If you’ve had enough of lounging on the beach, it’s worth considering a day trip to Galle. This stunning Dutch fort town in the south of Sri Lanka is packed with history and charm.
To get there, you can hop on a tuk-tuk or bus from Unawatuna or any nearby beach town. Once you arrive, pass through the main gate and you’ll find yourself walking along cobblestone streets lined with churches, museums, and cute little boutiques.
You can spend half a day in the city or even stay the night. I recommend visiting in the morning before the midday heat kicks in and the streets fill with tourists.
Things To Do in Galle
Start your visit by strolling along the fort walls, enjoying the ocean view and cool breeze. At some point, you’ll reach the iconic white lighthouse, which is a perfect spot for some great photos.
If you walk along the walls on the ocean side, you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh sea air. Eventually, you’ll get to the white lighthouse, where you can snap some pics (though don’t be surprised if it’s packed with people—if you want to learn how to remove them from your photos, check out my tutorial video).
Once you’ve explored the fort walls, it’s time for one of the best parts of Galle—shopping!
Don’t be discouraged if the first few clothing stores you walk into seem expensive. There are plenty of souvenir and clothing shops with more affordable prices. Here are some of my favorite spots:
- Stick No Bills: A super cool shop selling beautiful postcards and posters of Sri Lanka. The postcards are reasonably priced (around 500 LKR), and upstairs you’ll find larger posters. It’s worth considering grabbing one to take home—they even give you a free storage tube!
- The Nest: A cute boutique with a small collection of modern, minimalist clothing.
- Var Vara Boutique: A trendy shop run by a Russian designer with some unique and stylish pieces.
Where to Eat in Galle
Food in Galle is an experience in itself! Although I didn’t get to try everything, here are a few spots I loved:
- Dumplings Cafe: A cozy little spot with delicious dumplings and bao buns.
- The Calorie Counter: They claim to be Sri Lanka’s first healthy restaurant. The menu has a great selection of vegetarian and a few vegan options. You’ll find fish, wraps, salads, and even desserts—something for everyone.
- Isle of Gelato: Not only is this place super Instagrammable, but more importantly, it’s got strong AC! The vegan chocolate gelato I tried was amazing—I devoured it in seconds.
If you’re after a fun day of shopping, eating, and soaking up some history, Galle is the perfect place to spend an afternoon or even a night.
