While planning your vacation in Sri Lanka, I’m sure you’ve earmarked Galle as a must-visit. This small, historic coastal city is filled with stunning buildings. And interestingly, many are built in a Portuguese or Dutch architectural style – FYI, this city sure has a fascinating past. Combine that with the golden sand beaches sitting below the walls of Galle Fort and the epic sunsets – Galle sure is a gem. So much so that I have to start off with the bold statement that Galle is one of our favorite places we visited in Sri Lanka.
We spent three nights in Galle, and I’d best describe Galle as a charming city with unique architecture and a laid-back vibe. It really is so different from the other Sri Lankan cities we visited, like Colombo and Kandy!
Below, you’ll read more about our favorite things to do in Galle that will make you want to add this popular city to your bucket list.
Is it worth visiting Galle?
Yes, Galle is 100% worth seeing. Galle is not only stunningly historic and architecturally pleasing, but it’s also got great food and a surprising amount of memorable things to do for such a small city.
We spent our three days in Galle walking around Galle Fort, checking out the super-famous Galle Lighthouse, wandering around the city’s museums, and so much more.
Getting to Galle:
We came to Galle by private tuk-tuk from Udawalawe National Park, and at this stage, we had spent three weeks in Sri Lanka. Our tuk-tuk journey took under 3 hours and cost us $50. If you wish, you can ask your accommodation to arrange a shared taxi for a lower price.
If you’re coming from Colombo (where the International Airport is located), then your best bet is to take the train from Colombo Fort to Galle. This runs several times throughout the day and takes around 3 hours. Another option is to take a public bus from Colombo to Galle, which will also take around 3 hours.
Where to Stay in Galle:
We stayed at Mango House Boutique Hotel by the fort in Galle (the best area to stay in Galle, in my opinion). It’s excellently rated and has a gorgeous light-filled courtyard where you can eat your meals or enjoy a drink from the bar. And I loved our room – it was very chic. It had a 4-poster bed!
While if you’re on a budget, a good place to spend your nights in Galle is Tanty’s Hostel, which is really well-rated and known for being very social.
How to Spend 3 Days in Galle
1. Check out Galle Lighthouse
The length of Galle city is 36 hectares of fort walls, and it is along these walls that the famed Galle lighthouse stands proud. This is definitely one of the top sights to see in Sri Lanka.
It’s easily the most iconic building here, and interestingly, it’s the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka. As I said, it stands proudly on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort with the Indian Ocean on the other side.
Built in 1848, this lighthouse has a distinctive white tower, which is 26.5 meters (87 feet) tall, and serves as a guiding light for ships navigating the Indian Ocean. And did you know the original lighthouse was burned down in 1936 and had to be rebuilt?! The one you see standing here today finished construction in 1939.
My top tip – be sure to get here for sunrise (and avoid the crowds) or sunset for the best photos.
2. Wander around Galle Fort
Some of the other best things to do in Galle can be found along the fort (where the lighthouse is located). It runs the length of the city on the coast. And be sure to check out the Galle Fort Clock Tower and Flag Point while you’re here.
The fort area is rich in history and culture, and is another one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. We spent half a day exploring its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant local markets.
3. Stroll along Pedlar Street (best spot for shopping!)
This charming and vibrant street in Galle Fort is the best shopping spot in Galle. Steeped in history, this cobblestone street is lined with beautifully preserved Dutch colonial buildings, which now house an eclectic mix of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and guesthouses.
You can buy pretty much everything here – from handmade crafts, high-end jewelry, and clothing. Prices can be higher here than elsewhere in Sri Lanka. But we were really impressed by how good everything looked and felt.
There’s also some great restaurants here like – Pedlars Inn Cafe & Restaurant and 1710.
✅ Related Read: A First-Timers Guide to the Best Things to Do in Ella, Sri Lanka
4. Check out the Old Dutch Hospital
Not too far from the Galle Lighthouse, you’ll find the Dutch Hospital, an old hospital that has been meticulously restored and now houses some of the best restaurants and boutique stores in Galle.
