Fun Things To See And Do In Port Louis, Mauritius

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, and it’s where old meets new and different cultures come together. Whether you like history, shopping, or just walking around and seeing new things, you’ll find something to enjoy here.

Today, I’ll take you through all the best spots in Port Louis. We’ll check out famous places, try local food, and even do some shopping. I’ll give you tips on how to get around, where to go, and what to watch out for. By the end, you’ll feel like you know Port Louis as well as I do!

Where is Port Louis? Learn About Mauritius’ Main City

Port Louis is on the northwest coast of Mauritius. It’s the capital city of Mauritius since 1735. A French man named Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais started the city. Now, many people work and visit here.

Port Louis has mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, which makes for nice views. The weather is usually warm, but it can get hot and humid from November to April.

It’s easy to get around Port Louis. You can walk to many places. Or you can take buses to go further. There’s also a new tram called the Metro Express. It started in 2022 and goes from Port Louis to Rose Hill. They plan to make it go even further soon.

Here’s a quick look at some cool places to visit in Port Louis. This table shows you what you can do and where to find these spots:

Place Name	Address	What to Do
Caudan Waterfront	Le Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis	Shop, dine, visit museum
Central Market	Queen Street, Port Louis	Shop, try street food
Blue Penny Museum	Caudan Waterfront, Block A, Port Louis	See rare stamps, learn history
Aapravasi Ghat	Ex-DWC Building, 1 Quay St, Port Louis	Explore UNESCO site
Fort Adelaide (Citadel)	Sebastopol St, Port Louis	Enjoy city views
Jummah Mosque	Royal Road, A1, Queen St, Port Louis	Admire architecture
Chinatown	Royal Road, Port Louis	Experience Chinese culture
Champ de Mars Racecourse	9 Dauphine St, Port Louis	Watch horse races
Place D’Armes	Place D’Armes, Port Louis	See historical landmarks
Natural History Museum	Near Les Jardins de la Compagnie, Port Louis	View Dodo skeleton
Photography Museum	Port Louis	See historical photos
Victoria Urban Terminal	Near Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis	Use public transport, shop
Signal Mountain	Port Louis	Hike, enjoy views
Les Jardins de la Compagnie	City center, Port Louis	Relax, try street food
St Louis Cathedral	Port Louis	See religious art
Postal Museum	Entrance of Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis	Learn postal history
Bank of Mauritius Museum	Port Louis	View old coins

Now you know about the main places to see in Port Louis. Let’s talk more about all the fun things you can do in each of these places. I’ll tell you about my experiences and give you tips to help you enjoy your trip to Port Louis.

Visit the Caudan Waterfront: New Things to Do in Port Louis

The Caudan Waterfront is a must-visit when you’re in Port Louis. It’s right on the harbor, and it’s got a bit of everything – shops, restaurants, a museum, and even a casino. I spent a whole afternoon here and still didn’t see it all!

Where to Buy Things at Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis

If you like shopping, you’re in for a treat at the Caudan Waterfront. There are over 170 shops here! You can find everything from big international brands to small local craft stores. I particularly liked the craft market, where I bought some cool Mauritian souvenirs.

The shops are open from 10 AM to 7:30 PM Monday to Saturday and from 11 AM to 5 PM on Sundays and public holidays. Remember, prices here can be a bit higher than in other parts of Port Louis, but the quality is usually good.

See Mauritius History at the Blue Penny Museum

Right in the Caudan Waterfront, you’ll find the Blue Penny Museum. It’s named after a famous old stamp, but it’s got a lot more than just stamps. There are exhibits about Mauritius’ history, art, and culture.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. It costs 245 Mauritian Rupees (about $5.30 USD) for adults and 120 Rupees ($2.60 USD) for kids. I spent about an hour and a half here, learning all sorts of interesting things about Mauritius.

