When we booked our trip to Sri Lanka, I made sure that we had at least one night in Galle. Of course, the main attraction here is the fabled Galle Fort, a place which oozes European charm. This is not surprising of course when you learn about the history of this part of Sri Lanka and the Portuguese invasion. Aside from history, there is plenty to do in Galle and this quick guide takes you through exactly what to do.
What to do in Galle | Your Quick Guide
Wander Along the Fort Walls
My favourite part about my trip to Galle was walking along the old fort walls. There is something really peculiar about this place after seeing the rest of the country. The European vibe could not be more dissimilar to the rest of the country’s architecture if it tried!
The walls circle Galle Fort and offer some fantastic views over the Indian Ocean. As you walk along you’ll see old bastions (small walkouts attached to the walls), each with their own character. I would say that the most likely one you will see is Flagrock Bastion’. You can’t miss it – it is right by the lighthouse.
The other bastions are a bit further and, depending on the temperature, you may not fancy walking it all! If you can though, visit the clock tower by the moon bastion on your way in / out of the fort (near the entrance).
Visit the Lighthouse
The lighthouse is the most iconic site in Galle. You can find this at the Southern end of the fort as you walk along the walls; you can’t really miss it!
If you are into photography and want that perfect sunset photo of Sri Lanka, I would recommend this part of the city. The lighthouse is perfectly set against a backdrop of palms and the Indian Ocean.
Groote Kerk Church
The Groote Kerk (or Dutch Reformed Church) can be found at the highest point of the fort (near the centre) and is one of the oldest structures in the city. It was built back in 1755 and it is still a part of the Christian Reformed Church – the oldest protestant church in Sri Lanka.
It is steeped in history and has seen a lot of changes over the years. Whilst it is still in use by locals, it is a good place to visit if you are interested in colonial history.
Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum can be found in the mid-East part of the fort. You can’t miss it if you go for a walk around the walls; it is a huge yellow building on Queen Street.
The museum was restored after being critically damaged during the 2004 tsunami. Whilst this catastrophe wiped out a good amount of the artefacts, the museum still holds plenty of interesting artefacts from Galle’s vibrant past.
I would say that it is quite small but, at a cost of 300 LKR (£0.70 or so), it is well-worth a visit whilst you’re here.
Additional Idea: Galle recently opened up an ‘underwater museum‘ which many dive sites go to. It is located at a depth around 15m, meaning you need to be qualified to go. We never did this, but it is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Galle!
Shopping
Whilst I don’t usually mention shopping in my ‘what to do in’ series, I found Galle to be the ideal place for souvenirs in Sri Lanka. You have some very standard shops selling the souvenirs that you’ll find everywhere, but you also have some hidden gems. These range from unique, quirky shops to upmarket and super trendy.
One of my highlights was the KK Collection. They had so many things which I could have bought, including some beautiful throws for bedding and furniture. It is one of those places where I wished I had brought an extra suitcase.
There were lots of other places dotted around the fort and I honestly loved exploring them. If you spend the time looking around Galle, I promise you’ll find that perfect, one-of-a-kind souvenir. Plus, all the shops have air-conditioning which is a welcome relief!
Eating in Galle
Galle is really popular with backpackers and tourists alike. Because of this, the city (especially the fort area) has some amazing restaurants and cafés. Some of these are hidden away down a quiet street, whilst others are set in a colonial landmark with picturesque views of the Ocean.
Elita, found near the lighthouse, did fantastic local food. I think that this place is popular with tourists and locals alike and, to be honest, it wasn’t surprising at all! Because of its location, most of the Sri Lankan restaurants in Galle will serve fresh seafood which is infused with local spices.
Surprisingly, the Sri Lankans have recently mastered pizza. I didn’t expect it at all, but all the pizzas I ate here were delicious. Aqua Pizza in Galle serves some of the best pizza you can have in Sri Lanka, is a must for anyone looking for a familiar favourite.
Day Trip Ideas and Beaches
Galle is near to some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and, if you have some time, I would recommend visiting them. Most of the beaches in the country are not swimmable and the beaches near to Galle are perfect for relaxing, swimming and snorkelling.
Unawatuna has to be one of the most famous – and beautiful – beaches in Sri Lanka. It boasts golden sand and clear, calm waters, making it ideal for people who want to relax. If that isn’t your thing, the nearby Weligama beach is home to the famous ‘stick-fisherman’. Top Tip: bring cash as the fisherman will charge you to take a photo.
For a day trip to a beach town consider going to Mirissa, around one hour’s drive from Galle. You can explore part of the town, but also enjoy the calm waters at the beach. If you are more into wildlife, Mirissa is great for whale watching. Alternatively, Rekawa Lagoon (one hour’s drive to the East) is the ideal spot to see turtles.
Final Thoughts | What to do in Galle
I hope you found my what to do in Galle quick guide useful. Aside from the fort, there isn’t loads to do here. However, I think that it is an ideal spot to unwind, enjoy the coast and tuck in to some delicious food. Galle is one of the most unique places in Sri Lanka and it is worth staying at least 48 hours here.