This was originally built in the 17th century by the Dutch during their occupation of Sri Lanka (then called Ceylon). It served as a hospital for soldiers and officers of the Dutch East India Company. And its distinctive architecture, featuring thick walls and high ceilings, is in line with the Dutch colonial style. It was also designed this way to withstand tropical weather.
For food/ drink, we like Tea Breeze for their coffee and teas, of course, and for food, you can’t go wrong with Ocean Bistro by Starbeans.
5. Relax at Jungle Beach at Unawatuna
Over a 15-minute drive from Galle and close to the more famous Unawatuna Beach is the aptly named Jungle Beach.
It’s a bit of an adventure to get there, with a short walk through some lush greenery, but it’s totally worth it. Once you get here, you’re greeted by golden sands and amazingly clear waters. And the surrounding jungle creates a natural canopy, providing shade and a peaceful vibe. Overall, it’s an awesome spot if you want to kick back, have a picnic, or just relax.
There are a few beach bars here, but it can get pretty busy here in high season (from December to February).
6. Check out the Historical Mansion Museum
This museum is housed in a charming Dutch colonial building. And its extensive collection features a diverse array of artifacts, including antique furniture, vintage jewelry, old coins, and traditional household items. Each one tells a unique story of Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage.
Spend an hour or two wandering through the museum’s rooms, which are beautifully curated to reflect different aspects of historical life in the colonial era.
7. And the National Museum Galle
This is one of the oldest museums in Sri Lanka – and it’s housed in a beautiful 17th-century Dutch building in Galle Fort.
The National Museum Galle offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past. Here, you can explore exhibits that showcase artifacts from the colonial and pre-colonial periods. Including traditional masks, carvings, and tools used by the indigenous people. The museum also features collections that highlight the maritime history of Galle, with models of traditional boats and displays on the important role Galle played in ancient trade routes.
8. Visit Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple
This stunning temple features traditional Buddhist art, statues, and intricate carvings, which provide insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
9. See the Dutch Reformed Church (Groote Kerk)
Constructed by the Dutch in 1755, this church is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in operation in Sri Lanka. You’ll find it in Galle Fort, and architecturally, the church reflects a blend of European and local styles, featuring thick walls, a gabled roof, and elegant stained glass windows.
Inside, you will find an intricately carved pulpit made from Malaysian calamander wood and an organ imported from the Netherlands.
10. See the Maritime Museum
This museum showcases a wide variety of exhibits that detail the evolution of seafaring in Sri Lanka. Here, you can explore displays featuring ancient navigational instruments, model ships, and artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the Indian Ocean. The museum also highlights the cultural exchanges that occurred through maritime trade routes, including the influence of European colonial powers.
11. Day trip to Udawalawe National Park
This is one of the smallest national parks in the country – it’s around 119 square miles and because it’s quite small, your chances of seeing elephants are higher. There are over 500 elephants in Udawalawe. It’s also less crowded than the more famous Yala or Minneriya national parks.
The only way to see Udawalawe is on a guided tour. We did this 3 hour tour and really rated it. It’s 3 hours long, and you can choose an early morning departure time (around 7 am) or an afternoon slot (around 3 pm) as those are the best times to see the elephants. It costs from $27 USD.
We did have to make our own way here from Galle, so if you’d prefer, this one includes pick-up from Galle. It costs from $95 USD per person, and it’s a private tour.
12. Watch the sunset from the Galle Fort walls
Definitely the best spot to watch the sunset in Galle is from the Fort Walls near the Galle Lighthouse. From here, you can watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean, and the sky turns a myriad of colors (orange to pink to red). Anyone who’s seen a sunset in Sri Lanka will back me up in saying they are some of the best in the world!
What’s the best month to visit Galle?
I’d say that the best month to visit Galle is between December and March. During these months, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for exploring the historic sites or lounging on pristine, golden-sand beaches.
However, it’s important to note that this is also the peak tourist season. So, planning and booking accommodations in advance is advisable to avoid missing out.
What are the best tours in Galle?
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Galle. We had a ball here, and I’d say that, while here, you can’t miss Galle Lighthouse and Pedlar Street. And a day trip to Udawalawe National Park is well worth doing too.
Last Updated on November 28, 2025 by snaphappytravel