Joanna James
Colombo is a city with a lot to offer. Here are some of the best places to shop in the city which will amaze you.
Odel is the biggest department store in Sri Lanka. If you are looking for places to shop, this is where you must begin your spree. The store is located in the heart of Colombo. There’s everything from international brands of makeup, beauty products as well as local brands. You can find exotic balms, lotions and oils while getting a relaxing foot massage at their spa. After a day of shopping head down to their food court of many restaurants. If you’re looking for souvenirs, the store has its own line of products made by the local artisans. Decorated coconut shells, accessories and many more that resembles the heritage of Sri Lanka can be bought at Odel. Most of the best hotels in Sri Lanka the likes of Colombo Court Hotel & Spa are in the vicinity so drop by the store if you’re spending the night in the city.
Another store with nothing but good vibes and a great place to chill. Barefoot is a gallery café and if you’re a fan of art, you will love this place. All the products in the store are handmade by local artisans. You find hand woven clothes, dresses, sarongs and wraps in bright colours and accessories made from seashells and coconut shells. This too is a great place to pick up souvenirs to take home. If you’re lucky, you will catch live performances of young musicians, spoken word artists and stand-up comedians while you’re there. Barefoot is a great place to spend a quiet evening and sip coffee with your favourite book in hand.
This is one of the most happening places in Colombo. This is an old colonial building which is converted into a shopping and dining area. Head over to the Dutch Hospital in the evening and browse through the stores in it. You also can enjoy a hearty meal at some of the best restaurants in Colombo as the Ministry of Crab while you’re there. Sit back and unwind with a couple of beers as you watch the place turn into the hang out spot of the local youth. This is not just a great shopping destination, but one of the best places to experience the bustle of Colombo. The Dutch Hospital is one of the places you must visit.
On Saturdays head over to the Good Market buy some of the best handmade food, clothes and beauty products. All the products sold at the Good Market are vegan, ethical and eco- friendly. You can find many young entrepreneurs, artists and designers gathered at the Good Market. You will be able to buy organic jams and other bottled food items, printed tee shirts, recycled clothes and many more from there. On some days there are puppy adoption projects happening there, where stray puppies are adopted by kind homes. Good Market is a great place to shop and has a lot of good vibes indeed.
At Pettah, everything under the sun is sold. You will easily get lost in the bustle, but it is something you should witness while you stay in the city. There are streets dedicated to each item. Don’t forget to visit the red mosque, which is one of the oldest buildings in Colombo and is definitely worth taking pictures of.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
