Shopping in Colombo
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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
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Odel Unlimited
Head here to shop with the glamorous. You’ll find everything from homewares, designer-label clothing and sportswear to banana soap.
reviewed
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Vijitha Yapa Bookshop
Stocks a comprehensive collection of foreign and local novels, magazines and pictorial tomes on Sri Lanka.
reviewed
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Vijitha Yapa Bookshop
Stocks a comprehensive collection of foreign and local novels, magazines and pictorial tomes on Sri Lanka.
reviewed
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O
MD Gunasena Bookshop
Gunasena's ambitious-looking outlet is opposite Majestic City; it carries a decent selection of titles.
reviewed
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Lake House Bookshop
Has an extensive range of books, along with foreign and local magazines and newspapers.
reviewed
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Millers Photographic Supplies & Repairs
For print and slide film. There are also branches on Galle Rd in Bambalapitiya, Col 4;
reviewed
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Bookland
Offers the usual range of books about Sri Lanka, plus English titles and magazines.
reviewed
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Buddhist Book Centre
Filled with books on Buddhism; about a third of the stock is in English.
reviewed