Shopping in Galle is an adventure with countless boutiques scattered around the historic hub. Selling everything from beautiful handicrafts to stylish wooden furnishing, you can also pick up the shimmering sapphires, amazing silks and quality teas which Sri Lanka is so famous for. Our team stayed in Galle Fort and loved it – here are our picks for the best shopping in Galle!
1. Orchid House
The Orchid House is a must-visit shop if you are searching for some unique and unusual gifts. Selling a wide selection of fantastic handmade items, including locally-sourced teas and spices, natural spa products, jewellery and clothing, handicrafts and ceramics, you won’t leave the shop empty-handed.
2. Barefoot
Barefoot is an upscale boutique selling unique homewares, colourful textiles and stylish clothes catering to travellers seeking for something special. Designed by the renowned Sri Lankan designer Barbara Sansoni and made by local women, Barefoot contributes to the economic and social development of the rural parts of the island.
3. Exotic Roots
One of the first and most long-established art shops in Galle, Exotic Roots provides an ample selection of handmade, locally-produced items ranging from quaint home decor to colourful clothing and from beautiful jewellery to hand painted ceramics.
4. Minimango
Minimango is an upmarket fashion boutique selling unique clothing for all occasions. The designer Jo Eden calls her apparel “beach-to-cocktail-wear”, meaning you can throw on a weightless kaftan in the morning and feel gorgeous during the whole day regardless of what’s on your agenda.
5. Laksana Jewellers
Laksana Jewellers is a remarkable jewellery boutique offering unusual and stylish necklaces, chokers and collars with uncut semi-precious stones and gems. If you can’t find anything that suits your taste, the designers will be happy to produce a made-to-order copy of the jewellery item you are dreaming of.
6. Lihiniya Gems
Enjoy retail therapy at Lihiniya Gems, a shop offering an extensive selection of gorgeous jewellery and uncut gems available to purchase. The shop offers friendly service and surprisingly competitive prices -and remember that you can always bargain for the price.
7. Shoba Display Gallery
Shoba Display Gallery features a wide collection of handicrafts and gorgeous lace-work made in the most undeveloped and rustic parts of the island by disadvantaged local women. Buying an item from Shoba Display Gallery means you are also contributing to the wellbeing of the local population – a definite win-win!
8. Old Railway
Old Railway is one-stop souvenir shop offering an ample array of eclectic souvenirs, locally made clothes, housewares and decor items. Once you worked up an appetite browsing this authentic Sri Lankan store, there is a cosy cafe upstairs serving a huge variety of local fare.
9. Koccorico
Occupying the first floor of an old Colonial building, Kocorico is a simple local store where you can find a wide selection of inexpensive trinkets, traditional Sri Lankan souvenirs, tropical clothes, beach bags and oil paintings to take back home with you.
10. Natural Silk Factory
For a more sophisticated souvenir, head to Natural Silk Factory located along the Colombo-Galle main road. The shop is rather remote, but well worth the extra effort as you will get more than just a basih shopping experience. You get to witness the process of weaving silk, followed by some serious shopping. You can bag high-quality silk products at a superb value.
Looking for more Sri Lankan magic? Check out our post on the 10 days our team in Sri Lanka and get ready for some serious wanderlust!