Our 12 FAVOURITE Things to Do in Negombo, Sri Lanka

Looking for the best things to do in Negombo, Sri Lanka in 2025? You’re probably here because it’s the closest beach town to the airport and most people stop here for a night at the start or end of their trip. That’s exactly what we did and honestly, we were surprised by how much we enjoyed it.

Nicknamed Little Rome, because of the large catholic population, Negombo’s got a very different vibe to other places in Sri Lanka. You’ll find a huge fish market, temples of every kind, peaceful boat rides and a golden stretch of beach that lights up at sunset.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to do in Negombo based on our own visit, from fish markets and temples to sunset canal tours and massage spots, plus a 1 day itinerary if you’re short on time.

What is the History of Negombo?

Negombo’s history has always revolved around its prime location on the coast and it’s huge lagoon that still defines the town today. Long before it became one of the best places to visit near Colombo Airport, it was a major cinnamon trading hub in Sri Lanka – which is why the Portuguese, Dutch and British all left their mark here.

Here’s a quick timeline of Negombo’s past and why it’s so famous today:

• Pre-colonial ➞ Negombo was already doing its thing – fishing, trading and exporting cinnamon across Asia.
• Early 1500s ➞ the Portuguese arrive. They spotted the cinnamon, built a fort, and introduced Catholicism – which is why there are churches everywhere now. Locals still call the town Little Rome because of it.
• Mid-1600s ➞ the Dutch take over. Out go the Portuguese. The Dutch strengthen the fort, upgrade the canals (to move cinnamon faster), and leave their own mark on the town’s layout.
• Late 1700s ➞ the British step in. They didn’t care much for spices, but they boosted the fishing trade and built the railway connecting Negombo to Colombo and inland plantations.

Fast forward to today and Negombo has taken some hard hits – from the tragic Easter bombings in 2019 at St Sebastian’s Church, to the protests and unrest during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022. But even after all that, the town feels alive and welcoming. You’ll still hear church bells in the morning, see locals heading out to fish and feel the warmth of the local people.

What to Do in Negombo – 12 Things We Actually Enjoyed

1. Visit St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is one of the most iconic landmarks in Negombo. Construction began in 1874 and was completed in 1922, so it’s a beautiful blend of neoclassical and baroque architecture that reflects the town’s strong Catholic roots, first introduced by the Portuguese and Dutch.

Step inside and you’ll see why it’s so special. The ceiling is covered in vivid murals painted by renowned local Buddhist artist N.S. Godamanne. These paintings show scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints, making it one of the most artistically rich churches in Sri Lanka.

What we loved most is that it’s still an active church, with worshippers coming and going all day. We visited mid-morning and spent about 45 minutes just soaking up the atmosphere, listening to the priest and prayers and admiring the amazing interior.

💡 Tip: Head here around 10 or 11am when it’s a bit quieter inside. Make sure to dress modestly if you’re visiting during a service.
📍 If you’re visiting more churches, don’t miss St. Sebastian’s Church as it’s just a short walk away.

2. Negombo’s Hindu Temples – Sri Sithi Vinayagar & Kali Amman Kovil

If you’re wandering through central Negombo, make sure to check out these two small but striking Hindu temples. They’re just a couple of minutes apart and easy to visit on foot.

Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and tucked just off one of the main streets. It’s not huge, but the bright, intricate carvings make it a beautiful spot to pause for a moment. We arrived during morning prayers and watched a few locals lighting incense and offering fruit. You don’t need long here, but it’s a peaceful and welcoming space (and the colours pop on camera too!).

A few seconds away, Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil is dedicated to the goddess Kali. This one’s even smaller, but the facade is packed with detail and the atmosphere felt more intense. We didn’t actually catch a ceremony, but just stepping inside and seeing the offerings laid out gave us a glimpse into the spiritual life of the area.

Both temples are free to enter. We didn’t notice any other tourists here either, so we recommend experiencing this more authentic side of Negombo.

🩴 We slotted these into a short walking loop on a half day tour from the fish market to St Mary’s Church and down to the beach (before a massage!!). It was a great little route if short on time in Negombo.

4. Stop by St Sebastian’s Church

You can’t miss St. Sebastian’s Church as you head down Sea Street. Its dramatic Gothic Revival design, inspired by the Reims Cathedral in France, gives it a sense of grandeur you don’t expect in a beach town like this. With tall pointed arches, towering spires and flying buttresses, it’s one of the most striking churches in Negombo.

But it’s not just the architecture that sticks with you. In 2019, during the Easter bombings, this church was targeted in one of the deadliest attacks in Sri Lanka’s history. Devastatingly, over 100 worshippers lost their lives… Walking inside feels powerful and humbling as it’s a space filled with grief, hope and resilience. If you can, leave a small donation to support the rebuild.

