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Port Louis is the capital and most populous city of Mauritius, located on the west coast of the island. It has a history as a French and British colonial port, a financial and political centre, and a cultural and tourist destination.
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- The Central Market. You simply can’t visit Port Louis without making a stop at the Central Market, the largest covered market in the city! Open daily from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm (except Sunday when it closes at noon), the Port Louis market is located at the corner of Corderie Street and Queen Street.
- Caudan Waterfront. One of the best things to do in Port Louis is to take a stroll at Caudan Waterfront! Caudan is the oldest shopping center on the island.
- Place d’Armes. At the city’s entrance, Place d’Armes is a highly symbolic site for Mauritius and its history. Located right in front of the Caudan waterfront, it connects the port to the Government House at the top of the street and is lined with several rows of century-old palm trees, forming the historic center of Port Louis.
- The Jardin de la Compagnie. Less than 300m away from Place d’Armes, to the left at the top of the street, The Jardin de la Compagnie is another must-see attraction in Port Louis.
Port Louis, city, capital, and main port of the island of Mauritius in the western Indian Ocean. It lies between a well-sheltered, deepwater harbour, accessible to ships through a break in the coral reef, and a semicircle of mountains.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Find out the best things to do in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, from historical sites and museums to shopping and dining. Explore popular experiences, ratings, reviews, and book online for your trip.
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Central Market
One of the best things to do in Port Louis is to visit the Central Market. This is the largest covered market in Mauritius selling everything from fresh produce to food, herbal medicines, spices, and souvenirs. On the ground floor, you’ll find vendors selling a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and on the first floor, is a souvenir/craft market. There’s also another souvenir market located on the opposite side of the produce stalls. Prices are usually steep for tourists, so it’s re...
Indulge in Street Food
There’s no better place than Port Louis to sample some delicious Mauritian street food. From Dholl Puri to Faratha, Gateau Piments, and Briani, you’ll be spoilt for choice of food to eat! The food in Mauritius is a delicious blend of cuisines from different parts of the world, including China, India, Africa, and Europe. Some of the best places to eat street food in Port Louis include the Central Market, Chinatown, Les Jardins de la Compagnie Market, Sir William Newton, and Bourbon Streets. On...
Take a stroll around the Caudan Waterfront
The very first shopping mall in Mauritius, the Caudan Waterfront is the place to go for a lavish shopping spree or simply a stroll by the ocean. It features several shops that cater to both high-end and mid-range budgets, a casino, a craft market, two movie theaters, a museum, and a food court with lots of local and international food options. There are also two hotels located right at the water’s edge aimed at business travelers. If you’re traveling to Mauritius on a budget, this might not b...
By Bus
If you’re on a budget, you can easily get to Port Louis by bus. There are two major bus terminals in Port Louis: Immigration Square and Victoria Urban Terminal. If you’re coming from the north (Grand Baie, Pereybere, etc) or east (Belle Mare, Trou D’Eau Douce, etc), the bus will drop you off at Immigration Square. For those coming from the west (Flic en Flac) or south (Le Morne), you’ll be dropped off at Victoria Urban Terminal. Bus tickets cost about USD 1 or less per trip depending on the d...
By Car
If you’re coming by car, it can be a bit of a struggle to find a decent parking spot in the center of Port Louis. You’ll need to buy parking coupons that can be obtained at any gas station (they usually cost around Rs 20-30 per hour depending on the parking zone). An easier alternative is to park at the Caudan Waterfront. Parking costs Rs 50 for the first 4 hours and Rs 50 for each additional hour (free from 4 p.m on weekdays, from 12.30 p.m on Saturdays, and the whole day on Sundays and publ...
By Tram
You can also get there by taking the tram or Metro Express. Tickets cost around Rs 30-55 per trip depending on the distance covered. At the time of writing (June 2024), the Metro Express is only available between Port Louis and Curepipe and between Rose Hill and Reduit.
Below are some of my recommendations for the best places to eat in Port Louis: 1. Tinot Trading: For delicious Chinese pastries (On Jummah Mosque Street, opposite Wing Tai Chong store) 2. Port Louis Central Market: For an abundance of street food (9, Corderie Street) 3. Les Jardins de la Compagnie Market: More street food (Rue Reverend Lebrun) 4. R...
Personally, I recommend staying somewhere near the beach and only taking a day trip to Port Louis. But if you absolutely need to stay in the city, you can choose between these two hotels located in the Waterfront area:
Port Louis is relatively safe during the day. I’ve walked around the city alone as a woman and never had any issues. Like in all major touristy destinations, pickpocketing can happen so always keep an eye on your belongings while walking in crowded areas.
If you’re a foodie and want to check out some of the best street art and historical buildings in Mauritius, then Port Louis is definitely worth a visit! It’s also a great place to go shopping whether you want to buy clothes or souvenirs. Did you enjoy reading this Port Louis travel guide? If you have any questions or recommendations to share, just ...
Discover the best attractions and activities in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. Explore the Central Market, Chinatown, street art, Caudan Waterfront, and more.
Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of Mauritius, founded by the French in 1735. It has many cultural and historical attractions, such as Fort Adelaide, Aapravasi Ghat, Natural History Museum, and Caudan Waterfront.
Port Louis is a vibrant and lively town with a rich history and culture. Explore its market, museums, monuments, harbour, Chinatown and more.
