°C
December sees average temperatures around 26.3°C with moderate rain and mostly sunny conditions.
December sees average temperatures around 26.3°C with moderate rain and mostly sunny conditions.
Open
No significant restrictions; market operates as usual.
No significant restrictions; market operates as usual.
Recommended
December's pleasant weather and festive atmosphere make Pettah Market vibrant, though visitors should anticipate larger crowds and higher prices.
December's pleasant weather and festive atmosphere make Pettah Market vibrant, though visitors should anticipate larger crowds and higher prices.
January
HIGH
25-32°C
January in Colombo is characterized by warm temperatures and light rainfall, making it a pleasant time to visit.
January in Colombo is characterized by warm temperatures and light rainfall, making it a pleasant time to visit.
Open
Higher prices and larger crowds may affect availability of accommodations and services.
Higher prices and larger crowds may affect availability of accommodations and services.
Recommended
January offers warm weather and a vibrant atmosphere at Pettah Market, but expect higher prices and larger crowds due to the peak tourist season.
January offers warm weather and a vibrant atmosphere at Pettah Market, but expect higher prices and larger crowds due to the peak tourist season.
February
MEDIUM
24-28°C
February continues with warm temperatures and light rainfall, providing comfortable conditions for visitors.
February continues with warm temperatures and light rainfall, providing comfortable conditions for visitors.
Open
Prices remain higher than usual, but availability of accommodations and services improves compared to January.
Prices remain higher than usual, but availability of accommodations and services improves compared to January.
Recommended
February provides warm weather and a lively market atmosphere with moderate crowds, though prices remain elevated due to the peak season.
February provides warm weather and a lively market atmosphere with moderate crowds, though prices remain elevated due to the peak season.
March
MEDIUM
24-33°C
March experiences warm temperatures with light rainfall, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
March experiences warm temperatures with light rainfall, making it suitable for outdoor activities.
Open
With the end of the peak season, prices and availability of accommodations and services become more favorable.
With the end of the peak season, prices and availability of accommodations and services become more favorable.
Recommended
March offers warm weather and manageable crowd levels at Pettah Market, with more reasonable prices as the peak season concludes.
March offers warm weather and manageable crowd levels at Pettah Market, with more reasonable prices as the peak season concludes.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Public and private buses arrive at Pettah Central Bus Stand, adjacent to the market. Key routes include the 100 bus along Galle Road.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe provide direct transport to Pettah Market, with drop-off points near the Khan Clock Tower.
Train
Recommended
Colombo Fort Railway Station is a short walk from Pettah Market. Upon exiting the station onto Olcott Mawatha, visitors will find themselves at the edge of the market.
Car
Private cars can access Pettah Market, but parking is limited. Public car parks are available, but congestion is common.
Walking
Walking from central Colombo, especially near Colombo Fort, is recommended. Key roads include Main Street and Olcott Mawatha.
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
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required