Good Places to See the Water in Port Louis

One of my favorite things to do at the Caudan Waterfront was just to walk along the water and enjoy the view. You can see boats in the harbor and mountains in the background. It’s especially nice in the evening when the sun is setting.

There are benches where you can sit and relax, and lots of restaurants with outdoor seating if you want to have a meal with a view. Which brings me to my next point…

Places to Eat at Caudan Waterfront

There are tons of places to eat at the Caudan Waterfront. You can find everything from fast food to fancy restaurants. I tried a place called Le Café du Quai, which had great seafood and a nice view of the water.

Here’s a quick table of some restaurants I tried at the Caudan Waterfront:

Restaurant Name	Type of Food	Price Range (in MUR)
Le Café du Quai	Seafood	500 – 1000 per person
Namaste	Indian	300 – 800 per person
Happy Rajah	Chinese	250 – 600 per person
KFC	Fast Food	150 – 400 per person
Nando’s	Chicken	300 – 700 per person

While you’re enjoying the Caudan Waterfront views, you might see some surfers in the distance. If you’re interested in catching some waves yourself, check out our Mauritius surfing guide for the best spots around the island.

Check Out Markets in Port Louis: See, Smell, and Taste

If you really want to get a feel for Port Louis, you’ve got to check out its markets. They’re busy, colorful, and full of interesting things to see, smell, and taste. I visited a few different markets during my stay, and each one was a unique experience.

Walk Around Central Market: Port Louis’ Big Market

The Central Market, also known as the Port Louis Market, is the biggest and most famous market in the city. It’s been around since the 1820s, and it’s a great place to see local life in action.

The market is open every day from 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Sundays when it closes at noon. It’s on Queen Street, right in the middle of Port Louis. You can’t miss it – just follow the crowds and the noise!

Inside, you’ll find all sorts of things for sale. There’s a big section for fruits and vegetables, where I saw some fruits I’d never even heard of before. There’s also a section for meat and fish, but be warned – it can be a bit smelly!

One of my favorite parts was the spice and tea section. The smells here were amazing, and I bought some vanilla pods to take home. They were much cheaper than in the tourist shops – I paid about 100 Rupees (about $2.20 USD) for five pods.

There’s also a craft market upstairs where you can buy souvenirs. The prices here are usually lower than at the Caudan Waterfront, but you might need to bargain a bit.

Planning tip: the Central Market can get really busy and hot, especially in the middle of the day. Try to go early in the morning if you can. And watch your belongings – like in any crowded place, pickpockets can be a problem.

Try Street Food at Port Louis Central Market

One of the best things about the Central Market is the food! There’s a whole section dedicated to street food, and it’s a great place to try some local dishes.

I tried a dish called dholl puri, which is a kind of flatbread filled with yellow split peas and served with curry. It cost me about 50 Rupees (about $1.10 USD) and it was delicious.

I also had some gateaux piments, which are little fried chili cakes. They were spicy but really good!

Here’s a table of some of the street foods I tried at the Central Market:

Food Item	Description	Price (Mauritian Rupees)
Dholl Puri	Flatbread filled with split peas and curry	50 – 60
Gateaux Piments	Fried chili cakes	5 – 10 each
Alouda	Sweet milk drink with tapioca pearls	40 – 50
Roti	Indian-style flatbread with curry	40 – 60
Fresh Coconut	Whole coconut with the top cut off	50 – 70

Buy Gifts at Le Caudan Craft Market

If you’re looking for souvenirs, the Craft Market at Le Caudan Waterfront is a good place to check out. It’s smaller and more organized than the market at the Central Market, and the prices are a bit higher, but the quality is usually good.

The Craft Market is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Saturday. You can find all sorts of handmade items here, from colorful traditional clothing to wooden sculptures and jewelry. I bought a nice model of a traditional Mauritian pirogue (fishing boat) for about 500 Rupees (about $10.80 USD).

One thing I liked about this market was that the prices were usually fixed, so I didn’t have to bargain. It made shopping a bit less stressful!

