Sri Lanka’s nightlife is mainly concentrated in Colombo and tourist hotspots, where there are a variety of bars and nightclubs that bring together locals and travellers alike. In more rural parts of the island, local customs and traditions mean alcohol consumption is less common and those that choose to drink generally do so at home with friends and family. Colombo, the south coast and hill country towns like Ella and Nuwara Eliya are home to most of the island’s bars and clubs, with lots of lively and peaceful options depending on your preference.
In Sri Lanka, cocktail bars often use arrack, a local spirit that is made from distilling fermented sap from the coconut palm. This mixes incredibly well with local tropical fruit juices and syrups, making for complex flavours and memorable drinks. The fermented sap is also served fresh in the form of ‘toddy’ (Ra) - often at the roadside or in local stores - and generally tastes better earlier in the day before excess fermentation brings a bitter taste and a higher alcohol content.
The local lager is Lion, which holds a local monopoly and is brewed by Carlsberg, so most beers stock Lion, Carlsberg and Lion Ice, a milder bottled lager best served with a wedge of lime. Stronger drinks include Lion Strong and Lion Stout, as well as new flavours recently launched as part of Lion’s efforts to diversify its portfolio. These are new to the market and available in fewer bars.
Prices vary significantly depending on location and atmosphere. A beer normally ranges between $2 and $5 per bottle, usually towards the higher end in beachfront bars or luxury hotels. Cocktails built using local ingredients generally average around $10, increasing to $15 in boutique or specialist cocktail bars or restaurants.
Colombo
Colombo’s nightlife is largely centred around Park Street Mews, a small cobbled street near the Viharamahadevi Park, that welcomes outdoor drinking, live music and a great choice of food. Uncle’s is a local favourite, Jazzebel is a newer bar with a great live band, and Monsoon is a restaurant and cocktail bar with reliable and affordable drinks.
Outside of Park Street, Colombo’s west coast offers stunning sunsets and beautiful seafront bars. Fire Beach in the historic Galle Face Hotel is a prime spot for sunset and features bagpipes every evening at sunset when the staff lower the flag in a traditional fashion. Jetwing Colombo 7 offers a stunning view of the city from its rooftop bar, as does the Granbell Hotel and Verticle by Jetwing.
Other interesting spots in Colombo include the old Dutch hospital, which often hosts open-air live music events on the weekends, Kampong, a speakeasy hidden through the fridge door of a traditional ‘kade’, and Lost in Translation, an up-market cocktail bar opposite the President’s Palace. Two local favourites are Hansagiri, a hidden gem of a bar located in the heart of Pettah Market, with a rooftop that overlooks the entire city, and the New Colonial Hotel, a historic building opposite the train station that regularly hosts live music in a romantic, dingy setting. For nightclubs, Love Bar, Sunset Blue and R&B are the most consistent options, with local crowds gathering every weekend.
South Coast
Nightlife has increased considerably in recent years due to increased tourism, meaning there are plenty of options for bars and late-night parties. Much like Colombo, the south coast has a huge number of seafront bars with beautiful sunsets and stunning views over the Indian Ocean.
Hostels and surf schools regularly organise social events throughout the week which are the perfect opportunity to meet fellow travellers and discover bars in a group. These also organise local social events too, meaning that you don’t always have to venture out to a bar or a nightclub to enjoy a night with friends and a few drinks.
Smoke & Bitters is one of Asia’s best bars and regularly updates its cocktail menu with Sri Lankan twists on traditional drinks. With stunning ocean views at sunset and knowledgeable staff who can personalise each experience, this is a must-visit spot for evening drinks. Raa is another up-market cocktail bar in Hiriketiya offering a similar experience, with incredible drinks accompanied by a stunning seafront setting.
Smoke and Bitters
Hotel de Uncles is another lively cocktail bar on the seafront in Ahangama, often spilling out onto the beach where you can enjoy a few drinks with the sand between your toes. Elsewhere in Ahangama, The Lighthouse and Stairway Rooftop Bar, are popular rooftop bars with stunning ocean views, Popeye Beach Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a beer and watch surfers at sunset, and TRAX is a lively bar to end your night on the dancefloor with some great music.
