Although most tourists visit the beach hotspot that is Galle to enjoy water sports activities and tour the area's iconic landmark, the Dutch Fort, the southern city is also a shopper's dream come true. Whether one is hunting for souvenirs and tasteful keepsakes of one's time in Sri Lanka or Galle or simply looking for everyday curios, Galle's vast and diverse retail outlets will not disappoint. Here are some of the key shops and boutiques that every visitor should explore during a trip to the city.

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Considered one of the best souvenir stores in the country, Barefoot's Galle boutique is just as well-stocked and colourful as the one in the capital. Housed in a former residence, this flagship store specialises in all things handmade and hand-dyed. Apart from its colourful clothing line inspired by the design aesthetic of its founder Barbara Sansoni, visitors can pick up everything from scented candles and homeware to eco-friendly stationary made from biodegradable materials at the venue. Don't forget to drop by the book section as some of the most celebrated works in Sri Lankan literature are for sale at Barefoot, which also retails fantastically local postcards and prints.

Those in search of eclectic handicrafts, locally sewn clothes, accessories and home decor items should also stop by Galle's Havelock Road. Old Railway is not only the perfect place to shop for a summer holiday in the beach hub but also a great place to grab a bite. The charming little cafe above the main store serves up a wide variety of local treats for hungry shoppers. Old Railway specialises in Sri Lankan-made fabrics and dresses while sarongs and kaftans featuring Sri Lankan motifs are also part of the store's product range.

Couples based at Kahanda Kanda or any similar boutique hotels in Galle must stop by this Galle Fort shop that specialises in men's and women's clothing, decorative works, paintings and other knick-knacks. As one of the largest boutiques occupying space inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this massive retail space on Pedlar Street is tailor-made for those who don't mind spending hours shopping at a single outlet.

As its name suggests, Exotic Roots is a popular stopover for all things local and tropical. As one of the city's oldest boutiques, the store was founded by a single mother with two children who, in the beginning, sold paintings and other artworks they themselves created. Located down Lighthouse Street, this quirky art hub remains a retail institution in Galle for those with discerning tastes.

For those looking for the best designer furniture outlet in Galle, Raux Brothers' creations stand out for their exceptional quality. The brand, which is highly reputed in Sri Lanka, has its own café and offers a stunning collection of wooden and wicker furniture, making it an ideal destination for those seeking unique home décor items. While there are multiple Raux Brothers stores throughout the island, the Galle showroom is the most visually appealing of them all.

While the wares for sale at Three by TPV may not be within everyone's budget, a stopover at this luxurious shopping hub is a must for all tourists with a passion for jewellery and accessories. Situated on Layn Baan Street inside the Galle Fort, the elaborate pieces and the attention to detail of the designer jewellery on display are likely to delight travellers with an eye for unusual accessories.

As one of the island's leading skincare brands, a visit to the Galle spa and showroom of Spa Ceylon is a must for those on the lookout for herbal beauty products. In addition to enjoying a relaxing foot or head massage, tourists can stock up on fragrances, makeup, massage oils and Ayurvedic treatments for everything from headaches to insomnia.