Old Places to Visit in Port Louis Mauritius

Port Louis has a long and interesting history, and there are lots of old buildings and sites to see. I spent a couple of days just walking around and checking out these historical places. Here are some of the best ones I found.

Visit Aapravasi Ghat: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Aapravasi Ghat is one of the most important historical sites in Port Louis. It’s where indentured laborers from India first arrived in Mauritius in the 19th century. These workers came to replace slaves after slavery was abolished.

The site is now a museum and it’s free to visit. It’s open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. I spent about an hour and a half here, learning about the history of Indian immigration to Mauritius.

One of the most interesting things I saw was the steps where the immigrants first set foot on Mauritian soil. It was a powerful moment, imagining all the people who had walked those same steps over 150 years ago.

There’s also a small exhibition with old photos and documents. The staff here are really knowledgeable and can answer any questions you have about the site’s history.

Go Up Fort Adelaide to See All of Port Louis

For a great view of Port Louis, head up to Fort Adelaide, also known as La Citadelle. This old British fort sits on a hill overlooking the city.

The fort is open from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday, and it’s free to visit. It takes about 20 minutes to walk up the hill from the city center, or you can take a taxi if you don’t want to walk.

From the top, you get a fantastic view of Port Louis and the harbor. You can see the whole layout of the city, from the modern buildings near the waterfront to the older parts of town. It’s especially nice at sunset.

The fort itself is interesting too. It was built in the 1830s to protect the harbor, but it was never actually used in battle. Today, it’s mostly empty, but you can walk around the walls and imagine what it was like when it was a working fort.

Look at the Pretty Jummah Mosque in Port Louis

The Jummah Mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings in Port Louis. It’s right in the middle of the city, at the entrance to Chinatown.

The mosque was built in the 1850s and it’s still used for daily prayers. If you’re not Muslim, you can’t go inside during prayer times, but you can admire the beautiful architecture from outside.

The mosque is a mix of Indian, Creole, and Islamic styles, which makes it unique. The white walls and green domes are really striking against the blue sky.

If you want to go inside, it’s best to visit between 10 AM and 12 PM, or 2 PM and 4 PM. Remember to dress respectfully – cover your shoulders and knees, and women should cover their heads.

Walk Through Port Louis’ Chinatown

Chinatown in Port Louis is a fun place to explore. It’s not as big or flashy as Chinatowns in some other cities, but it’s got a lot of character.

The main street of Chinatown is Royal Road. It’s lined with Chinese shops and restaurants. I saw lots of interesting things for sale, from traditional Chinese medicines to colorful decorations.

One of the coolest things I saw in Chinatown was the street art. There are lots of murals on the walls, many of them with Chinese themes. It’s like an outdoor art gallery!

I had lunch at a small Chinese restaurant called Chez Manuel. The food was delicious and pretty cheap – I paid about 200 Rupees (about $4.30 USD) for a big plate of noodles and some dumplings.

Here’s a quick table of some places I liked in Chinatown:

Place Name	What It Is	Why It’s Cool
Chez Manuel	Chinese restaurant	Cheap, tasty food
Kwon Wah Store	Traditional Chinese shop	Interesting medicines and decorations
Nam Shun Foong	Cake shop	Delicious Chinese and Mauritian pastries
Kwan Tee Pagoda	Small Chinese temple	Beautiful architecture, quiet place

Planning tip: most shops in Chinatown close early, around 5 or 6 PM. It’s best to visit in the morning or early afternoon.

What to Eat and Drink in Port Louis Mauritius

One of the best things about Port Louis is the food! The city’s mix of cultures means you can find all sorts of different cuisines. I tried to eat at a different place every day, and I was never disappointed.

Nice Restaurants to Eat at in Port Louis

While street food is great, sometimes you want to sit down for a proper meal. Port Louis has lots of good restaurants, ranging from cheap local places to fancy international cuisine.

