Shopping in Sri Lanka is nothing less than a delight, and anyone who has visited this gorgeous island nation would surely agree. From beautifully crafted jewelry to batiks and more, there’s a lot to take home at prices you would happily pay. Not just this, but the popular cities like Colombo and Kandy also sell anything and everything from regular street to high-end products that undoubtedly leave one spoilt for choice. From beautiful stone paintings to dazzling gems and vibrant saris, a shopping in Sri Lanka will make you check out the awesome things this beautiful country offers to its tourists.
If you’re planning a holiday in Sri Lanka any time soon, make sure you go for a shopping spree like the locals! But before that, have a look at these 15 popular places, where you must stop by during your trip.
Top 20 Places For Shopping In Sri Lanka
Looking at what to buy in Sri Lanka? While holidaying in Sri Lanka, shopping is one thing you can’t miss out on. So, we have listed the best places offering the best shopping in Sri Lanka. Take a look!
- Crescat Boulevard – Local Brands And More
- Franciscan Sister’s Jam Room – For A Delightful Shopping
- Pettah Floating Market – One-Of-A-Kind Market
- Dutch Gallery – For Antiques
- Galle Fort – For Spices
- Mlesna Tea Centre – Variety Of Teas
- Olanda Furnitures – Decor Items And More
- Orchid House – From Handicrafts To Therapeutic Items
- Barefoot – For Designer Clothes
- Rangala House Art Gallery – Awaken The Artist In You
- Lakpahana – Beautiful Handcrafted Items
- Selyn – Accessories Worth Buying
- Exotic Roots – For Revamping Interior Decor
- Jayamali Batiks Studio – Skillfully Printed Textiles
- Paradise Road – Minimalistic Gift Items
- Arcade Independence Square – All Things Branded
- Ratnapura – For Precious Jewels
- Laksala – For The Best Souvenirs
- Majestic City – For Luxurious Shopping
- Odel – Lifestyle Products And More
20. Crescat Boulevard – Local Brands And More
Located in Colombo, Crescat Boulevard is one of the best places for Sri Lanka shopping. If you want to explore some of the best local brands, then this place should definitely be on your list. You’ll also find a lot of options where you can satiate your cravings for food.
Location: 89 Galle Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
Timings: 10:30 am to 11:00 pm
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19. Franciscan Sister’s Jam Room – For A Delightful Shopping
As the name suggests, this is where you can get some of the most delicious jams that are available in a huge varieties of flavors. You can also buy some of the best pickles as well as chutneys here. When wondering what to buy in Sri Lanka, you should definitely come to this place to buy some of the most delicious jams and more.
Location: 11 Long Street Church Road, Nuwara Eliya 22200 Sri Lanka
Timings: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
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18. Pettah Floating Market – One-Of-A-Kind Market
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If you are wondering what is Sri Lanka famous for then you must head to Pettah Floating Market which attracts several tourists every year. The market is built on wooden bridges beside a water body that adds to the beauty of the market. Apart from buying things here, you can lazily stroll around or can even savor some dishes at the restaurants.
Location: W E Bastian Mawatha, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 8 am – 10:30 pm
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17. Dutch Gallery – For Antiques
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Another amazing place to explore for shopping in Sri Lanka is the Dutch Gallery which displays a collection of antiques that define a unique style. You will find several objects of high value because of their historical importance. So, if you are planning to explore Galle anytime soon then make sure that you visit this beautiful gallery that is filled with antiques & jewels to the brim.
Location: 33 Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Timings: 10 am – 7 am
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16. Galle Fort – For Spices
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Like in Indian cuisines, the main ingredient of Sri Lankan food is spice. The curries and food in Sri Lanka tastes good because of the spices that are freshly grounded here. So, if you ever wonder what spices make the local food taste so good then make sure that you plan to visit the Galle Fort where you will find the famous spice market.
Location: Church Street, Galle 80000
15. Mlesna Tea Centre - Variety Of Teas
Are you a big chai lover- If yes, then of all the places, the Mlesna Tea Centre is definitely one of the best shopping places in Sri Lanka for some tea shopping in Sri Lanka. With so many unique flavors like jasmine, rose, mint, etc. to choose from, this store is a paradise you must explore.
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM every day
Location: Shop No 1-08B, Majestic City, Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Please Note: You can also find their store in the famous Crescat Boulevard mall or in Bandarawela where it stays open from 8 AM to 8 PM
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14. Olanda Furnitures - Decor Items And More
If you’re thinking what to buy in Sri Lanka, then this is the place you should visit. Popular for its exquisite and handcrafted furniture, Olanda is a place that will leave you smitten with its charming colonial antiques that reflect the true Sri Lankan art. You can find all kinds of home accessories here, with the best part being their flexible shipping services to any place in the world. This is where you should come when wondering where to shop in Sri Lanka.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: 30, Leyn Baan St, Galle, Sri Lanka
Website
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13. Orchid House - From Handicrafts To Therapeutic Items
If youre looking for some unique things to buy in Sri Lanka, then Orchid House located in Galle is the place to be! From marvelous handmade items like jewelry, clothing, tea and spices to natural spa products, books and other handicrafts, theres so much to shop here that you would surely not leave with a single bag.
