Sri Lankas capital city of Colombo seamlessly combines the incredible culture and history of the island with modern attractions and amenities. The citys unique colonial history (Portuguese, Dutch, and British) adds additional layers to the mix. As the countrys capital city, its also filled with museums and places to visit that illustrate that rich history. The main central business district area is known as Fort, and thats where youll find a lot of the government buildings, luxury shopping, and large hotels. The area is named for the original Portuguese fort, which guarded the harbor area. Directly in front of Fort is the Galle Face Green, a large oceanfront park. Plan your sightseeing in Sri Lankas capital with our list of the best places to visit in Colombo. One of the coolest places to visit in Colombo is also one of the citys newest attractions. The Colombo Lotus Tower is South Asias tallest freestanding structure (368 meters/1,168 feet), and a trip to the top rewards visitors with unobstructed views across Colombo and the surrounding cityscape and sea. The tower, which houses a lot of telecommunications equipment, has a telecom museum, a shopping mall, a revolving fine dining restaurant, a hotel, and indoor and outdoor observation areas. The tower is also a sight to see from the outside its covered in LED lighting and presents seasonal themed lighting displays each night.The Lotus Tower, designed to replicate a lotus bulb and flower, simultaneously represents the historic culture of the country and its focus on the future.