Galle Fort

Galle Fort is the simplest base in Galle: compact, walkable and full of cafes and guesthouses. The main things to watch are quiet streets late at night and tuk-tuk overcharging at the gates.

Galle Fort is the easiest place to stay in Galle. The walled old town is small and walkable, with guesthouses, boutique hotels, cafes and shops packed into it, so you're rarely far from other people. The streets stay busy from morning into the evening, and the ramparts fill with locals and visitors at sunset. Cafe and restaurant staff are used to people eating alone, and English is widely spoken. Expect some staring and persistent touts near the gates, though serious crime against visitors is uncommon. Late at night the streets get quiet and dark, so take a short tuk-tuk ride or stick to busier lanes like Church Street and Pedlar Street. Everything costs more here than in the rest of Galle, but for a first visit the convenience is worth it.