Galle has an abundance of beautiful spots for sunset inside the old Fort. Pedlar’s Corner Cafe is a great spot for a quiet beer above the streets, as are The Taphouse and Cannon Bar in the old Dutch hospital. Just outside of Galle is Agnus Unawatuna, a hotel rooftop which offers stunning panoramic views of the Galle bay with great cocktails.
Two mainstays on the south coast are the Doctor’s House and Dots Bay House, two iconic beachfront bars that host a variety of events throughout the week. Most well-known local bands and DJs play these venues regularly and this often requires cash entry on arrival, but these have remained the most popular spots on the island for a long time for good reason. Doctor’s House has a huge outdoor space with a lawn and multiple bars, while Dots Bay House is a more intimate affair with upstairs balconies and a big dancefloor.
Tuks are widely available throughout the night making these prime spots regardless of where you’re based. Tuk drivers usually have fixed rates depending on which town you are travelling to. Uber and PickMe are not used in the south coast towns as drivers collude to charge higher prices. These rates will be higher than elsewhere on the island. After dark, be sure to agree on the fare and travel with groups to ensure safety.
Kandy & The Hill Country
Bars and nightlife in the hill country are generally focussed around Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, with only Ella offering a late night partying scene as a major tourist hub. However, there are still plenty of great bars scattered across the hill country that offer a lively, sociable atmosphere.
Slightly Chilled is the most popular bar in Kandy. It offers stunning views of the Kandy Lake, plenty of drinks options, live music, live sport, and is often the hub for late night socials. It’s the perfect place to meet like-minded travellers in a safe space. For a more chilled environment, the historic Queens Hotel has a peaceful courtyard nestled in between the city’s chaotic streets where you can enjoy a beer and a view of the hilltop monuments.
Nuwara Eliya’s Grand Hotel is historic. The Library Bar, The Public Bar and the Snooker Hall are heritage bars with a relaxed atmosphere. When temperatures drop in the evening and the live music begins, Nuwara Eliya’s Grand Hotel is like stepping into the past. The neighbouring town also has a few other historic drinking spots, including the 19th Hole Pub near the golf course, and Themparadu which is a sociable spot for food, drinks and games.
Ella’s late night party scene is the liveliest part of the hill country. As the region's tourist hotspot, there are plenty of bars that stay open late to welcome casual drinking or partying depending on your preference. Most of these are on the main road of the town, including Cafe Chill and Dream Cafe which have live music, DJs and plenty of space for large groups and hostel socials. Cafe One Love is also reliable for a late-night party, with great staff whose high spirits create a great atmosphere. There are so many options depending on your preference, so heading to the main road in the evening will ensure you find the right bar for a fun night.
Sensitivities
Alcohol in Sri Lanka is a fairly divisive topic. Every month on the Poya (full moon) holidays, serving alcohol is forbidden. This is largely in respect of Buddhist traditions and customs, though many religious people still choose to drink alcohol in their personal lives. If you’re planning a night out, make sure to monitor the calendar to ensure that it is not a public holiday as bars will be closed.
Drinking alcohol in public is permitted, but make sure to do it responsibly and with awareness of your surroundings. Many public places like beaches and parks are also used by the local community who may not approve of drunkenness or rowdy behaviour. Respect local customs and ensure that if you are drinking alcohol you are doing so in a suitable environment (e.g. away from religious or cultural sites).
The dynamics are also slightly different for women. In Sri Lanka, women are legally allowed to purchase alcohol but this recent change means that more conservative views still exist regarding women and alcohol in some areas. This is exhibited in bars and restaurants where almost all staff are men.
Finally, be aware of cultural differences and income disparities when enjoying some of Sri Lanka’s more high-end nightlife. Drinking cocktails and partying is considered a luxury for those who can afford to do so, so enjoy it responsibly and with respect for local customs and environments.