Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
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Quick answer
Is Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus worth booking?
Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus is a 3-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $25 per person. It scores 44 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 44 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $25 per person
This is the original Colombo City Tour and Sri Lanka’s first and only open deck city sightseeing bus experience. Enjoy panoramic views of the city while exploring Colombo’s most iconic landmarks, from historic colonial
What you get
About this experience
This is the original Colombo City Tour and Sri Lanka’s first and only open deck city sightseeing bus experience. Enjoy panoramic views of the city while exploring Colombo’s most iconic landmarks, from historic colonial buildings and bustling markets to modern attractions such as Port City and Lotus Tower. With live commentary by a professional guide, included entrance tickets, refreshments and nearly a century of tourism expertise behind the operation, this tour offers an authentic and comprehensive introduction to Sri Lanka’s beautiful capital.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Gangaramaya Temple
Visit one of Colombo's most important Buddhist temples, renowned for its unique blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture. Established in the late 19th century, Gangaramaya Temple is a major religious and cultural landmark featuring sacred relics, intricate artwork and a rich collection of historical artifacts.
20 minutes here
Independence Memorial Hall
Explore Sri Lanka's iconic Independence Memorial Hall, built to commemorate the country's independence from British rule in 1948. Located in the prestigious Independence Square, this landmark offers beautiful architecture, historical significance and a glimpse into the nation's heritage.
20 minutes here
Laksala
Visit Sri Lanka's state-owned handicrafts emporium, showcasing a wide range of authentic local products, traditional handicrafts, batik items, wood carvings, gemstones, souvenirs and cultural artwork created by local artisans from across the island.
20 minutes here
Galle Face Green
Travel along Colombo's iconic oceanfront promenade, a popular gathering place overlooking the Indian Ocean. Enjoy panoramic coastal views while passing one of the city's most famous public spaces and witnessing the vibrant atmosphere that makes Galle Face Green a must see attraction.
Pass by without stopping
Colombo Port City
View Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka's largest urban development project and one of the most ambitious waterfront developments in South Asia. Built on reclaimed land, this modern extension of the city showcases Colombo's future as a global business and tourism destination.
Pass by without stopping
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
See the world-famous Red Mosque, one of Colombo's most photographed landmarks. Built in 1909, this striking mosque is known for its distinctive red and white striped façade and unique Indo Islamic architecture that stands out in the bustling streets of Pettah.
Pass by without stopping
Colombo Lotus Tower
Admire the Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia's tallest self-supported structure and one of Sri Lanka's most recognizable modern landmarks. Inspired by the lotus flower, the tower dominates the city's skyline and symbolizes Colombo's rapid urban development.
Pass by without stopping
Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
View the beautifully restored Dutch Hospital, one of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in Colombo dating back to the Dutch era. Today, this historic landmark serves as a vibrant lifestyle and dining precinct while preserving its rich architectural heritage.
Pass by without stopping
Old Town Hall
Stop for photographs at Colombo's historic Old Town Hall, a significant colonial era landmark located in the heart of Pettah. This elegant white building reflects the city's architectural heritage and remains an important symbol of old Colombo.
10 minutes here
Colombo National Museum
Pass Sri Lanka's largest and most important museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts, royal regalia, ancient manuscripts and exhibits that showcase the island's rich history, culture and heritage.
Pass by without stopping
Sambodhi Chaithya
View the distinctive Sambodhi Chaithya, an iconic Buddhist stupa overlooking Colombo Harbour. Elevated on a unique concrete structure above the surrounding area, it stands as one of the city's most recognizable religious landmarks.
Pass by without stopping
Colombo Fort Clock Tower
See the historic Colombo Fort Clock Tower, a Victorian era landmark that has stood for over a century. Originally serving as a lighthouse, this prominent structure remains one of the oldest surviving monuments in Colombo's Fort district.
Pass by without stopping
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre
View the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Sri Lanka's premier performing arts venue. Inspired by the shape of a blooming lotus flower, this architectural masterpiece hosts cultural performances, concerts and national events throughout the year.
Pass by without stopping
Viharamahadevi Park
Pass through Colombo's oldest and largest public park, known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, towering trees and peaceful surroundings. Named after Queen Viharamahadevi, the park remains one of the city's most popular recreational spaces.
Pass by without stopping
Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall
View Sri Lanka's premier conference and exhibition venue, gifted by the People's Republic of China. The BMICH is a significant national landmark that hosts major international conferences, exhibitions, cultural events and state functions.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Colombo
Please wait at the main entrance of Galle Face Hotel. Look for the Colombo City Tour open-deck bus or an Ebert Silva Holidays representative. Guests are requested to arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
This tour ends at The Kingsbury Colombo, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo
Ends at
Tour concludes at The Kingsbury Colombo. Guests may disembark here or continue with their own travel arrangements.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ebert Silva Holidays
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 44
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.
How much does Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus cost?
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Prices start at $25 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Colombo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Colombo is not rushed.
Is Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 44 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Colombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Colombo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Colombo and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Colombo City Tour by Open Deck Bus start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Colombo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Colombo?
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On Outty we rank every Colombo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Flexi dates on all 5 to 7 days packages for car and English speaking driver, Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle, 08 Nights in Magical Sri Lanka. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Colombo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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