Timings: Open from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM every day
Location: 28A Hospital Street | Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
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12. Barefoot - For Designer Clothes
Colorful textiles, stylish clothes, and unique homeware – if this tickles your fancy much then Barefoot is the ideal boutique to visit for shopping places in Colombo. This luxury store is owned by renowned designer Barbara Sansoni whose intense love for color will surely make your shopping experience a treat for the eyes.
Location and Timings:
-
704 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on every Sunday -
Dutch Hospital Fort, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
Open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on every Sunday -
41 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka
Open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on every Sunday
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11. Rangala House Art Gallery - Awaken The Artist In You
For anyone whos heart beats for contemporary art, Rangala House situated in central Kandy is a great place to buy some masterpieces painted by young Sri Lankan artists. While shopping here, you dont have to worry about carrying these paintings home, as this place ships worldwide and also sells these works of art online. This is clearly one of the best shopping places in Sri Lanka. This place makes shopping one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
Location: 7/1/1, Temple Street, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Website
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10. Lakpahana - Beautiful Handcrafted Items
A home to handcrafted elephants, demon masks and treasure boxes, Lakpahana is one of the cheapest stores for classic souvenir shopping in Colombo for tourists . This traditional handicraft shop should definitely be on your list if you do not wish to spend much.
Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM everyday
Location: 14, (Reid Avenue), Philip Gunewardena Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Website
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9. Selyn - Accessories Worth Buying
From gorgeously designed traditional sarees, kurtas, sarongs, etc. for women and men alike, Selyn is the only fair trade guaranteed handloom company to shop and satiate your love for Sri Lankan garments and accessories without any regrets.
Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on every Sunday
Location: 102 Fife Rd, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka
Website
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8. Exotic Roots - For Revamping Interior Decor
An all-in-one quaint art store in Galle, Exotic Roots is another popular place for shopping your heart out in the city. From elegant home decor pieces to colorful handmade jewelry and clothes, theres a lot you can take away as gifts for your loved ones from here.
Location: 23 Lighthouse St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Website
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7. Jayamali Batiks Studio - Skillfully Printed Textiles
Batik fabric is one of the popular things to buy in Sri Lanka. While this wax dyed fabric is available across stores in major cities, Jayamali Batiks Studio is one of the best places to shop some unique prints. From wall hangings to home decor and clothing, you can buy the print in any form.
Timings: Open 24 hours every day
Location: Central Market, 196 Market St, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Website
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6. Paradise Road - Minimalistic Gift Items
An upscale store, Paradise Road is a must-visit when shopping in Colombo Sri Lanka if you appreciate minimalism. From an elegant range of home accessories to other souvenirs, this place has a lot in store that will surely make you go wow.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day
Location: 213 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Website
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5. Arcade Independence Square - All Things Branded
If high-end fashion is what youre looking for in Sri Lanka, then Arcade Independence Square is an iconic place to shop at. Not just a home to great lifestyle brands like Giordano, Nike, and Samsung, but this place is also a feast for the eyes if visited at night.
Timings: Open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day
Location: 30 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Website
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4. Ratnapura - For Precious Jewels
There is no doubt that gems are one of the precious things to buy in Sri Lanka. While there are tonnes of jewelers in Colombo and Kandy, Ratnapura – being the famous trading centre of gems is the best place to take home some shining stones. When looking for some of the best shopping places in Colombo, do consider coming here.
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3. Laksala - For The Best Souvenirs
The only state owned handicrafts and souvenir boutique, Laksala is a top-notch place for shopping in Sri Lanka. While the place is an alternative to Lakpahana, it is known for its quality and value for money products. Irrespective of what you wish to buy, make sure you dont skip this place at all! For cheap shopping in Colombo, do visit this place during your trip.
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day
Location: No. 215, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Thummulla, Colombo 7
Website
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2. Majestic City - For Luxurious Shopping
Of all the Sri Lanka shopping malls, Majestic City is the most popular pick for buying luxury products. This seven storey complex houses all the famous fashion, sports, and electronic brands for a unique shopping experience.
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day
Location: 10 Station Rd, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Website
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1. Odel - Lifestyle Products And More
Known as the best shopping place in Sri Lanka, Odel is a heaven for Shopaholics. It is here you get all the branded fashion and lifestyle goods, and also an experience like none other. Even if youre on a budget, do make sure you visit this store during your trip.
Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day
Location:
5, Alexandra Place, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
Level 3, Kandy City Center, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Please Note: These are the most popular stores in Sri Lanka. You can also find Odel in Wattala, Panadura, and other cities.
Website
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Top 16 Things To Buy In Sri Lanka In 2023
Going shopping in Sri Lanka and thinking what to shop in Sri Lanka? The following are the most popular things visitors buy in Sri Lanka:
- Gems And Jewelry: Dazzling Gifts
- Ceylon Tea: Aromatic Delight
- Cinnamon Sticks: Spices And More!
- Wooden Masks: Beautiful Carvings
- Dumbara Mats And Cane Boxes: Exquisite Geometric Patterns
- Sri Lankan Sari: Ethnic Attire
- Antiques: Unique Add Ons!
- Posters And Paper Products: For Writers
- Sri Lankan Stone Art: Traditionally Painted Raw Rocks
- Sri Lankan Paintings: Artistic Decors
- Sarong: Must-Buy In Sri Lanka
- Buddha Figurines: Admire The Carvings
- Moonstone Carvings: Of Historical Importance
- Jams & Chutneys: Treat For Your Taste Buds
- Ayurvedic Beauty Products – Sri Lankan Treasure
- Sri Lankan Lace – Reflecting Tradition
1. Gems And Jewelry – Dazzling Gifts
It might be the expensive one but it is one of the most attractive things to buy in Sri Lanka. The place is home to numerous gemstone mines. You can buy them from anywhere in Sri Lanka, however, the hubs of gems in Sri Lanka are located in Unawatuna and Kandy. Don’t forget to bargain before grabbing your favorite one!
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2. Ceylon Tea – Aromatic Delight
Sri Lanka is famous for its lush green tea gardens and you would have surely admired them while exploring the place. Now, it’s time to buy some of your favourite flavours back home and cherish the beautiful memories of your vacation with every sip of your tea from Sri Lanka. This is one of the best things to buy from Sri Lanka.
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3. Cinnamon Sticks – Spices And More!
Do you know that Sri Lanka is the biggest exporter of Cinnamon? Why not buy some of it back home. So just visit the local spice shop on your way and check out some fresh sticks to carry back home. You can also check out other spices also as the place is known for it. You can also check these out while doing street shopping in Sri Lanka?
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4. Wooden Masks – Beautiful Carvings
Wooden carvings are quite popular in Sri Lanka. If you visit popular attractions of Sri Lanka then you will realise the importance of wooden carvings in the entire country. So, why not carry a memory of these beautifully carved wooden masks back home? You can also check out other items artistically carved out of wood.
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5. Dumbara Mats And Cane Boxes – Exquisite Geometric Patterns
Dumbara is a local name for hand-woven coarse fabric that is produced in remote villages around Kandy but you can find them throughout Sri Lanka. These are woven in geometric patterns and dyed in vibrant colours. These are among the cheap and best things to buy in Sri Lanka.
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6. Sri Lankan Sari – Ethnic Attire
You will be surprised to know that Sri Lankan Sari are quite different from the usual sari you see. These 3 piece sari are bright in color and they have a unique style of draping. The 3 pieces include a blouse, a wraparound with frill at the top and an unstitched piece of stole.
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7. Antiques: Unique Add Ons!
If you love collecting antiques in your home then you must surely head to Galle on your Sri Lankan vacation. The place comprises numerous shops offering a variety of antique items including clocks, old utensils, gramophones, beautifully crafted knives and a lot more!
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8. Posters And Paper Products – For Writers
Paper products and posters are quite a lot popular at souvenir shops all across Sri Lanka. You will see beautifully designed postcards and paper products reminding you of your days in Sri Lanka once you reach back home.
9. Sri Lankan Stone Art – Traditionally Painted Raw Rocks
Another unique thing that Sri Lanka offers are painted stones having elephants or dancers painted on the rough surfaces. Dambulla or Sigiriya are the hub of these rock paintings and you will see numerous innovative designs on those traditionally painted raw rocks. As they are famous in Sri Lanka, you will find several locals selling them in every nook and corner.
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10. Sri Lankan Paintings: Artistic Decors
Sri Lankan paintings are known for their exquisite designs. These bright color, cleanly drawn art pieces can surely be a part of your home reminding you of your enthralling vacation amid lush green ambiance.
11. Sarong – Must-Buy In Sri Lanka
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A vacation to Sri Lanka remains incomplete if you haven’t flaunted in Sarong which is one of the famous things to buy in Sri Lanka. Being a unisex garment, tourists and locals buy it all round the year. You must have seen travelers getting clicked in one of the sarongs at the famous attractions in Sri Lanka. If you want a perfect Insta-worthy picture then make sure that you buy one for yourself and more for your loved ones as a souvenir.
