The best bars and cafés Sri Lanka

Timetable

Cafés are open during the day and close in the late afternoon in small towns and in the late evening in large cities. Bars generally open in the early afternoon and close between 11pm and 1am depending on the license they have. Beach bars are open from morning to night.

Budget & Tips

The prices for an espresso or cappuccino in hotels or in beach cafés are about the same as in France. That said, you are in the land of tea, enjoy it! Prices are much lower in street stalls or some small shops.

Age restrictions

Alcohol is prohibited for sale and consumption until the age of 18. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. Sri Lankan women are not allowed to buy alcohol. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on full moon days (poya).

What's very local

Kids

Children are always welcome, with the exception of pubs and discos in Colombo. Bars for locals where the vendor offers alcohol behind protective bars, is forbidden to children and Sri Lankan women (tourists are tolerated for purchases).

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in public places. Smoking areas are provided in major hotels and some restaurants. However, smoking is tolerated in most beach bars and restaurants in the resorts.