We included St. Sebastian’s as a stop on our morning walking tour around Negombo and it is probably one of the most memorable stops. We couldn’t believe how beautiful the church is today considering its recent history. It’s a really special place that we’re so glad we didn’t skip.

5. Head to Angurukaramulla Temple – the main Buddhist temple in Negombo

We weren’t sure whether to bother with another temple, but Angurukaramulla turned out to be one of the more peaceful spots we visited in Negombo. It’s small and packed with stories if you take time to look around.

The first thing you’ll notice is the giant dragon mouth entrance – a bold and colourful symbol said to ward off evil spirits. When you step through it, you’ll find a huge seated Buddha, crumbling ancient murals and a surprisingly atmospheric 300 year old library filled with palm-leaf manuscripts. It’s not as grand as some of the temples you’ll see elsewhere in Sri Lanka – like those in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, but it gives a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lankan Buddhist culture, especially if this is your first stop in the country.

That said, the temple sits just outside the main part of town, so we grabbed a tuk-tuk there. It’s a short and easy ride.

To be honest, if you’re seeing more of Sri Lanka after this, you’ll come across much more elaborate and grand temples, so don’t stress if you have to skip it due to time.

6. Take a Canal Tour in Negombo (our favourite thing we did)

We didn’t expect to love taking a canal tour in Negombo as much as we did! The canal system was originally built by the Dutch, and it still runs through the town today, connecting the lagoon with rivers, fishing villages and coconut plantations. A lot of tours stick to the Dutch Canal and Negombo Lagoon (which are beautiful), but we ended up starting further north along the quieter Hamilton Canal, which winds toward the Maha Oya River. There were barely any other boats around and it felt like we had the whole river to ourselves.

We saw a side of Sri Lanka we hadn’t seen yet – tiny riverside homes, kids playing in the water, monitor lizards sunbathing on the banks and a group of over 20 eagles soaring above us. (Did you know eagles even hang out in groups? We didn’t!).

We booked our Negombo canal tour with Sarath Boat Tours and would 100% recommend them. The ride lasted a couple of hours and it was such a calm way to end the day.

If you’re only in Negombo for one night, squeeze this in.

7. Catch Sunset on Negombo Beach

Let’s be honest, Negombo Beach probably won’t win any awards for being the best beach in Sri Lanka. But if you’re in town for a night or two, it’s still 100% worth a visit.

This is where you’ll see a lot of local life, with fishermen hauling in their nets, kids playing cricket, families having picnics and groups battling it out in beach volleyball. We saw all of that in just one evening! It’s lively but never feels hectic, thanks to how wide and open Negombo Beach is.

We ended our first evening in town with a beer and a barefoot stroll at sunset, and it made us realise how excited we were for our whole trip to Sri Lanka.

Can you swim at Negombo Beach?

You can, but be cautious. The sea in Negombo can be rough, with strong waves and currents depending on the season. It’s better for walks, sunset beers, sports like beach cricket and volleyball and people-watching, than proper swimming. Always check the conditions first if you’re tempted to take a dip.

8. Visit the historic Dutch Fort

The old Dutch Fort in Negombo isn’t exactly a headline attraction, but it’s worth a quick stop if you’re into Sri Lanka’s colonial history or if you happen to be passing by. It was originally built by the Portuguese, then taken over and reinforced by the Dutch in 1672.

Today, not much is left beyond the original gateway and parts of the outer walls. It’s located next to the active prison (which is not the most scenic backdrop), so access is limited, but you can walk up to the entrance for a look and a couple of photos. Entry is free, and it’s open from 8am to 8pm.

We passed by on our way back from the fish market and had a little look. We wouldn’t recommend putting it at the top of your list of things to do in Negombo, but it’s worth five minutes if you’re close by.

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9. Wander the Negombo Fish Markets

Fishing and tourism are the two biggest industries in Negombo, and fishing has been around a lot longer than us tourists. The city is well known for its lively fish markets.

Although it’s a bit stinky (there’s no sugarcoating it), once you get past that, we think the experience is completely worth it.

Definitely visit the Negombo fish markets early in the morning, which is what we did, and it was the best time as you’ll see fishermen dragging their catch straight off the boats, sorting it on the sand and preparing it either for sale in the Negombo fish market, or for drying – washed down with salt water, gutted, split and laid out across huge tarpaulin sheets on the beach.

We visited the smaller Negombo Fish market because it is closer to all of the other Negombo attractions we’ve mentioned on this list, but there is the main market called Lellama (the second largest market in Sri Lanka!), which is larger but a bit further south.

🎣 Visit Lellama Fish Market and lots more Negombo things to do on this private tour that includes pick up and drop off, coconuts and more.

10. Take a Boat Trip on Negombo Lagoon

If you’ve already taken a canal tour in Negombo, you might be wondering if the lagoon is worth the extra effort. But we found it to be a completely different vibe, and one of the most peaceful things to do in Negombo if you’ve got the time.

