Things To Do
in Curepipe
Curepipe, Mauritius sits on the central plateau at a higher elevation, earning its nickname as the Garden City for its green spaces and cooler air. The town serves as a calm, well-connected base with neat avenues, colonial architecture, and easy access to scenic viewpoints like Trou aux Cerfs. It blends Mauritian cultural influences with a relaxed dining scene and convenient proximity to nature, tea plantations, and waterfalls.
Throughout the year, Curepipe functions as a comfortable hub for day trips to nearby towns, markets, and alpine-like panorama viewpoints.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Curepipe and settle into your charming colonial-style guesthouse nestled among lush gardens. Step out to wander the tree-lined streets, admiring the wrought-iron balconies and pastel facades. Breathe in the cool highland air as local shops begin to open their doors.
Head to the central market for a sensory feast of tropical fruits, spices and handcrafted souvenirs. Chat with friendly vendors and sample fresh sugarcane juice while observing daily island rhythms. Spend a moment in Independence Square to admire memorials and local life.
Dine at a family-run Creole restaurant offering spicy octopus curry and coconut chutney. Listen to soft séga music drifting through open windows as lanterns flicker on. End the night with a leisurely stroll beneath starlit skies, cooled by gentle breezes.
Rise early and hike to the rim of Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcanic crater shrouded in mist and lush vegetation. Marvel at panoramic views over Curepipe and the distant ocean horizon. Capture photos of the emerald-green caldera lake nestled in the crater’s depths.
Descend toward Bois Chéri tea estate for a guided tour through misty plantations and historic factory halls. Sip freshly brewed Ceylon tea while learning about the estate’s two-century-old traditions. Wander paths lined with exotic ferns and endemic birdsong.
Return to Curepipe for a sunset aperitif on a rooftop terrace overlooking volcanic peaks. Relish a platter of smoked fish pâté and crunchy baguettes. Drift back to your room lulled by the hush of the central plateau night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🚆Public transport (one-way ticket) | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $2-4 |
| 💧Bottled water (1L) | $0.30-1.00 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cooler climate on the central plateau with pleasant town ambience
- Good base for exploring central and southern Mauritius with easy day trips
- Strong fusion cuisine and welcoming, multicultural culture
- Pleasant photography opportunities in nature and viewpoints
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to coastal resorts
- Some tourist attractions require short drives or transfers
- Markets can be crowded and vendors may haggle
- Public transport coverage is more limited than in Port Louis and coastal towns
- "Bonzour" - Hello
- "Mersi" - Thank you
- "Silvoupl" - Please
- "Eskiz mwa" - Excuse me
- "Mo apel ..." - My name is ...
- "Kot la souk?" - Where is the market?
Places to Visit in Curepipe
Visit one of these nice places.
A smoking crater and surrounding viewpoints offering sweeping views across Curepipe and the central plateau—great for sunrise and golden-hour shots.
Lush tea terraces, forest edges, and misty mornings provide vibrant greens and foggy backdrops for landscape photography.
Well-kept gardens with ornamental trees, fountains, and benches—excellent for portraits and nature close-ups.
Various hilltop outlooks on the town’s edge offer panoramic captures of the island’s central region.
Food in Curepipe
Curepipe Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple Mauritian street food: stuffed flatbreads served with a fluffy bean curry and chutneys.
Must-Try!
A tomato-based sauce with sausages, often served with rice or bread and a tangy splash of fresh herbs.
Crispy fish cakes or fritters, commonly found at seaside stalls and markets.
Spicy chili fritters that make a popular snack or street bite alongside a cool drink.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market offering fresh produce, snacks, and everyday Mauritian groceries, ideal for tasting small bites.
A nearby market with vibrant stalls selling herbs, curries, chutneys, and tropical fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Bonzour' (Hello) or 'Bonjour' and a smile. English and French are commonly used in business and tourism.
Respect religious sites; dress modestly during visits to temples or mosques. Take photos only where allowed, and ask permission when photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Curepipe
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. If service charges are not included, a 5–10% tip is appreciated in restaurants and bars.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in urban venues; cash is handy for markets and smaller eateries. Mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with occasional tropical showers. Carry water, wear light clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Pleasantly cooler and drier, especially in evenings. Pleasant for hiking and city strolls, with clear skies for photography.
Curepipe at Night
Hiking in Curepipe
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible hike around a dormant volcanic crater with panoramic views of the central plateau.
Gentle forest trails near the tea estate, suitable for relaxed nature walks and photography.
Airports
How to reach Curepipe by plane.
Mauritius’ primary international airport located near Port Louis; about a 45–75 minute drive from Curepipe depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mauritius is a multicultural country with Indian, African, Chinese, European, and mixed heritage communities represented in Curepipe and surrounding areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Mauritius with local clubs and community leagues.
Common in schools and clubs; cricket facilities exist in multiple towns.
Played at amateur and school levels; part of the island’s sports culture.
Nearby courses and golf clubs offer scenic play in the Mauritian landscape.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Curepipe.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Mauritian vegetarian options exist (dal, street snacks like gâteaux piments without meat, various lentil and chickpea curries). Communicate clearly at markets and restaurants; request meat-free versions of common dishes.