One place I really enjoyed was Lambic Restaurant and Bar at Le Caudan Waterfront. They serve a mix of Mauritian and international dishes. I had a delicious fish curry that cost about 450 Rupees (about $9.80 USD). The view of the harbor from the restaurant was great too.

For something more local, I tried a place called Chez Tino in the Chinatown area. They serve Mauritian-Chinese food, and the portions are huge. I had a chicken chop suey that cost 250 Rupees (about $5.40 USD) and it was enough for two meals!

Here’s a table of some restaurants I tried in Port Louis:

Restaurant Name	Type of Food	Location	Price Range (Rupees)
Lambic	Mauritian/International	Caudan Waterfront	400 – 800 per person
Chez Tino	Mauritian-Chinese	Chinatown	200 – 400 per person
Le Courtyard	French/Mauritian	City Center	600 – 1000 per person
Yuzu	Japanese	Caudan Waterfront	500 – 900 per person
First Restaurant	Indian	City Center	300 – 600 per person

Planning tip: it’s a good idea to make reservations at the fancier restaurants, especially on weekends.

Local Drinks to Try in Port Louis

Don’t forget to try some local drinks while you’re in Port Louis! Mauritius has some unique beverages that you won’t find anywhere else.

One drink I really liked was alouda. It’s a sweet milk drink with basil seeds and tapioca pearls. You can find it at many street vendors and in the Central Market. I paid about 40 Rupees (about $0.87 USD) for a big glass, and it was really refreshing on a hot day.

Another local favorite is vanilla tea. Mauritius grows its own vanilla, and they use it to make a delicious, fragrant tea. I tried some at a small café near the Caudan Waterfront. It cost 60 Rupees (about $1.30 USD) for a cup, and it was a nice change from regular black tea.

If you’re looking for something stronger, Mauritius is known for its rum. There are several local brands, but I tried a rum called Pink Pigeon at a bar in Le Caudan Waterfront. A glass cost me 200 Rupees (about $4.35 USD), and it was smooth and flavorful.

Here’s a quick table of some local drinks I tried in Port Louis:

Drink Name	What It Is	Where I Tried It	Price (Rupees)
Alouda	Sweet milk drink with basil seeds	Central Market	40
Vanilla Tea	Tea flavored with local vanilla	Café near Caudan	60
Pink Pigeon Rum	Local spiced rum	Bar in Caudan	200 per glass
Phoenix Beer	Local Mauritian beer	Various restaurants	80-100 per bottle
Fresh Coconut	Coconut water straight from the coconut	Street vendor	50

How to Get Around Port Louis: Easy Ways to See the City

Getting around Port Louis is pretty easy, but it helps to know your options. I tried out different ways of moving around the city during my stay, and here’s what I learned.

Here’s a quick comparison of the different transport options in Port Louis:

Transport Type	Pros	Cons	Approximate Cost
Walking	Free, good for short distances	Can be hot, not suitable for longer distances	Free
Bus	Cheap, goes everywhere	Can be crowded, may need to wait	20-50 Rupees
Metro Express	Fast, comfortable, air-conditioned	Limited route (as of 2024)	20-30 Rupees
Taxi	Convenient, door-to-door	More expensive than public transport	200+ Rupees

Walking

Port Louis is a fairly compact city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. I found that walking was often the best way to explore, especially in areas like Chinatown or around the Central Market.

Just be aware that it can get very hot in Port Louis, especially in the middle of the day. Try to do your walking in the morning or late afternoon if you can, and always carry water with you.

Buses

Buses are a cheap and easy way to get around Port Louis and to other parts of Mauritius. The main bus station is at Immigration Square, near the Central Market.

Bus fares are very cheap – I never paid more than 50 Rupees (about $1.09 USD) for a trip within Port Louis. The buses can get crowded, especially during rush hour, but they’re a great way to travel like a local.

