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The 10 Best Bars In Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka
Colombo, Sri Lanka | © Patty Ho/Flickr

Since the end of the civil war, Colombo has steadily risen to the top of Asia’s most intriguing capitals. A city on the rise, this place now boasts a phenomenal amount of dazzling bars and night life venues. Why not round off your experience in Colombo with a classy cocktail and magnificent views over the Indian Ocean? Take your pick from our top ten recommended bars and experience Colombo to the fullest.

ON14

Bar, Vegetarian

Opened in 2014, ON 14 is gradually becoming Colombo’s trendiest hangout spot and a symbol for the gradual renovation of the city. Situated on the 14th floor of the OZO Hotel, the rooftop bar offers some absolutely dazzling views over the Indian Ocean. Lounge style seating, an infinity pool and unique cocktails are enough to have anyone raving about this place, but ON14 does more than that. It also offers premium dishes by none other than the Swiss chef Stefan Beutler, as well as an eclectic choice of live entertainment. If you are looking for a glamorous night within a sophisticated setting, make your way to ON14 and mingle with the trendy crowds.

The Floor by O!

Drop by The Floor by O! and enjoy a round of drinks with your friends within a relaxed setting. This restaurant and bar has been around for a while and has become a must-visit hotspot in Colombo’s nightlife scene. Floor by O! impresses with its minimalist setting and sparse lighting, skilfully enhancing the atmosphere and allowing a seamless transformation as soon as the sun sets. DJs and live bands take care of the musical entertainment while the bar is stocked with a wide array of drinks to satisfy any of your cravings. Come here for a fun night out on the town or just for a few pints. The Floor by O! is a place to unwind and a good place to start the night.

Address: 41 3/1 Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 674299

http://instagram.com/p/BGwkCYyiyDw/?taken-by=thefloorbyo

Sky Lounge

While rooftop bars seem to spring up everywhere in Asia, the Sky Lounge is far from just another bar with a dazzling view. Located in the sophisticated Kingsbury Hotel, this places oozes class and grandeur, making it one of the most noteworthy nighttime hangouts in the city. It attracts a trendy array of people all looking to get a taste of the refreshing drinks and to see or be seen. Next to an extensive menu featuring a wide set of imported drinks, the Sky Lounge also serves some excellent nibbles. Views are most splendid when the sun sets, but further into the night when this place really kicks off.

Address: Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 421221

http://instagram.com/p/BMJheuADVMc/?taken-at=85884220

Curve

The trendy lounge Curve is set in the Park Street Mews complex and is particularly compelling due to its sophisticated purple and silver decoration theme. The bar offers some truly authentic tapas alongside an extensive drinks menu and outstanding entertainment. The creative cocktails are the perfect companion for a dance to the groovy neo-jazz or soul music by talented artists. Additionally the bar features a whisky area, called The Vault, where enthusiasts can take their pick from a solid collection of quality drink. Whether you just want to while away the night over a glass of wine or to bring a business meeting to a close, this classy lounge retains a skillful balance between nightlife ambiance and romantic privacy.

Address: Park Street Mews, 50/1 Park street, Colombo 2, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka,+94 11 2 300133

http://instagram.com/p/BCKOD6FAM3q/?taken-by=thecurvebar

Inn on the Green

Inn on the Green offers the atmosphere of a British pub including its very own Pub quiz and British-style cuisine. Visitors looking for a piece of home should pay this bar a visit and get a taste of their numerous draft beers, ranging from standard lagers to bitters. The wooden interior and dimmed lights result in a comfortable atmosphere, underlined by mainstream music ranging from pop to rock and other genres. Why not grab a burger or fish and chips with a pint of beer or a classy cocktail and soak in the atmosphere?

