Must-see nightlife in Sri Lanka

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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)…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The best nightlife option in Kandy, with credible local and visiting DJs playing progressive and deep house, minimal and techno. Draws a wealthy clubbing…

Fairtrade organic coffee, with many beans roasted locally, is reason enough to stop by this little coffee bar on the Stratford strip. Vintage carvings…

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…