Planning tip: bus drivers don’t always announce the stops, so it’s a good idea to ask someone to let you know when you reach your destination if you’re not sure.

Metro Express

The Metro Express is a new light rail system that opened in 2022. It currently runs from Port Louis to Rose Hill, with plans to extend it further.

I found the Metro to be clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned – a nice break from the heat! Tickets cost between 20 and 30 Rupees (about $0.43 to $0.65 USD) depending on how far you’re going.

The main station in Port Louis is at Victoria Urban Terminal, which is right next to the Caudan Waterfront.

Taxis

Taxis in Port Louis are easy to find and relatively cheap. You can flag them down on the street or find them at designated taxi stands.

Always make sure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a price before starting your journey. As a rough guide, a 15-minute taxi ride within Port Louis cost me about 200 Rupees (about $4.35 USD).

Best Time to Visit Port Louis

Timing can make a big difference to your experience in Port Louis. Here’s what I learned about the best times to visit.

Weather Considerations

Port Louis has a tropical climate, which means it’s warm year-round. However, there are some seasonal differences to keep in mind.

The summer months (November to April) are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or higher. This is also the rainy season, with a risk of cyclones, especially from January to March.

The winter months (May to October) are cooler and drier, with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). I visited in September and found the weather really pleasant – warm during the day but not too hot and cool enough for a light jacket in the evenings.

Tourist Seasons

The busiest tourist seasons in Port Louis (and Mauritius in general) are during the European summer holidays (July and August) and around Christmas and New Year.

I visited in September, which is considered the shoulder season. I found it to be a great time to visit – the weather was good, and there were fewer tourists, which meant shorter queues and easier bookings at restaurants and attractions.

Events and Festivals

Port Louis hosts several interesting events throughout the year. Here are a few to look out for:

• Chinese New Year (January/February): Chinatown comes alive with decorations, parades, and special foods.
• Cavadee Festival (January/February): A Tamil festival with colorful processions.
• National Day (March 12): Celebrations throughout the city, including parades and fireworks.
• Divali (October/November): The Hindu festival of lights, with beautiful decorations throughout the city.

Remember that these are general guidelines. I found Port Louis to be a fascinating city to visit year-round, each season offering its own unique experiences.

Practical Tips for Visiting Port Louis

After spending a week exploring Port Louis, I picked up some useful tips that I wish I’d known before my trip. Here they are:

Money Matters

The currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). As of September 2024, 1 USD is equal to about 46 Mauritian Rupees.

I found that many places in Port Louis, especially in touristy areas like Le Caudan Waterfront, accept credit cards. But for markets and small shops, it’s good to have cash on hand.

There are ATMs all over Port Louis, but be aware that some may charge a fee for international cards. I used the ATM at the MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) in Le Caudan Waterfront, which didn’t charge me any extra fees.

Language

The official language of Mauritius is English, but I found that many people in Port Louis speak Creole (a French-based Creole language) in everyday life. French is also widely understood.

I don’t speak French or Creole, but I had no problem getting by with English. But of course, learning a few basic Creole phrases like “bonzour” (hello) and “mersi” (thank you) seemed to be appreciated by the locals.

Safety

I felt generally safe in Port Louis, but like in any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few safety tips:

• Keep your valuables secure, especially in crowded areas like the Central Market.
• Be cautious when walking alone at night, particularly in less touristy areas.
• Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas.
• Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.

Visiting Port Louis: My Final Thoughts

As I packed my bags to leave Port Louis, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. This vibrant city had shown me so much in just a week – from its bustling markets and historic sites to its delicious food and friendly people.

Port Louis might not be as famous as some other capital cities, but it’s a place that really grows on you. It’s a city where you can experience the real Mauritius, away from the beach resorts and tourist traps.

If you’re planning a trip to Mauritius, don’t just rush through Port Louis on your way to the beaches. Take some time to explore this fascinating city. Wander its streets, try its food, and talk to its people. I promise you won’t regret it.