Things to do in Colombo by Nightfall – Fun Nightlife at a City by the Sea

While Colombo may not have as big a club scene as other Asian destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore, it does offer some stylish venues in which to enjoy great music, dancing and cool cocktails and drinks. The Rhythm and Blues nightclub is one place you can look forward to a fun night of dancing, while Disques at the locale known as Race Course Grounds is a happening hotspot as well for music and dance. Another popular club that is easily accessible for those staying at a Colombo city hotel would be Floor by O! where you can enjoy both DJ music as well as live bands.

Colombo is a great place for foodies and offers an eclectic array of options from fine dining to street side eateries. If you are looking for a laidback evening meal or dinner, one place you could try would be the Barefoot Garden Café which offers an idyllic outdoor garden setting amidst the trees. They even have Jazz performances and a quiz night on certain days too. Another option would be On the Eleventh, a rooftop restaurant at Mandarina Colombo serving yummy local dishes and international favourites. Of course, don't forget to try exotic street food like "koththu rotti" or "isso wade" at one of the many small restaurants and eateries along the main city road known as Galle Road.

Colombo offers a great selection of the latest Hollywood Blockbusters for those wishing to spend part of their night taking in a movie with family and friends. Not only will you find current Hollywood releases, but you can enjoy them in 3D too. The multi-screen cinema complex at Majestic City shopping mall in Bambalapitiya is a favourite amongst locals, while Liberty by Scope Cinemas in Kollupitiya, Savoy Premier in Wellawatte and the cinemas at Independence Arcade are also popular cinemas amongst locals. All of them do offer online booking which is worth considering especially since you get large crowds during weekends.

The shopping scene in Colombo offers plenty of retail therapy even at night. While shops may not stay open till late, you can find certain malls and clothing stores especially open till around 8 to 9 at night. For clothing, look to visit the Odel Department Store in Town Hall or if you are looking to buy dresses then GFlock and Kelly Felder are amongst the options available. All these stores have online sites or Facebook pages so you can see what is on offer before visiting.

Of course, there is nothing like spending part of your night in Colombo by the sea, enjoying the refreshing ocean breezes and some delectable street food too. One of the best places to enjoy such an atmosphere is Galle Face which is a lovely open space by the sea. This vast area of land in the Kollupitiya area is a popular hangout spot for locals, especially on the weekends. It is a great place for an impromptu family picnic, spending some time with that special someone or just enjoying an ice cream cone or two on one of those balmy Colombo nights.