Fort is Colombo's historic heart, built up by the Dutch and British and now mixing colonial-era buildings with banks and government offices. It's the most walkable area for sightseeing, with the Dutch Hospital Precinct, Old Parliament Building, and clock tower within a short stroll of each other.
Busy with office workers and security checkpoints during the day, quieter in the evening when the Dutch Hospital Precinct's restaurants and bars pick up. Traffic is heavy on the main roads, but side streets around the old buildings feel calmer and more suited to walking with a camera.
What It Feels Like
Fort is known for colonial architecture, the dutch hospital precinct, and proximity to galle face green.
Avoid if Travellers wanting a lively nightlife scene or budget guesthouses
What to Do
- Walk the Dutch Hospital Precinct for dinner and a drink
- Photograph the colonial clock tower and lighthouse
- Browse the small bookshops near the old Parliament building
Local tip Visit the Old Parliament Building and clock tower in the early morning before the heat and office crowds build up.
See our best things to do in Colombo or One Day in Colombo.
Getting Here
1.4 km north-west of the centre of Colombo. Colombo Fort Railway Station connects to most of the country by train. Tuk-tuks and PickMe cars are the easiest way to reach Galle Face or Pettah from here.
Nearest transport: Colombo Fort Railway Station, the city's main train hub.
More on Colombo
The Colombo overview compares this area with the others.
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.
Where to eat and drink
Ministry of Crab
Sri Lankan seafood · Mud crab curry and jumbo prawns
Colombo Street Trattoria
Italian · Wood-fired pizza in the Dutch Hospital Precinct