Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo
Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo

Outty Ranking 59 4.9 · 9 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $60
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo worth booking?

Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo is a 2-hour experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from $60 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (9)
Duration
2 hours
From
$60 per person

Step into the storied ambiance of historic dodgy bars nestled within the iconic Colombo Fort. Each venue offers a taste of local liquor paired with authentic Sri Lankan finger food, adding a flavorful dimension to your evening. Indulge in spicy Sri Lankan snacks that perfectly complement your drink, adding a delightful kick to your experience. Whether you're a seasoned alcohol aficionado or simply seeking a relaxed evening of exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable experience through the eyes of a local.

What you get

    About this experience

    Step into the storied ambiance of historic dodgy bars nestled within the iconic Colombo Fort. Each venue offers a taste of local liquor paired with authentic Sri Lankan finger food, adding a flavorful dimension to your evening. Indulge in spicy Sri Lankan snacks that perfectly complement your drink, adding a delightful kick to your experience. Whether you're a seasoned alcohol aficionado or simply seeking a relaxed evening of exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable experience through the eyes of a local.

    What's included

    Included

    • Bottled water
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Snacks
    • Gratuities

    Not included

    • Meals

    What you'll see and do

    1. Pettah

      One of the bars that we will be visiting on this experience is located in the heart of busy Pettah Market so its going to be one heck of an experience to be able to walk through these streets and navigate your way with me when a little bit tipsy!

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Colombo

    Lets all meet up at the entrance of Ceylon Curry Club Restaurant side.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Returns to the starting point

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Soulful Sri Lanka

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo, photo 2Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo, photo 3Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo, photo 4Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo, photo 5Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo, photo 6Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    3 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    8
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Robert_W · September 2026

    Awesome introduction to Colombo!

    This tour was better than I expected. Ryan was super friendly and knowledgeable about Colombo and Sri Lanka. He even gave me advice about my upcoming itinerary. The bars we went to were fun and interesting. Great introduction to the city. I travel a lot and go on similar tours often — this was one of the best.

    via Viator

    senayld · March 2026

    Best tour ever

    I travelled in Sri Lanka for two weeks in March with this company and it was the best tour experience I’ve had so far. Dilshan is very friendly, very helpful, and you can see that he really loves his job. He helped me with everything and made my trip very comfortable from beginning to end. Thanks to him, I saw Sri Lanka from a very different perspective. Thank you for everything, I highly recommend.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re really happy to hear you had such a great experience and got to see a different side of Sri Lanka :)

    via Tripadvisor

    SaroginiDevi · March 2026

    Amazing 5 star tour in Colombo

    I would definitely rate this a awesome 5 star tour. Had the pleasure of meeting a young entrepreneur Dilshan, who is so friendly. He took us to 2 hidden gems in Colombo which were absolutely amazing. We had nice cold beers at a tavern, a hidden gem in a church. Lovely history about that place. The other bar was situated in Pettah where locals meet. We had a great experience there, tasting the local arrack with ginger beer, absolutely amazing combination served with local bar bites. This is the type of tour that we enjoy and definitely a must if you are in Colombo. Dilshan will take good care of you and is very responsive when it comes to any questions that you may have via WhatsApp. Thank you Dilshan for organizing this tour for us.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We’re really glad you enjoyed the Dodgy Bar Tour and got to experience a different side of Colombo. Looking forward to welcoming you back and planning more unique experiences for you through Soulful Sri Lanka! :)

    via Tripadvisor

    aneelaz · November 2025

    Not just another walk

    My partner and I signed up for the DODGY BAR tour early in November; and it turned out to be the most interesting 90 minutes of a Colombo evening. What Dilshan manages to conjure up even for jaded travelers like us are spaces that you may have passed by on your walks around the city a million times, but never crossed the threshold as you always understood them as part of an 'mens only club' __for the demographic that is signing up for the Dodgy Bar yours (USD 70 per person) these are points on a city's maps that they may have read in books about South India and Sri Lanka but today you are an insider for a couple of minutes. Dilshan is a treasure trove for a young person's take about his beautiful city and its changing history. During the course of his walks he has seen gentrification chomping at his heels__the four bars are now three. So I would recommend you sign up for these walks before the city gobbles up these toddy establishments!! Your contribution covers bar snacks at the end of your walk and a choice of toddy/beer/aerated drinks at the three establishments. Frankly while you may hear about the walk while reading about Colombo's bars; this is more of a beautiful walk through the city in the late evening and seeing a part of the CBD you may never have registered.

    via Tripadvisor

    597jessg · November 2025

    Not to be missed when you're in Colombo

    Had a brilliant night out with the Dodgy Bar Tour crew. It was excellent to step off the beaten track and get a more textured view of life and history in Sri Lanka. A highlight of my trip!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)33
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Colombo.

    How much does Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo cost?

    +

    Prices start at $60 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 Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo take?

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    Plan for about 2 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 Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Colombo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo?

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    Around 3 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?

    +

    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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo 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, Private Multi Day Sri Lanka Tour with Chauffeur. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo?

    +

    Included: Bottled water; Alcoholic beverages; Snacks; and Gratuities. Not included: Meals. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo?

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    Lets all meet up at the entrance of Ceylon Curry Club Restaurant side. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Dodgy Bar Tour in Colombo?

    +

    Across 9 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, organization, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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