7 Things to Do in Negombo (Including Leaving)

Before hopping into the things to do in Negombo, I’ll recommend booking a hotel with a pool — because the beaches around Negombo aren’t that inviting. I stayed in Holiday Fashion Inn which had a pool and cost roughly $30 USD per night. It was incredibly refreshing to start the day with a swim before heading out for a day of exploring.

When it comes to things to do in Negombo, in my opinion the list isn’t that long because most of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural highlights are found elsewhere. Still, there are a few sights worth checking out, and I’ve sorted them below in order of interest.

Best Things to Do in Negombo

1. Visit the Fish Market

Negombo is famous for it’s seafood scene and the fish market is the living proof of that. It buzzes with local activity, offering the freshest seafood in Sri Lanka — from crabs and prawns to cuttle fish and tuna. Basically anything you can imagine.

In the same area, you’ll see rows of thousands of fish drying on rugs laid across the sand near the main market. It’s a striking sight, though the smell can be overwhelming and may not suit those with a sensitive stomach.

Like many fresh food markets, the busiest hours are early in the morning, preferably at 06:30 AM if you want to watch the fishermen bring in their catch. I arrived to the fish market by simply taking a tuk-tuk and strolled around by myself for an hour, but guided tours are also available if you’d prefer a more structured experience.

Best time to visit: 6:30 AM
Entrance fee: Free

View Location of Fish Market

2. Eat Fresh Seafood

Negombo is often called the seafood capital of Sri Lanka. If you are a foodie, I highly recommend indulging in the fresh catch here—tuna, crab, and jumbo prawns are always on the menu. Whether it’s grilled, curried, or served simply with rice, the flavors are as authentic as they come.

3. Angurukaramulla Temple

Sri Lanka was colonized by three different countries, and many of Negombo’s sights still bear traces of that history. Angurukaramulla, however, is not one of them—it predates colonial influence entirely. For me, this buddist temple felt like a glimpse into the true Sri Lanka.

Like many Buddhist temples, there is a Buddha statue here as well, in this case a 6-metre tall figure whose entrance is framed by the open jaws of a funny-looking dragon. According to local belief, it repels evil spirits of people as they walk through it. Sort of a spiritual version of a security screening they have at the airport.

Beyond the Buddha statue, there is an ancient moss‑covered library, along with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and murals that date back centuries.

• Opening hours: Everyday from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm.
• Dresscode: Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees before entering. Footwear must be left at the entrance.

View Location of Angurukaramulla

4. Take a Boat Trip in the Canals

During the Dutch colonial era, they built a canal that still today runs through Negombo. Joining a boat tour lets you drift along the canals and explore its lagoons and wetlands alive with birdlife. It’s a peaceful way to soak in the scenery and enjoy the quieter side of the city. Watch out for the giant monitor lizards though.

5. Stroll on the Beaches

Negombo’s shoreline is a long stretch of sand divided into several beaches. Negombo Beach is the most famous, with Browns Beach a close second. Further north lies Waikkala Beach, a more isolated option.

I visited during the off‑season, when the ocean was rough. A few locals were swimming, but unlike Thailand or the Philippines, there was no one lounging on the sand. Parts of the beach were covered with fishing boats, others with pieces of plastic—hardly inviting for a swim or a lazy afternoon.

Still, there were moments of charm: children playing cricket on the sand, their laughter carrying over the waves. These beaches are less about postcard‑perfect relaxation and more about strolling, people‑watching, and catching glimpses of common Sri Lankan life.

6. Take the Train to Colombo

Ironically, one of my favorite things to do in Negombo was to leave it — on a slow-moving train bound for Colombo. Sitting in a carriage with open doors, I watched local life unfold: a few commuters scattered across the benches and sellers occasionally stopping by with salted peanuts. As I sat next to the window, I could enjoy the breeze and people-watch as everyday life was passing by, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s daily rhythm beyond the tourist trail.

If you enjoy wandering around a new city with no real plan, just watching people and taking in the surroundings, this slow-moving train offers a similar experience. Negombo has several small stations, but the main station might be the easiest place to start.

Price: Less than $1 USD
Time: About 1 hour to reach Colombo from Negombo

7. Visit the Catholic Churches

When I visited Sri Lanka, I wasn’t particularly interested in the remnants of the colonizers. Negombo does have two beautiful Catholic churches: St. Mary’s Church and St. Sebastian’s Church, and for travelers who enjoy visiting churches, they might be worth a quick stop. But if you’ve already seen your share of churches, I’d suggest skipping these. You won’t miss much.

Getting From the Airport to Negombo

Negombo is only a 15-minute taxi ride from Katunayake Airport, and the easiest way to get to Negombo is with tuk-tuk or a taxi. Uber does operate in larger cities, including Negombo, but I recommend using the local alternative: PickMe. It offers wider range of transports options—including tuk-tuks and motorbikes—plus the prices are usually lower, and the app tends to work better in smaller cities

Best Time to Visit Negombo

Negombo is affected by the Yala monsoon, which brings heavier rain to the south and west coasts between May and September. The transitional months of April, October, and November can be a mix of sunshine and short, unpredictable showers. For the most reliable sunshine, the best time to visit is between December and March.

Don’t be put off by the shoulder months, though. I visited in May, and while it rained occasionally, the showers were brief and more refreshing than annoying.

If you are planning to visit many destinations in the country, don’t plan around the best weather in Negombo. Instead, look at when it’s best to visit Sri Lanka as a whole — including the peak months for safaris, the clearest views in the hill country, and the driest conditions on the beaches you want to see. You’ll find this information in my other post: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka.

How Many Days to Spend in Negombo

Negombo is mostly a convenient first stop to recover from your flight when arriving to Sri Lanka, and it doesn’t offer as many sights as other destinations in the country. I’d recommend staying maximum two days, and you could easily fit everything into one full day if you prefer moving quickly.

Where to Stay in Negombo

I stayed at Holiday Fashion Inn, a simple guesthouse with a pool that cost around $30 USD per night. It was a comfortable and good‑value base.

If you’re looking for something more upscale, Negombo has boutique hotels and resorts along the beach strip, offering larger pools, sea views, and higher‑end dining. On the other end of the spectrum, budget accommodation is easy to find too — from homestays to hostels, often under $20 USD per night.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth Visiting Negombo

Well, both yes and no. Negombo isn’t overflowing with sights, but it’s a far better first stop than Colombo. Its calm atmosphere makes it the perfect place to recover from the flight and ease into Sri Lanka. You can tick off a few local highlights, enjoy fresh seafood, and relax by your hotel pool before diving into the country’s bigger adventures.

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