Tip: The average cost of goods in Sri Lanka flea markets can be two or three times lower compared to the higher prices in tourist shops.

Top local markets in Sri Lanka

Here is a list of my top 5 recommended Sri Lanka flea markets for you. When you find yourself in the area close to one of these markets on your casual holiday or backpacking trip, don’t hesitate to give one of these marketplaces a try. You might come back with your hands full of nice and affordable souvenirs to take back home with you.

This market is well known in Negombo for an abundant supply of daily caught fresh fish. Every early morning, local fishermen get up and take their boats and go out in search of fish in the Indian ocean. In the lagoon next to Negombo, the fishermen catch fresh lobsters, prawns, and crabs that also get sold at the Negombo fish market. This Sri Lanka local market is recommended for all kinds of travelers who like seafood and fresh fish. In conclusion, a short visit of 30 minutes max will be enough to explore the fish market.

Offering anything from jewelry & electronics to fresh produce, the Pettah Market in Colombo sure is worth a visit. The location of the Pettah Market is in a quite busy district of Colombo and every street of this local market is dedicated to a different trade. Make sure to be able to spend at least half a day if you consider giving the Pettah market a good try.

This Sri Lanka local flea market mainly sells quality arts & crafts and organic fresh produce. This market labels itself with the motto “good for the planet, good for the country, and good for you”. It has a well-deserved place in this list of recommended Sri Lanka flea markets. Also, it’s a good choice for backpackers and travelers that want to buy healthy, socially responsible and eco-conscious goods. You will need at least 1-2 hours to explore the whole good market in Colombo.

The Jaffna local market is a unique market in the North of the country. This Sri Lanka flea market is famous for the many sweets and other local goods like tea, fish, fruit, maybe a vegetable or textile. You will need at least 1-2 hours to explore this market in the list of all Sri Lanka flea markets. It is a good place to visit when you are in the Jaffna region.

The central market in Kandy is an important shopping place amongst local Sri Lankans. This authentic flea market is situated on Kandy’s oldest market square and sells many interesting goods. Hence, you will be able to read about more details of the Kandy local market further below in this article. Mind that you will need at least 1-3 hours to properly explore this market from the list of Sri Lanka flea markets.

Something extra: become overwhelmed by the beauty of Sri Lanka with the travel pictures in this other article.

Buy your tea at the local markets

A few local Sri Lankan people advised me to buy my tea at the Sri Lanka flea markets. The reason for this is that as a tourist you pay a much larger amount of money for the same tea at the tea factory shops. The tea is of high quality and you get to choose from many different variations. Ask the local stallkeepers in Sri Lanka flea markets for more information and they will be glad to tell you more about their products. The same principle applies to buy your spices, ayurvedic herbal balms, oils, and many other local products in Sri Lanka flea markets.