Joanna James
With massive department stores and malls that cater to everyone, shopping in Colombo is an exotic experience that combines traditional and contemporary.
One of the oldest malls in the tiny island nation, Majestic City has been the go to hangout spot for years. Spanning seven stories, Majestic City has everything you need in an up to date mall. The upper floors have four cinemas that show a range of Hollywood and Bollywood movies while the basement has a kid's play area as well as a food court that has plenty of reputable eateries. While the mall looks pretty plain from the outside, it has all the stores you need and all forms of entertainment to keep an individual entertained. Whether it is shopping for clothes at Odel or buying yourself a new smartphone, Majestic City is guaranteed to cover all your bases.
First opened back in the nineteenth century, Liberty Plaza is home to a few rare retailers that you will not find anywhere else in the country. The mall was on somewhat of a downward spiral for a few years, but after a major renovation, it looks much better. The food court is much smaller than Majestic City but it does offer quality food with a quieter and calmer environment. Many stores under its roof offer great deals when it comes to electronics so its worth a visit. However, Liberty Plaza has conventional timings. It closes by seven in the evening and is closed on Sundays which might make it difficult for some. Located at Colpetty, Liberty Plaza is close to most Colombo luxury apartments such as establishments like One Galle Face.
Located in the very heart of Colombo, Odel is coincidently at the core of the city's shopping culture. Spanning an area of around thirty three thousand square feet, the department store is well stocked when it comes to apparel. However, you can find so much more than just clothing options. Behind its walls, you can also find sushi restaurants, bars and even foot spas! Speaking of walls, the architecture of the building carries a distinctive Colonial style, both on the inside and the outside. With arching doorways, whitewashed walls and wooden stairways, shopping here is a surreal experience, to say the least.
Another structure that perfectly showcases the brilliant Dutch architecture, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct gets its name from the fact that it was once a hospital during the Dutch era. A beautiful building that consists of two courtyards in the middle, it is well known for its vibrant nightlife. The courtyards sometimes house live music while the many cafes and restaurants around the courtyard offer a wide range of excellent dishes. Moreover, you have a fully fledged bar that attracts many in the city. The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is located in Fort and is right opposite the World Trade Centre. Some of the stores you can find under its roof include Colombo Jewelry Stores and Luv SL.
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