Address: 2 A2, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 541010 , +94 11 2 541010

http://instagram.com/p/BMWaP1vBXhc/?taken-at=286312085

The Library

The Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel sets the scene for one of Colombo’s most exclusive bars, bringing a breath of fresh air to the city. The Library manages to uphold a wonderful contrast between a relaxed and tranquil hangout during the day and the bustling and animated atmosphere of a night club as soon as the sun sets. Expect quality DJs and live bands to provide brilliant entertainment alongside a wide selection of alcoholic beverages. True to its name, the sophisticated setting features an extensive selection of books and magazines, and they also offer pool tables, dart boards and other games. Few places have managed to achieve such elegance and exquisiteness; The Library stands out even among the most high-class venues.

Address: Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 491000

http://instagram.com/p/BL0CQ5rDU2a/?taken-at=367050251

Margarita Blue

With dazzling views over the Indian Ocean, Margarita Blue is the ideal spot for retro music enthusiasts and for those looking to kick back after a long week. The modern bar with its stylish decor manages to provide a cozy setting. For those looking for a fun night, there are darts, snooker and pool tables, musical entertainment with live bands, and the latest sports games on screen. Situated in the splendid Galadari Hotel, Margarita Blue excels through impeccable service and perfectly prepared drinks and dishes. This is one of the most popular places for those looking for quality live music, and it has quickly managed to establish a loyal customer base.

Address: The Galadari Hotel, 64, Lotus Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 2544544

http://instagram.com/p/BI7yFcJBxVt/?taken-by=galadarihotel

Cloud Red

One of the best outdoor bars in the city, Cloud Red is situated on the 26th floor of the Cinnamon Red Hotel. With a 360 degree panorama view over the capital, the bar, true to its name, is dominated by red tones, providing a warm and enticing atmosphere. Comfortable seating allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the quality of their beverages or one of the many sumptuous nibbles, ranging from tapas to fusion dishes. Contemporary jazz and soothing rhythms further enhance the ambiance and should the weather not play along, visitors can retreat into the elegant indoor area. With its flashy LED lights and interactive play tables this place brings a whole new vibe to Colombo.

Address: 59 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 11 2 145145

http://instagram.com/p/BNO3GfEDg3X/?taken-by=cinnamonredcmb

Glow Bar

Bar, Sri Lankan

Often considered to be the wildest bar in town, The Glow Bar is part of the Automobile Assocation of Sri Lanka and located in their building. It is arguably the place to be in the city and is filled with professionals and trendsetters showing off their latest acquisitions. Expect sleek jackets and white shirts and women dressed in Gucci, Prada and other high-fashion brands. With its modern and minimalist style, this club manages to capture the spirit of the developing capital, and with all its liveliness it still allows for private conversations. Come early in order to get a seat and order a bottle of spirits or wine and while away the night hours within the enticing atmosphere. True to its name, this place has a glow of its own.

The Gallerie Café

Cafe, Restaurant, Bar, European, Asian, Sri Lankan

Gallery Cafe
© snowflakegirl/Flickr
If you would rather keep your feet on the ground and not visit another rooftop bar, come to The Gallerie Café, Colombo’s finest open air bar, which also features an art gallery. Ideal to start the evening with a few relaxed drinks, this place has remained one of the city’s hippest places. The outside area stretches out over a scenic courtyard featuring a crystal clear pool and tasteful decorations. The menu consists of Sri-Lankan and Asian dishes and stands out due to its bold yet dazzling flavors. Try one of their mouthwatering daiquiris or tamarind chili Martinis or take your pick from their truly innovative cocktail menu. The place welcomes an intriguing mix of the city’s diverse population; the crowd consists of artists, tourists and diplomats.

About the author

Lena was born in rural Germany and showed a passion for philosophy and linguistics from an early age. Her journeys would lead her from being a trainee in a Greek diving centre to an English teacher in Thailand, to finally becoming a student of politics and languages at Royal Holloway. In recent years Lena has focused on developing her personal and academic skills through her very own Ted Talk and internships in journalism and TV presenting. Lena's multiple talents and curious personality have led her to seek out ever new challenges and travels, not setting herself any limits.

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