Negombo Lagoon is huge. It’s calm, open water surrounded by thick mangrove forests, with wooden fishing boats gliding past and birds swooping overhead. Unlike the canal routes (which are great for getting a feel of local life), a lagoon boat trip is all about nature, stillness, and space to breathe.

We took a private Negombo Lagoon tour that included a fruit picnic on the lagoon and a stop at Monkey Island (yes, monkeys were included!). It was slow, scenic and honestly the perfect contrast to the hustle of the fish markets and temples.

If you’re only doing one boat trip in Negombo and you’re choosing between the lagoon and the canals, go with the lagoon if you want something quieter and more nature-focused.

🎣 If you want to experience the lagoon from a different perspective, this local-style fishing tour takes you out on traditional boats and teaches you how fishermen work the lagoon every day.

Are there crocodiles in Negombo Lagoon?

Yes, there aren’t crocodiles in Negombo Lagoon! You’ll also see birds, monitor lizards and maybe some monkeys. As for any activity when travelling, we would always recommend going with a reputable and well-reviewed tour company who know where to go and how to stay safe out on the water.

11. Get one of the best massages in Negombo (trust us!)

Negombo doesn’t have that many spas, but if you’re looking for the best massage in town, we’d point you straight to Spa Paralia Queen. If you’re stopping in Negombo after a long-haul flight or wrapping up your Sri Lanka itinerary, this is one of the most relaxing things to do.

We headed there the day we landed – jet-lagged, stiff and desperate to get rid of the tension in our aching muscles. And honestly, it was exactly what we needed. The masseuses were super friendly, applied great pressure and we walked out of there feeling brand new!!

After three months travelling around Sri Lanka (and plenty of spa hopping), this was hands down the best massage we had – even better than any we had in four months in Bali, which is saying something.

12. Take a day trip to Colombo from Negombo

If you haven’t included Colombo in your Sri Lanka itinerary yet, it’s an easy day trip from Negombo as it’s just an hour or so down the coast. It’s Sri Lanka’s capital city and is beaming with history, chaos and character.

We’ll be honest – Colombo is intense. It’s noisy, hot, busy and not exactly chilled island vibes. But, if you like cities or you’re curious to see the more modern, fast paced side of Sri Lanka, it’s absolutely worth a visit. You’ll find a mix of gleaming high-rises and colonial buildings, tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, street food on every corner and historic sites like The Lotus Tower, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and The National Museum.

🎒 Make it a little easier by taking a private tour of Colombo from Negombo. You’ll tick off the top sights in the city without needing to do any planning yourself.

How to Spend One Day in Negombo Itinerary

We found most people visit Negombo at the start or end of their Sri Lanka trip, since it’s just 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). But don’t underestimate it, because in one day, you can easily tick off the best things to do without feeling rushed.

Here’s our personal itinerary on what to see, eat and book if you’ve only got 24 hours in Negombo:

Time	Activity	Notes and Our Tips
8:00 AM	Visit Negombo Fish Market	Best time to see the market in full swing – fish drying on the beach, fishermen hauling their catch and fishmongers dissecting fish ready to be sold
9:00 AM	St Mary’s Church	Walk 15 minutes from the market to admire the amazing architecture and soak in the calm of this Catholic church
9:30 AM	Sri Sithi Vinayagar & Sri Singama Kali Amman Temples	Relatively quick, colourful stops that are free to enter but donations welcome
10:00 AM	St Sebastian’s Church	This gothic-style church was damaged in 2019 bombings and is currently under restoration but very beautiful
10:30 AM	Angurukaramulla Temple	Take a tuk-tuk, it’s only a 5-10 minute ride, a great Buddhist temple with dragon-mouth entrance
11:30 AM	Head back to town for lunch	We’d recommend Zen Cafe or BOHO Negombo for coffee or tea and a tasty lunch.
1:00 PM	Chill at Negombo Beach, get a massage at Spa Paralia Queen or wander the little shops and boutiques	It’s good to chill in the heat of the day as it can be hot and humid in Negombo. You can even escape the heat by wandering the shops or heading indoors for a massage.
3:30 PM	Head to canal tour meeting point	Use PickMe or walk depending on location
4–6:30 PM	Sunset canal tour	Enjoy cruising along the labyrinth of canals and rivers in Negombo and take in a beautiful sunset on the lagoon (if there is one!).
7:00 PM	Dinner at Jude, YAAGA or Chef Crab	Our top picks for where to eat in Negombo – incredible local food, affordable and good drinks.

🎒 Want everything handled for you? This guided half-day Negombo tour includes the fish market, temples, churches, canal, a traditional Ayurvedic massage and lunch, which is ideal if you’re short on time and don’t want the stress of planning.

FAQs About Things to Do in Negombo