Colombo has such an active nightlife, including casinos, bars, nightclubs, discos, and pubs, and some of the larger hotels offer shows featuring traditional artists. Much of the after-dark entertainment takes place around the Fort and Cinnamon Gardens area of the city. A few bars that are popular with both locals and visitors include Frangpiani on Havelock Road, Glow Bar in the Automobile Association Building, Cheers in Colombo Plaza, White Horse on Navam Mawatha, and Koluu’s Tulips on Duplication Road.

If you plan to go dancing and clubbing, dress well and show up late. Most of the action doesn’t get started until around midnight, and there is some competition for admittance. It is not unusual for parties of single men to be turned away. Once you’re in, though, the party goes on all night. A few good options include Cascades at the Colombo Plaza Hotel, The Blue Elephant at the Colombo Hilton, and The Hut at Mount Lavinia Hotel.

If you’re not into the bar or club scene, visit one of the many casinos, or see a movie. There are more than 20 cinemas to choose from, scattered in and around the city, showing movies in English, Indian, or Sinhala.