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12. Buddha Figurines – Admire The Carvings
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Appreciate the art & culture of Sri Lanka by buying beautiful Buddha and elephant carvings that you will find at several shops here. The figurines are made of stone, wood or ebony which intricate carvings. Since there are several Buddha followers in Sri Lanka, so you will find the different sizes of figurines of Buddha painted in unique colors, filling the shelves of shops. There is no doubt in the fact that it is one of the best things to shop in Sri Lanka.
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13. Moonstone Carvings – Of Historical Importance
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You might think that this is a joke but it is not. Yes, the moonstone carvings that you see at the Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka and at other places can now be bought as souvenirs. They are mostly available in limestone and wood materials. So, if you have loved those beautiful carvings then this is the time to buy them as they are trending and famous is Sri Lanka.
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14. Jams & Chutneys – Treat For Your Taste Buds
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Sri Lanka has something special for you that will tingle your taste buds. You will find several shops in Sri Lanka that sell a delectable mixture of jams & chutneys that are prepared from locally grown fruits. From sour & tangy to sweet, you will find different varieties of combinations. Some of them are papaya, mango & ginger, and strawberry flavored melon, etc. Make sure you that you buy these jams while shopping in Sri Lanka.
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15. Ayurvedic Beauty Products – Sri Lankan Treasure
The culture of Sri Lanka is known for its Ayurvedic products for various purposes, including beauty products. Not only these products will be great for you but will be a great souvenirs that you can take home to gift someone. You’ll find products like oils, shampoos, face wash, etc. in the markets of the country that are laden with Ayurvedic qualities.
16. Sri Lankan Lace – Reflecting Tradition
When looking for some souvenirs in Sri Lanka that reflect the tradition of the country, then don’t forget to consider buying the Sri Lankan Lace. You can buy this lace to embellish your clothes or simply on your interior decor items. You can easily find a huge variety of these laces in Galle or Weligama.
Tips For Shopping In Sri Lanka
Some of the essential Sri Lanka shopping tips are:
- If bargaining is your cup of tea, then don’t shy away from negotiating in the streets of Sri Lanka. Just make sure you quote a fair price for the product you’re buying.
- A lot of guides might lure you by taking you to their recommended stores, from where they earn a commission. Make sure you don’t get fooled and are aware of the places you wish to visit.
- Batiks, tea, gems, and handcrafted elephants are some famous souvenirs you can consider buying for your loved ones or yourself from Sri Lanka.
- While Sri Lanka has a lot of fancy stores and malls, its street shops are a great alternative to buy the same products if you wish to save some money.
Further Read: 19 Exotic Wedding Venues In Sri Lanka That Let You Take The Vows With Love, And Amidst Luxury
Hope you’ve already noted the places you wish to visit for shopping in Sri Lanka. And while you’re at it, you can also make your experience more worthwhile by planning your Sri Lanka trip with TravelTriangle!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping In Sri Lanka
What is famous for shopping in Sri Lanka?
From handloom fabrics to leather products, you will find an array of things to buy in Sri Lanka. Apart from this, tea, batiks, and gems are some of the most popular things to shop for.
What is the best thing to buy in Sri Lanka?
Some of the best things to buy in Sri Lanka are handwoven items, Moonstone carvings, Buddha figurines, and Ayurvedic products.
Is Sri Lanka good for shopping?
From street stalls to high-end malls, there is a place for shopping in Sri Lanka for every kind of person. So, you will never get bored as there are a number of places to head to for shopping.
What can you buy in Bentota?
Bentota is well-known for its market where you will find colorful Batik textiles, gift items, carved items, and brassware.
Is Sri Lanka expensive?
Sri Lanka is counted amongst the cheapest countries to explore. Depending on the budget, one can stay in Sri Lanka with as little as $20 per day and as high as $50 per day.
How much money do I need in Sri Lanka?
The amount of money required to explore Sri Lanka totally depends on the number of days you want to spend there and on the basic activities that you opt for. If you live on a shoestring budget then that would cost you less.
Can I drink the water in Sri Lanka?
Most of the tap supply in Sri Lanka is unsafe to consume so it is better to buy bottled water or boil tap water for drinking. Make sure that you wash all the vegetables and fruits with the treated water or boiled water.
Can you wear shorts in Sri Lanka?
Yes, people wearing shorts is a common sight in Sri Lanka. People on beaches usually wear shorts, sundresses, and tank tops as there is no restriction on wearing any kind of clothes.
Is Colombo safe at night?
Colombo is considered to be a safe city in Sri Lanka even during the nighttime. However, when traveling solo during the night, be cautious.
What food is famous in Sri Lanka?
People usually eat steamed or boiled rice in Sri Lanka that are served with fish curry, mutton, or chicken. Other different types of curries are also famous in Sri Lanka amongst locals as well as tourists.
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
