Negombo was home to Sri Lankan fishermen and women who engaged in traditional fishing methods long before the city became a renowned beach destination with hundreds of beach resorts lining its sandy shore. This large fish market, located at the western end of Negombo's seashore, is the center of all morning action. The Negombo Fish Market is one of Sri Lanka's largest and most important markets, which drives Negombo's economy.

From the time Sri Lanka was controlled by the Portuguese, the Christian faith has had a strong effect on Negombo. Because of the city's huge number of churches, it is commonly referred to as "Little Rome." The church's construction began in 1874 and was finished in 1922, after a lengthy break. The art and architecture of this church, as well as a few other comparable buildings in Sri Lanka, reflect the early twentieth-century cultural fusion of European practice with Sri Lankan art and architecture.

The Angurukaramulla Temple is one of Negombo's most well-known temples. It is well-known for its Buddha statue and a spectacular dragon entryway. To enter the temple, one must pass through the dragon's mouth, which is said to ward off evil spirits. A 300-year-old moss-covered remains of an ancient library may also be seen at the temple. There are several trees in the temple, as well as a pond with turtles. The temple also features several murals, ceiling paintings, and elaborate sculptures depicting Buddha's path to enlightenment.

Sri Singama Kali Amman Kovil in Negombo is a Hindu religious site devoted to Ganesh, the Hindu deity of beginnings who is represented by an elephant. Ganesh is the patron of scholars, financiers, scribes, and authors, and is typically worshipped before any major undertaking.

Also known as Hamilton Canal is a 14.5 km (9.0 mi) canal connecting Puttalam to Colombo, passing through Negombo in Sri Lanka. The canal was started in 1802 by the British and finished in 1804. Its purpose was to remove saline water from the Muthurajawela marshes. Gavin Hamilton, the Government Agent of Revenue and Commerce, was honored with the canal's name.