Kandy
The best place in Kandy for a drink, the Royal has benefited from a stunning, sympathetic recent renovation. With a couple of atmospheric bars, a lovely…
Must-see nightlife in Sri Lanka
Colombo
The rooftop bar high atop the popular Cinnamon Red hotel has the kinds of views you'd expect from the 26th floor, but for once the drinks at this kind of…
Jaffna
It gets no points for creative naming, but this place makes up for it with the sensational views. The rooftop bar at the hotel is breezy and has a variety…
Kandy
With views out over the lake, pool tables, Premier League football, decent Chinese food and a 5pm to 6pm happy hour, this place is always busy. There's…
Arugam Bay
This ungainly-looking, rickety roadside party HQ creaks with action almost around the clock. It hosts a slew of party nights, with everything from tech…
Ella
As the evening progresses, the upper deck of this destination restaurant is the best place for a chilled lager or minty mojito and conversation. Lounge…
The East
The beach bar in Uppuveli, many nights seem to start and end here. Sit on a pillow on the sand, at a table, or up on the driftwood-covered terrace. The…
Negombo
In a lovingly restored peach-pink colonial-era townhouse, this calm retreat in the heart of Negombo offers a touch of refined class, all manner of Sri…
Colombo
Rise above it all at this stylish (low-rise) rooftop cocktail lounge. Long tables outside have views of the ever-changing Colombo skyline, while inside…
Tangalla & Around
With tables and seats made from crates, swing chairs by the bar and cool playlists, this hip beach bar has its own individual style. There are fine…
Unawatuna
For the best cafe in Unawatuna, head to Kat's. The German owner only uses premium arabica beans and though prices aren't cheap (a flat white is Rs 480)…
Mirissa
One of the coolest beach hang-outs, Zephyr offers a cosmopolitan ambience thanks to well-selected lounge tunes. Later on, expect live music or a DJ,…
The Hill Country
A classic colonial bar with wood panelling, a stately fireplace and a decent selection of whisky. Decoration comes in the form of a pair of antlers and a…
Batticaloa
A meeting point for Batti's version of hipsters, this rustic little cafe serves fab coffee, tea (including herbal varieties), juices and lassis in a…
Arugam Bay
For divine cocktails under the stars, check out Hideaway Hotel's Hide & Chill Bar. There are all sorts of lounging areas where you can sprawl out after a…
Galle
Live the dream and sip an exquisite mixed drink (mocktails Rs 800, cocktails start at Rs 1200) or a glass of fine wine at Galle's landmark hotel. The…
Weligama
Tucked away in a remote cliff-side spot 3km southwest of the centre, this cool bar-resto is well worth a tuk-tuk ride. The ocean views are mesmerising and…
Kandy
The best nightlife option in Kandy, with credible local and visiting DJs playing progressive and deep house, minimal and techno. Draws a wealthy clubbing…
Colombo
Fairtrade organic coffee, with many beans roasted locally, is reason enough to stop by this little coffee bar on the Stratford strip. Vintage carvings…
Colombo
The rooftop bar atop the three-storey Colombo Courtyard hotel is popular most nights for its breezy, sweeping views. Cute little chairs cradle your rump…
Colombo
Once a colonial bar dating back to 1924, the facade may be the same, but the inside has been completely reborn as a stylish, modern lounge. The cocktail…
Negombo
Graffiti-sprayed bar busy with expats and tourists. There's live music on Tuesday nights, DJs the rest of the time, and a long list of cocktails with sexy…
Hikkaduwa & Around
A laid-back and spacious bar with pool tables (Rs 250 for 30 minutes) that broadcasts major sports events and serves good value food (mains Rs 400 to 700)…
Colombo
The one compelling reason to visit this otherwise forgettable hotel is the posh sprawling bar that overlooks Beira Lake from a large deck. Catch the…
Colombo
No subtlety here; Asylum takes its name from the original use of its now upscale mall surrounds. The bar is dark and posh. Expect excellent cocktails made…
Nuwara Eliya
A relaxing place for an afternoon tea, or one of the many different coffees, after a stroll through Victoria Park. It also does simple meals (Rs 300), all…
Colombo
Feel the sand between your toes at this upscale beach club. Tables and loungers are set over two levels, the better to accommodate the sunset rush. There…
Kandy
A homely cafe with wood-trimmed decor that's perfect for a freshly ground, organic caffeine pick-me-up. However, it's a tad pricey, with filter coffee…
Colombo
The historic hotel has the iconic bar on the shady terrace and on the back lawn under palms. Popular with G&T-seeking tourists, everyone gets slack-jawed…
Colombo
Somewhat cramped, this club draws a mixed crowd of locals, sailors and lost visitors who take to the dance floor to thump the night away till nearly dawn.
Colombo
Close to other nightspots, including 41 Sugar, this club is among the city’s most popular. The vibe is mainstream, with music from salsa to house.
Nuwara Eliya
With wood-panelled walls and friendly bar staff, this bar is a popular spot. There's also billiards, darts and a terrace with (distant) lake views.
Colombo
This place has live music nightly. It can get rowdy at the pool tables, although the mood is generally posh. Expensive, fancy cocktails.
Hikkaduwa & Around
Real Italian coffee (Rs 320), including hangover-busting espresso, and excellent cakes give a post-surf boost at this fashionable cafe.
Colombo
White Horse is a popular place for a drink before setting off for further adventures. On Friday nights the mixed crowd of locals and expats from the…
Colombo
Cheap beer is the highlight at this upscale pub in the Old Dutch Hospital. It can get mobbed on Friday night as scores mill about the courtyard, mugs of…
Polonnaruwa
Drink stalls beside the Northern Group of ruins offer a welcome break from the heat, with a chilled fresh king coconut costing Rs 100.
Polonnaruwa
Drink stalls near the Quadrangle offer a welcome break from the heat, with a chilled fresh king coconut costing Rs 100.
