Fort and Pettah
A free self-guided walk in Colombo, from the Old Dutch Hospital through the Fort to Pettah's markets and the Red Mosque.
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Walking time
- 37 min
- Allow
- About 1.5 hours with stops
- Stops
- 4
Open the route in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Colombo city guide
About this walk
This walk covers the heart of Colombo on foot.
Go with a guide if you want to explore deeper into Pettah.
- Terrain: Flat, busy.
- Best time: Morning.
Route map
The stops
Old Dutch Hospital
Start at the hospital.
Colombo Fort Clock Tower
The clock tower.
Pettah Floating Market
The market.
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Finish at the Red Mosque.
Tips
- Dress modestly at the mosque.
- Carry water.
- Watch traffic.
Prefer a guide?
Advertising disclosure: these link to Viator. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See all walking tours in Colombo.
Colombo Walking Tour: Fort & Pettah with Ajeet De Soyza (opens Viator in a new tab)
A small-group walk through Colombo's Fort and Pettah. Tour details: Colombo Walking Tour: Fort & Pettah with Ajeet De Soyza
Guided in English
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
Rustic taste & Cultural tales Food Tour Colombo (opens Viator in a new tab)
A food walk through Colombo's diverse cuisine. Tour details: Rustic taste & Cultural tales Food Tour Colombo
Guided in English, French
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
The 10 Tastings of Colombo With Locals: Private Street Food Tour (opens Viator in a new tab)
A private food walk through Colombo with ten tastings. Tour details: The 10 Tastings of Colombo With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
Guided in English, ta
See dates & bookBooked securely on Viator
Sources and review date
- Colombo, Wikivoyage (accessed 2026-10-28)
- Stop locations and walking route: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) (accessed 2026-10-28)


