Weekend in Colombo

The chaotic, colourful bazaar area north of Fort. A grid of streets crammed with stalls selling everything from gold jewellery to spices. Built around the 19th-century Pettah Clock

Tip: Go in the morning (8-10am) before the heat and crowds peak. Don't take photos without asking — some vendors get annoyed. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) on 2nd Cross Street is worth a look from outside; non-Muslims can't enter but the architecture is striking.

A large public park opposite the Town Hall, with shaded pathways, a small boating lake, and a children's play area. Named after a Buddhist queen. Good for a quiet stroll away from

Tip: Best early morning (6-8am) before the heat hits. Avoid weekends when it gets crowded with young couples and families. The old banyan trees near the east gate make good shade for reading.

A 500-metre oceanfront stretch of grass running along Galle Road. Locals fly kites, eat short eats from vendors, and watch the sunset. Popular with joggers and families in the late afternoon.

Tip: Go at dusk for the street food stalls. Try the isso vade (prawn fritters) from the carts near the sea wall. Best spot for photos is the south end where the old cannon sits.

An eclectic Buddhist temple complex blending Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and even Chinese architecture. Includes a small museum of Buddha statues and a collection of vintage cars. More of a living temple

Tip: Entry is 500 LKR (foreign). Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees). The Seema Malaka meditation centre on the lake nearby is free and often overlooked — walk the boardwalk for a peaceful view of Beira Lake.

Sri Lanka's oldest museum, housed in a grand Italianate building from 1877. Displays cover the island's history from ancient kingdoms to colonial rule, including the throne of the last Kandyan king an

Tip: Entry is 1200 LKR for foreign adults — cheap by museum standards. Go on the last Saturday of the month for free entry. Allow 2 hours. The natural history wing next door is also included in the ticket.