Colombo Nightlife - Best Bars and Nightclubs (Sri Lanka)

I stayed several weeks in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. I didn't really enjoy the city's nightlife, which is very limited, male-oriented, and conservative.

Before writing about the negatives, I will start with a few positive points:

• Sri Lankans are almost always very friendly and helpful. They speak good English too.

• Colombo is a rather clean and safe city, especially in the tourist and expat areas. New construction is happening everywhere, for instance near the Fort (5-star resorts, waterfront apartments, etc).

• There are several interesting things to do (parks, museums, markets, etc).

• You can go to the beach in less than 30 minutes.

• Most prices (except accommodation) are reasonable: Transportation, mobile internet, food and drinks.

When it comes to nightlife, Colombo is disappointing for several reasons:

• Unlike Southeast Asians, Sri Lankans don't have the habit of going out at night. By 10 PM, the streets are empty and you may have to walk a long time just to find something to eat.

• Bars and nightclubs are hidden and they are spread out. They have an early curfew, usually midnight. After that, only a few places are still open.

• Colombo nightlife during the week is extremely quiet.

• There are barely any women in clubs or bars. It is similar to India where it is frowned upon for them to have fun with their friends at night. The ones you see in nightclubs are either "Westernized" Sri Lankan girls, girls who come with their husbands/boyfriends, or prostitutes/escorts.

• Some nightclubs give commissions to tuk-tuk and taxi drivers. As a result, the latter will pressure you to visit them and you'll have to pay an overcharged entrance fee.

Update about the political situation:

Since I wrote this article, Sri Lanka has been through a long economic crisis that led to mass protests in 2022. Together with the terrorist attacks of Easter 2019, this has had a deep impact on tourism in the country and in Colombo. Only 719,978 people visited the country in 2022 vs 2.3 million in 2018. Logically, you can expect the nightlife to be even more quiet now than it used to be.

Colombo Nightlife Areas + Best Hotels

Most of Colombo's nightlife is located near one of these 3 neighborhoods: The Fort, Kollupitiya or Cinnamon Gardens (near the Town Hall). I recommend you to stay in either of them as they are also close to the city's main attractions.

The Fort (Tourist area)

This area is expensive but very convenient for tourists traveling by train or for businessmen working in the Central Business District.

In particular, this is where you will find the Dutch Hospital Precinct. This complex is a good place for dinner and for after-work drinks. If you are new to the city, this is probably where you should start your night out as you will be sure to find places that are open and busy.

Where to drink and party in The Fort?

The current popular spots in the Fort are Botanik Rooftop, Re.Pub.Lk, and TapHouse.

Where to stay nearby?

→ Backpacker: CityRest Fort. It has an ideal location within the Dutch Hospital Precinct but average facilities considering the price ($20/night for a bunk bed and shared bathroom). A cheaper alternative is C1 Hostel.

If you can afford to spend a bit more, you can check the following properties in the Fort:

→ $50 per night: Zest Metropole (rated 8.9 on Agoda)

→ $80-90 per night: The Steuart by Citrus (rated 8.1) or Fairway (rated 8.8). Both have a bar/café.

→ Over $150 per night: The Kingsbury (rated 8.4)

Kollupitiya (or Colpetty)

This is the trendy and modern area in central Colombo. It has a large beachfront spreading from the Fort in the north until Bambalapitiya in the south. Also called Colombo 3 or Colpetty, this is one of the main expat areas in the city (with Cinnamon Gardens) and as such, it is more diverse culturally and less conservative.

Where to drink and party near Kollupitiya?

The current popular spots are The Chiller Room (one of the best nightclubs in Colombo), Playtrix Sports Bar, Liv Karaoke and Bar, Floatz, or Irish Pub.

Where to stay nearby?

→ Budget hotel - Clock Inn, a friendly hotel with both dorms ($15 per night) and single rooms ($45 per night). The location is great, walking distance from a few restaurants (including a McDonald's) and malls.

→ $80 per night: Hotel MaRadha (rated 8.7)

→ Over $100 per night: Movenpick (rated 9.1, home of the nice Vistas Rooftop Bar) or Radisson Hotel (rated 8.1)

Cinnamon Gardens

This is an affluent neighborhood with a central location, but the choice of hotels is limited. Prices are higher than average.

Where to drink and party near Cinnamons Gardens?

You can check the Gymkhana Club Complex, Floor by O, Headquarters by W15, the Love Bar, or Kava Island Bar.

For eating out, you can also visit Independence Square Arcade and Park Mews.

Where to stay nearby?

→ $100 per night: Jetwing Colombo 7 (rated 8.7) - It has its own bar called

→ $200 per night: Paradise Road - Tingagel (rated 9.1)

Best Bars and Nightclubs in Colombo

Colombo nightlife is quiet on most nights except on Friday, Saturday, and Wednesday (if you go to the right venues).

