Shop the Pettah Market
Pettah Market is Colombo’s largest, most vibrant open-air bazaar — a bustling labyrinth of streets and alleys where traders sell everything from spices and textiles to electronics and jewelry. Expect sensory overload: bright fabrics, piles of fresh produce and spices, negotiating sellers, and lively street-food stalls. It’s as much a cultural experience as a shopping trip.
Location
Pettah Market (Pettah Bazaar) — including Manning Market and adjacent trading streets, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration
2–4 hours for a focused visit; half-day (4–6 hours) to explore thoroughly and eat; full-day if combining with Fort and nearby attractions.
Best Time to Visit
Best time: Early morning (07:00–10:00) to catch fresh produce and cooler temperatures. Late afternoon (15:00–18:00) is also good. Season: Year-round, but avoid the heaviest monsoon downpours (May–September in parts) if you plan to browse open-air stalls.
Pricing
Free to enter. Prices vary by vendor and your haggling skills. Typical examples (approx.):
- Spices & dried goods: LKR 100–800 (≈ USD 0.25–4) per pack
- Textiles / saris: LKR 1,500–8,000 (≈ USD 5–25)
- Souvenirs & trinkets: LKR 200–1,500 (≈ USD 0.5–5)
- Watches / costume jewelry: LKR 500–3,000 (≈ USD 1.5–10)
- Small electronics / chargers: LKR 500–3,000 (≈ USD 1.5–10) Note: prices are negotiable; cash (small denominations) is preferred — many stalls do not accept cards.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Bargain-hunting across dedicated lanes (fabric, electronics, jewelry)
Manning Market — fresh fruit, fish and produce section
Spice and tea shops offering Sri Lankan flavors
Colorful textiles, saris and tailoring services
Street-food stalls serving kottu, hoppers and short eats
Photographic opportunities — vivid street scenes and architectures
Local daily life — traders, shoppers and small-scale wholesalers
Itinerary
Arrive and orient at the main gate/entrance near Manning Market
Grab a map from your hotel or use GPS; start along main thoroughfares to get bearings.
Explore the spice & tea lanes
Smell and sample spices; ask vendors about origins and usage — small sample bags make good souvenirs.
Textiles and clothing streets — bargain for saris and fabric
Inspect stitching and quality; ask for measurements if getting something tailored.
Street food break
Try a fresh hopper, kottu, or local sweets from a busy stall; pick stalls with many locals for safer food.
Electronics, trinkets and jewelry lanes
Check items carefully for functionality; avoid high-value electronics unless you can verify authenticity.
Wrap up and return to Fort area or nearby cafe
Count your cash, pack purchases securely, and head to a quieter spot to rest and tally spending.
Safety Requirements
Keep valuables (passport, large cash) in a hotel safe — carry only needed cash
Use a money belt or crossbody bag; watch for pickpockets in crowded lanes
Negotiate prices politely; agree on final price before handing over money
Inspect goods closely before purchase (especially electronics, watches, jewelry)
Drink bottled water; if unsure about street food, choose busy stalls with high turnover
Wear comfortable shoes; streets can be uneven and crowded
Tips
Carry small denominations of LKR for easier transactions and faster haggling
Start offers about 30–50% below the asking price and meet halfway; remain friendly
If you want tailored clothing, allow 24–48 hours for good tailoring
Learn basic phrases in English, Sinhala or Tamil — sellers commonly speak English, but local words help
Bring a small reusable bag for purchases — many shops charge for packaging
Photograph goods only after asking sellers — some may object to photos of their stalls
Plan to arrive early to avoid midday heat and the busiest crowds
Consider a local guide or tuk-tuk driver to show the best lanes and reputable shops
Set a budget and stick to it — it’s easy to get carried away in the market
