Busy during the day with market stalls, three-wheelers, and shop fronts selling everything from sarongs to spare bicycle parts. It quiets down noticeably by 8pm, when most shops shutter and the main activity shifts to food stalls near the bus stand.
Anuradhapura's commercial centre, built around the clock tower, bus stand, and railway station. This is where locals actually shop, bank, and eat, and it has the widest range of food options in the city.
What It Feels Like
New Town (Town Centre) is known for transport links, markets, and everyday local food.
Avoid if Travellers wanting a quiet, scenic base away from traffic
What to Do
- Browse the morning market stalls near the clock tower
- Eat kottu roti at a bus stand food stall after dark
- Arrange a tuk-tuk driver for a full day trip to Mihintale or Wilpattu
Local tip The food stalls near the bus stand serve the cheapest and freshest kottu after 6pm, when the evening crowd picks up.
See our best things to do in Anuradhapura or One Day in Anuradhapura.
Getting Here
In the centre of Anuradhapura. This is the city's transport hub; trains from Colombo Fort (approximately 4-4.5 hours) and intercity buses both arrive here. Tuk-tuks and bicycles from here reach the Sacred City in 10-15 minutes.
Nearest transport: Anuradhapura Railway Station and New Town bus stand, both central.
More on Anuradhapura
The Anuradhapura overview compares this area with the others.
We plan trips to Anuradhapura and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.
Where to eat and drink
Harischandra Bake House
Sri Lankan bakery · Short eats and pastries, good for a quick breakfast
White House Restaurant
Sri Lankan and Chinese · Kottu roti and fried rice, popular with local families