Pettah Market
පිටකොටුව
Colombo's busiest old market district, where each street specializes in one type of goods, with spices, fabrics and electronics all on offer.
Pettah lies east of Colombo Fort and is the city's oldest commercial district. Its streets are organized by trade: spices, dried goods, textiles, jewelry, hardware and electronics each have their own street. Crowds, handcarts and tuk-tuks fill the lanes. Along the way you can see the red-and-white striped Red Mosque, a museum from the Dutch period and the Pettah Floating Market. Mornings are recommended, as the area is very crowded. Keep an eye on your belongings, and ask vendors' permission before photographing them.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Dutch Period Museum
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
- Colombo Fort
- Old Dutch Hospital Precinct
- Old Colombo Lighthouse (Clock Tower)
- Wolvendaal Church
- Lotus Tower
- Galle Face Green