If you’re the one who excels in the art of bargain, cannot imagine a trip to be complete without shopping, and find yourself in Sri Lanka, then Colombo is the place to be. The bustling metropolis offers something that is uncharacteristically different from the rest of the island: commercial centres and shop-laden streets.

When you decide to stay put in a Colombo accommodation, get ready for an incessant buzz from the street calling you out to shop till you drop. Here’s the perfect list of places where you should be heading to: 

For Fashion

Odel, Alexandra Place

For a truly Sri Lankan shopping experience in Colombo, there is nothing better than Odel, the most popular branded garment factory outlet in the city. You can splash out on quality clothing from international labels while simultaneously enjoying a cool range of accessories such as jewellery, shoes, cosmetics, bags, etc.

Barefoot Gallery, Galle

For a nation that takes utmost pride in its garment industry, it would be criminal to give the Barefoot Gallery a miss. The exquisite store has an assortment of handloom products and handmade artefacts, from fabrics, linen and wooden boxes to tote bags, blouses and skirts.

For Books

Sarasavi Bookshop, Nugegoda

If you’re a bibliophile, then make sure to stay put in one of our best hotels in Nugegoda, like the cosy Yoho Kurunduwatta Road apartment.. After all, the Sarasavi Bookshop, Sri Lanka’s number one book store chain, is just a couple of kilometres away from there. Its five-storeyed building is a maze of wonders and also houses a stationary.

For Souvenirs

Laksala, Galle

Laksala is a haven for souvenir and memorabilia collectors. It is a state run-handicrafts’ emporium which houses exceptional brassware and silverware, natural fibres, wooden treasures, and buffalo horns. Other objects that will definitely ensnare you are artefacts made out of coconut, canes and shells.

For a Mall Experience

Majestic City Mall, Bambalapittiya

The multi-storied Majestic City offers you an unadulterated mall experience, complete with a fancy cinema, a sprawling food court in the basement, and stores for everything under the sun. The air-conditioned interiors are constantly buzzing with locals, as you would expect at the country’s most sought-after shopping destination.

BONUS

For A Bargain

As with any metropolis, Colombo has its fair share of markets and shopping streets unknown to tourists, like the Pettah market and Duplication Road. To bag the best bargains, the trick lies in not acting like a typical tourist and haggling with all seriousness. For the best deals, we recommend bringing along a local. If buying cheap electronics is high on your list, hit the busy and oriental Pettah Market in Colombo 11. The jaw-dropping wholesale prices will delight you to no end. And if you have cash to spare for more outfit purchases, then pay a visit to Duplication Road’s splendid collection of discounted shoes, bags, toys and accessories.

Happy shopping!