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Colombo

Shopping in Colombo

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of 2

  1. A

    Lakpahana

    As with Laksala and Lanka Hands, this Cinnamon Gardens showroom carries traditionally crafted items, including lacework, jewellery, batik and masks, as well as tea.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Odel Unlimited

    Head here to shop with the glamorous. You’ll find everything from homewares, designer-label clothing and sportswear to banana soap.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Vijitha Yapa Bookshop

    Stocks a comprehensive collection of foreign and local novels, magazines and pictorial tomes on Sri Lanka. The branch in Crescat Boulevard shopping centre in Kollupitiya, Col 3 is smaller.

    reviewed

  4. D

    House of Fashion

    This three-storey surplus outlet for the nation’s garment industry is the place to go for serious clothes shopping. Many items are hugely discounted.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Barefoot

    Designer Barbara Sansoni’s beautifully laid-out shop, located in an old villa, is justly popular for its bright hand-loomed textiles, which are fashioned into bedspreads, cushions, serviettes and other household items (or sold by the metre). You’ll also find textile-covered notebooks, lampshades and albums, and a large selection of stylish, simple clothing.

    reviewed

  6. 5th Cross St

    Immediately inland from Fort, the bustling bazaar of Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most ethnically mixed places in the country. You name it, and a boutique (street stall) will be selling it in Pettah. Each thoroughfare has its own speciality; 5th Cross St (and Gabo's Lane) specialise in Ayurvedic medicines.

    reviewed

  7. Gabo's Lane

    Immediately inland from Fort, the bustling bazaar of Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most ethnically mixed places in the country. You name it, and a boutique (street stall) will be selling it in Pettah. Each thoroughfare has its own speciality; Gabo's Lane (and 5th Cross St) specialise in Ayurvedic medicines.

    reviewed

  8. 2nd Cross St

    Immediately inland from Fort, the bustling bazaar of Pettah is one of the oldest districts in Colombo and one of the most ethnically mixed places in the country. You name it, and a boutique (street stall) will be selling it in Pettah. Each thoroughfare has its own speciality; 2nd Cross St specialises in jewellery stores.

    reviewed

  9. F

    Raux Brothers

    This 48-year-old antiques showroom, located in a large, beautiful colonial house, stocks an impressive range of furniture and artworks crafted from wood. There are genuine antiques and handcrafted new pieces. This is possibly the best antiques house in the city.

    reviewed

  10. G

    Paradise Road

    In addition to a variety of colonial and Sri Lankan antiques, you’ll find a good selection of original homewares here. Paradise Road’s Gallery Cafe carries a similar array of collectables. Both are excellent places to look for small gifts to take home.

    reviewed

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  12. H

    Kandyan Antiques

    Some of the antiques here are genuine, while others are skilful copies; the staff can tell you which is which if the price tags don't make it obvious. There's also a good selection of Buddhist and Hindu religious art.

    reviewed

  13. I

    Elephant Walk

    Similar in scope to Paradise Road also in Cinnamon Gardens, this well-decorated shop housed in a Bawa-designed bungalow carries hand-crafted houseware, furniture, lamps and stationery, and gourmet food items.

    reviewed

  14. J

    Beema

    Self-caterers can head to the 2nd floor of the big market building near Liberty Plaza. It's an indoor place with fruit, vegetables and a good range of imported foods at very competitive prices.

    reviewed

  15. K

    Bibliomania

    Jam-packed with a random selection of second-hand fiction and a mixed bag of magazines, educational books and more. Most are in English. Prices are often the best in the city.

    reviewed

  16. Mlesna Tea Centre

    Ceylon tea is sold in just about every place that sells foodstuffs, from minimarts to supermarkets. For the best quality and selection head to Mlesna Tea Centre.

    reviewed

  17. L

    Mlesna Tea Centre

    Ceylon tea is sold in just about every place that sells foodstuffs, from minimarts to supermarkets. For the best quality and selection head to Mlesna Tea Centre.

    reviewed

  18. M

    Oasis Company

    You'll find similar textile goods to those of Barefoot here, but some of the textiles are block-printed; there are carpets, too.

    reviewed

  19. N

    Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange

    This is your safest bet for price and authenticity. It contains 41 government-approved shops, plus a gem-testing laboratory.

    reviewed

  20. Vijitha Yapa Bookshop

    Stocks a comprehensive collection of foreign and local novels, magazines and pictorial tomes on Sri Lanka.

    reviewed

  21. Vijitha Yapa Bookshop

    Stocks a comprehensive collection of foreign and local novels, magazines and pictorial tomes on Sri Lanka.

    reviewed

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  23. O

    MD Gunasena Bookshop

    Gunasena's ambitious-looking outlet is opposite Majestic City; it carries a decent selection of titles.

    reviewed

  24. P

    Lake House Bookshop

    Has an extensive range of books, along with foreign and local magazines and newspapers.

    reviewed

  25. Millers Photographic Supplies & Repairs

    For print and slide film. There are also branches on Galle Rd in Bambalapitiya, Col 4;

    reviewed

  26. Q

    Bookland

    Offers the usual range of books about Sri Lanka, plus English titles and magazines.

    reviewed

  27. R

    Buddhist Book Centre

    Filled with books on Buddhism; about a third of the stock is in English.

    reviewed