Sri Lanka, a beautiful island country, is surrounded by crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. With its golden beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, its picturesque setting is sure to win your heart. Besides its tourist attractions, shopping in Sri Lanka offers a diverse experience with vibrant local markets and luxurious boutiques. From fine-crafted jewellery to premium teas, there are endless options to explore.
Let's explore some of the best shopping places in Sri Lanka.
Best places for shopping in Sri Lanka
The following are some of the best places to shop in Sri Lanka:
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Colombo City Centre
Located in the heart of Colombo, this modern shopping mall has a variety of international brands like Aldo, Armani Exchange, and The Face Shop, along with local brands like Odel and Laksala that specialise in traditional Sri Lankan handmade crafts. Besides shopping, you can indulge in a culinary experience in Punch Island restaurant or cafes like The Little Prince to relax after your shopping spree.
- Location: 137 Sir James Pieris Mawatha
- Must buy: Various contemporary and stylish products, including accessories, clothing, and locally crafted Sri Lankan handicrafts.
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Galle Fort, Galle
Galle Fort market is not merely a shopping destination; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With various boutique shops selling traditional and modern apparel, the fort's narrow streets are lined with multiple stores. You can buy handmade jewellery and clothes along with home decor and antiques. It is a perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs. You can walk down the lane of restaurants, follow the aroma of delicacies and indulge in a local culinary experience.
- Location: 28 Church Street, Galle
- Must buy: Antiques, apparel and art pieces, handcrafted items like blue pottery, lacework and wood carvings.
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Pettah Floating Market
This bustling market is nestled in the heart of Colombo city, offering a treasure of local goods. Whether it’s fresh produce, souvenirs, or textiles, this vibrant market combines food, locally sourced produce and handmade items in an outdoor setting. You can negotiate politely to get the best deals for your purchase.
- Location: W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo
- Must buy: Local produce, spices, electronics, clothes, toys and accessories.
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Anuradhapura Weekend market
On weekends, Anuradhapura’s New Town hosts an incredible market that offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. As you walk through the aisles, explore the vibrant stalls filled with local produce, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, clothes, and food. This market gives visitors an insight into the daily lives of the locals.
- Location: Main Street, Anuradhapura
- Must buy: Wide range of batiks and delicate silks, exquisite homeware items, and contemporary Sri Lankan art.
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Kandy Market Hall
Kandy City Market gives you a glimpse of local life while exploring a maze of vendors selling raw spices, tea, fresh fruits, and herbal oils. Shop for clothes and accessories, and indulge in street food items like samosas, kottu roti, and tropical fruits.
- Location: Central Market Street, Kandy
- Must buy: Handicrafts, spices, local produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, silk and herbal oils.
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The Old Dutch Market
One of Galle's oldest markets, the Old Dutch market is a bustling area filled with stalls selling fresh produce for decades. It is a popular marketplace amongst locals and tourists, selling some of the freshest and most exotic local fruits and vegetables, spices, shoes, and clothes.
- Location: Main Street, Galle
- Must buy: Fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, clothes, shoes, and accessories.
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Majestic City Mall
Majestic City Mall is one of the oldest malls in Sri Lanka. It is a seven-story complex offering everything from apparel, shoes, watches, electronics, and home decor. It is a perfect place for family outings with its entertainment options like an amusement centre, movie theatre, and a food court with various cuisine options like Chinese, south Asian and Middle Eastern food.
- Location: Bambalapitiya, Colombo
- Must buy: Unique souvenirs like wood carvings, handcrafted jewellery, apparel from local and international brands, electronic items, and home decor.