Cinnamon Gardens

Calm and tree-lined, with colonial-era bungalows alongside boutique shops and cafes. It feels distinctly separate from the market noise of Pettah or the office bustle of Fort, more like a residential suburb than a tourist zone.

Cinnamon Gardens is Colombo's greenest and most residential central area, home to Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum, and several embassies. Streets are wider and quieter here than anywhere else in the central city.

Cinnamon Gardens is known for viharamahadevi park, the national museum, and embassy-lined streets.

Avoid if Budget travellers or anyone wanting to be close to the harbour and markets

• Tour the National Museum's Kandyan-era exhibits
• Walk or jog through Viharamahadevi Park
• Browse Paradise Road's design store and cafe

Local tip Visit Viharamahadevi Park in the early morning when joggers and walkers are out and the heat hasn't built up yet.

See our best things to do in Colombo or One Day in Colombo.

In the centre of Colombo. Best reached by tuk-tuk or PickMe from central Colombo, approximately 15-20 minutes from Fort; no direct train access.

Nearest transport: Approximately 15-20 minute tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Fort Railway Station.

Back to the main Colombo page for costs, transport and the other areas.

We plan trips to Colombo and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.