On weekends, most nightclubs and bars will charge an entrance fee to men. The fare varies from 1,000Rs up to 2,500Rs and you'll get drink coupons in exchange. Before paying, try asking the bouncers if you can have a quick look inside to check the crowd situation.

Avoid wearing shorts and sandals in high-end venues. Also, be aware that it is not uncommon to be refused entry if you are a group of men without any women. This is especially true if you are Indian.

Here are the best bars and nightclubs in Colombo as of today:

Rhythm and Blues

This bar/club was one of the nicest I visited in the city. The indoor area is medium-sized, with a long rectangular bar in the middle, and sofas on the side. It is modern, well-designed and clean. The DJs or live bands play in one of the corners, in front of a small dance floor.

I was there on a Wednesday and it was crowded (90% Sri Lankans, 20% women). The music was commercial R'n'B/EDM/Top40 and people were dancing enthusiastically. Different themes every night (Tuesday for Backpackers, 80/90s music, etc). Ladies' night is on Thursdays (free cocktails for women).

Drinks cost around 500Rs per glass of spirit (they charge the mixer separately 200Rs) and cocktails around 1000Rs. Rs1,000 entrance for men only.

Chiller Room

It is located in Kollupitiya in a modern and upmarket neighborhood (you will need a taxi/car to go as it is a bit isolated). Crowd is made of rich Sri Lankans and some foreigners. Entrance is 3500Rs for guys (redeemable with drinks) and you can't enter if you are not accompanied by at least one woman. If you are just guys, it's best to reserve a table in advance. Drinks inside are pricey, around 1500Rs-2000Rs for spirits and cocktails. Dress appropriately if you don't want to be rejected by the bouncers.

The place has two rooms with different DJs, usually one is playing House/EDM and the other one some famous songs from the 90s/00s.

Re.Pub.Lk

Republk is built on two floors with a small garden/smoking area. Good selection of food/drinks. Eclectic music (Rn'B, reggae, electro, etc). Expat crowd with some rich Sri Lankans.

Be careful as they have a strict dress code: No shorts, no sandals, no skinnies after 7 PM on weekends.

Ladies night on Wednesdays. Happy hours from 5 PM to 7 PM. Cocktails cost around 700Rs.

Playtrix

I went to Playtrix sports bar to watch a Champions League game and I had a great night. Most customers were young, easy-going Sri Lankans. Prices are average (350Rs for a beer). The music is from a DJ mixing EDM and Top 40 tunes. Ladies nights on Fridays from 8 PM to 11 PM and Couchsurfing meetings every Thursday.

Beware: Playtrix is hard to find. First, you need to go inside the racecourse track, and then climb the stairs of the tribune. It is at the top, just above Disques nightclub (closed already).

Love Bar and Candi Room

Both are located within the Flamingo House, a chic restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens. Love Bar is open every day and it is famous for its cocktails (around 900Rs each). The music is laidback deep house and nu disco. The Candi Room is more like a speakeasy club. It is better to visit it with a group of friends and order bottles. It is open only on Friday and Saturday.

Sopranos Karaoke Bar

Sopranos is a high-end bar with a sing-along concept, a popular feature of Colombo nightlife. Songs played are mostly classics and any customer can go on stage to sing. Usually, the rest of the crowd will sing as well. It is located about 100 meters from the Gymkhana complex. It can be quite fun, depending on who's there on a particular night. Open from Tuesday to Saturday (until 3 AM). Men must pay Rs1,000 to get inside.

You can also try Liv Colombo which is similar but more trendy.

The Manchester Pub

This minimalistic pub is one of the main expat hangouts in Colombo (You also have a fair amount of backpackers and locals among the customers). Good for watching football, cricket or rugby. You can order Indian food from the excellent Agra restaurant next door.

Busy quiz night on Wednesday. Open mic on Tuesday. Live music on Thursday and Friday. Closes very early at 11 PM.

Sky Lounge

Famous rooftop bar with a stylish setup, good drinks and perfect view. It is located in the 5-star Kingsbury Hotel, in the Central Business District area.

Happy hours from 5.30PM to 7 PM (usual price for a cocktail around 1200Rs each). Live music on Thursday.

Honey Beach Club

Also part of the Kingsbury Hotel, it is actually more of a pool club than a beach club. Live DJ every day starting at 5 PM. Open from 10 AM until midnight.

W Lounge

Previously known as The Kama, it looks fine but there weren't any customers when I visited. It seems to cater to a more local crowd. Music is Bollywood.

Cleopatra Bollywood Club

Cleopatra is a bit complicated to find as it is hidden in the basement of Liberty Arcade. You won't see any signs indicating it from outside so you should ask one of the security guards for directions.

I was charged 2,000Rs to get inside, without any drinks. I accepted to pay because I had read on the Internet that it was the "ultimate underground nightclub" in Colombo. What a disappointment!

It is more a sad bar with horrible music and staff who tried to short-change me. Crowd is mostly older local guys and prostitutes. The only positive thing is the belly dancer show every hour.