Travel Plan
Pettah Market

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · COLOMBO

Pettah Market

Colombo's busiest bazaar: streets packed with spices, fabrics, fruit, electronics and street food, each street with its own trade.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Morning
Area
Pettah

Crowded streets of spices, fabrics and fruit.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Main Street, Pettah, Colombo 11

  • On foot: Right next to Fort railway station.
  • Tuk-tuk: Drop-off on Main Street.
  • Tours: Tuk-tuk tours often stop here.

The story of Pettah Market

Pettah grew outside the walls of the Dutch fort and has been Colombo's trading quarter for centuries. Muslim, Tamil and Sinhala traders still run its shops.

Streets specialise: one for fabrics, one for spices, one for hardware, and the Manning Market for fruit and vegetables.

Best time to visit

Best season

All year.

Best time of day

Morning, before the heat and crowds.

Sunday

Some shops are closed.

Tips before you go

  • Go in the morning; keep bags close.
  • Keep valuables close in the crowds.
  • Try fresh king coconut from a stall.

Best hotels near Pettah Market

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Shangri-La Colombo

Ocean views by Galle Face.

See prices

Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Central hotel with pools.

See prices

Hotels in Colombo

All price ranges.

See prices
All hotels near Pettah Market

What's around Pettah Market

  • Jami Ul-Alfar MosqueIn the market.
  • Colombo Fort5 minutes.
  • Lotus Tower10 minutes.

Questions travellers ask

Is it safe?

Yes, but watch for pickpockets.

Can I bargain?

Yes, in many shops.

Is it good for spices?

Yes, very.

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Seema Malaka

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Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

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Lotus Tower

Lotus Tower

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Travel Plan · Pettah Market Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure · Contact us