If you’re drawn to atmospheric stories of Sri Lanka and are constantly wondering behind all the melancholy and madness post-civil war, Galle is the place to visit.

I found it charming — behind the colonial architecture, bohemian vibes and the fortresses that run round the city, there’s more to it than meets the eye.

It was a nice change of space if you love walks around the city and discovering hidden crafty gems.

It is also a photographer’s paradise that’ll transport you to the olden days Galle was once a trading port for spices and goods for some 200 years.

There are now yoga centres, historical hotels, artsy cafes amidst 14 massive gun platforms called bastions situated around the city walls.

The trading port of Galle was first occupied by the Portuguese and then taken over by the Dutch. ‘Galle’ means the place where the cattle herded in Sinhalese.

But these are just theories which they don’t neccesarily translate to how the town should look like.

Also read: The Epic Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary: 2 Weeks-10 Days

Should you stay in Galle?

Interiors of the fort printers in galle (PC: The fort printers)

Before I did my own research, everyone mentioned there’s nothing to do in Galle and it can visited on a daytrip. Instead they said to stay in Unwatuna or Mirissa.

While yes you could do that, I still found the stays here particularly charming and different from the vibes you get in beach towns.

There’s history, culture, traditions which are worth exploring if you have two days to spare.

I mean how often do you get to stay in a 18th century mansion on a UNESCO world heritage site that’s minimalist and grand at the same time.

The sunsets here are also quite spectacular if you love long walkabouts in scenic towns.

Some of the best historical and unique places to stay in Galle are:

How To Get To Galle?

A lot of people tend to come from the beaches straight to here but you could decide what’s the best way based on where you’re coming from.

If you’re coming from Mirissa: You can take the trains that run from Matara to Galle. It is easy to book from 12go.Asia. The train ride is approximately 45 minutes.

If you’re coming from Colombo: You can also take the trains here from Colombo fort to Galle and it’ll take 2hr 20minutes. There are also semi-luxury buses that you could book from the same site that goes from Makumbura Colombo to Galle and it takes 1.5 hours only. All tickets for bus or train costs approximately $5.60 USD.

10 Best Things To Do in Galle

1. The Lighthouse of Galle

The very first thing which stands for what Galle is known for.

The lighthouse is not functioning but it is a spot to take photos, admire the seafront and see how Sri Lankan life passes by in slow-mode with vendors, food trucks stationing there — all while admiring the Dutch architecture.

This lighthouse was built in 1939 and it is 26.5-meter tall and probably one of the oldest in the country.

2. Walk the city’s fort walls

at turtle point in galle -taking in the views

This was one of the first things we did when visiting Galle in the morning — before the sun was out blazing.

There are 14 bastions all around the city which serves as incredible vantage points to spot turtles, take in the views of even go to the sea. Mornings and evenings are the best to watch turtles from turtle spot.

While it is great to do that, I found that without a guide I had no idea what I was looking at. If you have time, you should absolutely sign up for this Galle fort walking tour.

3. Look out for the churches & mosques

Believe it or not but Old Galle was quite a mix of cultures, people and religion.

The Dutch Reformed Church was a center for their colony, and the building is remarkably well preserved. The church was built by the Dutch in 1755 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches still in use in Sri Lanka.

Another place worth visiting is the All Saints Church and the Meeran Mosque. The Meeran Mosque has been built over 300 years ago and the mosque was constructed in a mixture of Victorian/Baroque architecture styles with Islamic detailing.

4. Visiting Pedlar Street

The main pedlar street is where all the humdrum is from shopping to cafes and vintage shops.

You should visit “Stick No Bills”: it is a cool artsy place with local posters and postcards that are worth buying before leaving.

On the same row, there’s the isle of Gelato — a cute little shop serving up the best plant-based ice-cream. To seek respite from the heat, this is a cool place to stop.

5. Have egg hoppers & curry at the Oldest Cafe in Galle Fort & Coconut Sambol

yummy rice & curry at the oldest cafe in galle fort

The Oldest Cafe in Galle Fort is a unique quaint shop with knick knacks and limited tables but don’t be fooled by this small shop - they sell affordable curry & rice lunches with egg hoppers.

It is also one of the cheapest compared to other places in Galle.

Another good spot with lovely buffet style curry lunches is Coconut sambol. Try out their homemade ginger beer & smoothies.

6. Explore the cafe scene of Galle

charming little cafes in galle - this was at kixi cafe

This charming little cafe called Kixi cafe was one of our first stop for breakfast — you get wonderful coffee and the best waffles.

Another stop for healthy lunch options was Maru. There are healthy poke bowls with big portions and a lot of gluten-free, vegan options as well.

For another cool spot with the best vibe check, Coffee Brunch Galle Fort hits all the right spots. I mean a brunch in an art gallery? sign me up!

7. Take a cooking class in Galle

The cafe hopping and walking through Galle streets can be fun but after 2 hours of exploring every single street on Galle - it can be a bit tiring.

Instead hangout and mingle with other people over a Sri Lankan cooking class.

The food is so good that Sri Lankan food deserves to be right up there — and I feel a cooking class is the most immersive experience for you to get to know their culture.

8. Cycle the streets of Galle

The streets of Galle are made for exploring but with cycling it was so much fun.

This 4-hour bike tour (e-bike or normal bikes) lets you see all of the key landmarks in Galle.

The guide brings you several local snacks and drinks along the way and if you love trying traditional Sri Lankan street food, this is a good way to explore and eat a lot.

9. Take a day trip to see the fisherman on stilts

The really good thing about this tour is that you get to do a number of things which are worth exploring in the surrounding Galle areas.

There’s the Habaraduwa Turtle Hatchery to see endangered sea turtles being cared for and soon after you get to go to the Koggala stilt fishermen who fish from poles lodged in the sea.

If you’re looking to do something different, this is a good tour to explore all of that.

10. Head over to the Madu river safari

Usually, I would suggest visiting the Jungle Beach but there’s just a whole lot of human activity and plastic that you’re better off visiting other beaches.

Instead of that, you could opt to go on a river safari. You get to see crocodiles, water snakes as well as explore the mangroves.

This tour actually does it all for you - a visit to the Madu River safari as well as snorkelling with the turtles on a private day tour.

Also read my other Sri Lankan guides:

Sri Lanka

Of Forts & Streets in Galle: 10 Best Offbeat Things To Do