The only guide you’ll need for the perfect day with your girlfriends
A whole lot of fashion, fabulous finds, art stops and excellent cake. Do we have your attention? This is your itinerary for a very good day in Colombo.
There are some days that call for sightseeing, shopping, coffee, a little culture and the occasional dessert to make up for all the calories you have burned while hopping around.
Welcome to a perfect day with The Design Collective, your invitation to experience Colombo through the people, places, and creative ideas that make the city we call home an unforgettable experience. Think independent fashion, character-filled spaces, contemporary art and cafe stops worth lingering over.
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable; don’t say we didn’t warn you. Extra shopping-bag space is highly recommended–trust us, it will come in handy.
10:00 AM: Start at The Design Collective Store at Colombo 6
Located on Stratford Avenue, Colombo 6, The Design Collective Store is housed within Gandhara. This is where your shopping itinerary begins, with independent Sri Lankan and South Asian designers sharing a space under one roof.
From expertly crafted basics and occasionwear to statement accessories and sustainable designs, there’s plenty to discover here. Whether you’re searching for your next event outfit or simply browsing for something for the beach, expect pieces that balance personality, craftsmanship and a whole lot of heart.
11:00 AM: Browse at Atelier Antiques
A short walk away, Atelier Antiques offers a change of pace. Think antique furniture, sculptural objects, beautiful timber, and pieces that seem to have stories of their own.
The space feels closer to a thoughtfully arranged gallery than a traditional antiques shop, bringing together historical furniture and decorative objects in a way that feels relevant to contemporary interiors.
Even if you’re not furnishing a house, it’s worth a visit. Because sometimes, inspiration comes from looking at something you never knew you needed.
11:45 AM: Cake First, Questions After
Every good shopping day needs a pit stop or two. At Oh My Cake, take a breather with a coffee and a slice of something sweet.
The bakery focuses on handmade creatives prepared by its team of pastry chefs, making this an excellent excuse to slow down before the afternoon’s adventures. Pick your favourite, find a comfortable seat and resist the urge to call it lunch. There is still plenty of Colombo to explore, we promise.
12:30 PM: A Japanese Soft-Serve Detour at Tumugi
Because apparently one sweet stop is never quite enough, especially for a hot day in Colombo. Make time for Tumugi, a premium Japanese soft-cream brand inspired by Hokkaido.
Expect a smooth, delicate texture and a dessert experience that’s a little different from your usual scoop. It’s a fun little detour, particularly if you’re curious about Japanese food culture.
Our advice? Consider it essential research.
1:00 PM: A Quick Art Fix at Curado Art Space
Now for something to feed your creative side, enter Curado. It’s an art space established in 2023. It supports Sri Lankan artists, showcasing work across mediums including painting, sculpture, photography and digital art.
It’s an opportunity to see the island through different perspectives, be it emerging talent or more established creative voices. Take your time, put away your phone, and look closely to discover artists whose work might stay with you long after you’ve left the gallery.
2:00 PM: Head to TDC Colombo 7
Next, head to The Design Collective on Horton Place in Colombo 7. If your first stop introduced you to the city’s independent fashion scene, this is your sign to keep exploring. Shopping here is also the best way to discover the creative talent shaping the region’s fashion scene. Look for pieces that feel distinctly individual, especially those that carry a part of the island with them.
There’s no pressure to buy. Although, if something follows you into the fitting room and refuses to leave your mind, we won’t judge if you swipe that credit card.
3:00 PM: Lunch at SEED Cafe
After all that browsing, it’s time to refuel at SEED Cafe. It’s set inside a beautifully renovated century-old villa on Horton Place.
With brunch favourites, coffee, vegan options and fusion dishes, SEED is made to allow you to take an intentional, relaxed pause in the middle of the day. The leafy residential setting offers a welcome contrast to Colombo’s busy streets, while the menu caters to those who enjoy eating well without making a big production of it.
Order lunch, catch up with your shopping companion and plan your final stop. This is not the time to rush.
4:00 PM: Contemporary Art at Saskia Fernand Gallery
Call it day only after a visit to Saskia Fernando Gallery. It’s an important platform for modern and contemporary Sri Lankan art. Founded in 2009, the gallery represents established and emerging artists and has helped bring Sri Lankan creative practices into wider international conversations.
It’s a fitting final stop for a day centred on design and beauty. After discovering the country’s fashion labels, interiors, culinary arts, and independent retail scene, you get to experience another side of its creative identity.