3 reviewed party hostels · from €7.58/night · Hostelworld rated
Colombo’s nightlife doesn’t shout: it hums in dimly lit bars and rooftop lounges where backpackers, expats, and locals mix over cheap drinks and sports on screens. Head to **Park Street Mews** in the evening, and you’ll find groups spilling out of pubs like **The Pub** (yes, that’s its name), a no-frills spot where a Lion Beer costs under £2 and the crowd watches football like it’s a religion. The hostel scene is small but social, with places like **Clock Inn Colombo** packing in travellers for pub crawls that start early and end late. Most action clusters around **Colombo Fort** and **Galle Face Green**, where colonial buildings rub shoulders with high-rises and the sea breeze keeps things from getting too sticky. Don’t expect superclubs: this is a city for bar-hopping, not bottle service.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
Colombo Beach Hostel is a perfect place for backpackers and young travellers looking for a lifetime adventure. The hostel features an amazing on-site restaurant and it is right next to the local bars and cafes. Famous Mt. Lavinia beach with great beach bars is just a short walk away.
Stay Lost & Found Colombo is the ultimate party hostel in central Colombo. With a refreshing jacuzzi, and an outdoor restaurant, it offers the perfect setting to mingle with fellow travellers, have fun, and experience the vibrant nightlife of Sri Lanka.
CityRest - Fort is the ultimate party hostel in Colombo! With its central location, comfortable accommodations, and impressive amenities like a rooftop terrace with stunning views, a common area with a big screen TV and a vast film collection, it's the perfect place to socialise and enjoy the vibrant nightlife nearby.
Organised nights out with a local guide
This crawl hits three hidden bars across the city, with 3-6 drinks and plenty of bar food included in the price. Expect a mix of local arrack cocktails and beer, plus stops at places most tourists miss. The group is small (under 15 people), so it’s easy to make friends. Wear comfy shoes: you’ll be walking between venues.
How Colombo's nightlife zones break down
The historic heart of the city, **Fort** mixes colonial architecture with modern offices. Nightlife here is low-key: think pubs like **The Office** rather than clubs. The area is safe and well-lit, with hostels like **Clock Inn** nearby. Walk along **Chatham Street** for bars or head to **Galle Face Green** for sea breezes and street food.
Stretching along the coast, this area is all about open spaces and sunset views. **Galle Face Green** is a hub for street food and impromptu football games. Bars like **Loft Lounge** offer rooftop drinks, while **Barefoot Garden Café** is perfect for a quieter start to the evening. Tuk-tuks are plentiful for late-night rides home.
A backpacker hotspot, **Kollupitiya** (or **Colombo 3**) is packed with budget hostels, cheap eats, and bars. **Park Street Mews** is the main drag, home to **The Pub** and a string of late-night spots. The area is walkable, with **Galle Road** running through it for easy tuk-tuk access. Expect a mix of locals and travellers.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A backpacker institution on **Park Street Mews**, this place packs out for sports on screens and cheap beer. The crowd is a mix of travellers and expats, and the vibe is loud but friendly. Arrive by 8pm to grab a table: it gets standing-room only by 10pm. Happy hour runs 5-7pm, with beers under £2.
A rooftop bar with views over the city, **Loft** is where you go for cocktails and a slightly more upmarket crowd. Music leans toward house and R&B, and it’s one of the few places open until 2am on weekends. Cocktails cost £4-£6, but the sunset views make it worth it. Dress smart-casual: no flip-flops.
A dive bar with character, **Rocky’s** is tucked down a side street near **Galle Road**. The walls are covered in scribbles from travellers, and the jukebox plays everything from rock to reggae. Beers are £1.50, and the crowd is a mix of locals and backpackers. Open until midnight most nights.
Don’t let the name fool you: this place is all about happy hour. Located on **Chatham Street**, it’s a favourite for after-work drinks, with beers and spirits half-price between 5-7pm. The crowd is older (25+), but backpackers are welcome. Try the arrack cocktails if you want something local.
Not a party spot, but a great place to start the evening with a relaxed drink. The garden setting is lit by fairy lights, and the crowd is a mix of travellers and Colombo’s creative types. Cocktails are £4-£5, and the food is excellent if you want a break from bar snacks. Closes by 11pm.
One of the few proper clubs in Colombo, **Mansion** plays EDM and hip-hop until 3am on weekends. Entry is £5-£7, which includes a drink. The crowd is young and dressed to impress: think heels and collared shirts. It’s a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from **Galle Face Green**.
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