Things To Do
in Port Louis
Port Louis is the bustling capital and main port of Mauritius, where colonial architecture, busy markets and modern offices meet the Indian Ocean waterfront. The city’s narrow streets and waterfront promenade blend Creole, Indian, Chinese and European cultural influences visible in food, temples, churches and markets. Port Louis is a working city — lively, compact and known for its historic Fort, waterfront Caudan Waterfront shopping complex and the vibrant Central Market.
It’s a practical base for exploring the island’s northern and western beaches while offering an authentic slice of Mauritian urban life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of indentured labor in Mauritius. After exploring the museum, enjoy a leisurely walk through the vibrant Caudan Waterfront, where you can admire local art and crafts. Don't forget to grab a traditional Mauritian breakfast at a nearby café, indulging in fresh pastries and coffee.
In the afternoon, delve deeper into the history of Port Louis with a visit to the Blue Penny Museum, showcasing the rarest stamps in the world. Afterward, explore the bustling Central Market where you can experience the sights and sounds of local life while sampling exotic fruits and street food. Spend some time wandering through the nearby Place d'Armes, lined with colonial buildings and lush palm trees.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront for a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants offering stunning views of the harbor. Sample local seafood dishes paired with a glass of Mauritian rum while enjoying live music. Conclude your day with a stroll along the promenade, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and watching the colorful boats bobbing in the water.
Begin your day with a trip to the stunning Mont Choisy Beach, known for its soft white sands and turquoise waters. After settling in, try your hand at snorkeling to discover the rich marine life in the warm Indian Ocean. Enjoy a refreshing coconut water as you relax under the shade of palm trees.
In the afternoon, engage in thrilling water sports such as jet skiing or parasailing, feeling the rush of wind and waves around you. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, take a glass-bottom boat tour to admire the underwater world without getting wet. Afterward, unwind with a beachside lunch at a local shack, savoring fresh fish and chips.
As the day winds down, watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink while enjoying a beachside barbecue. Join fellow travelers and locals for an evening of camaraderie, music, and dance on the beach. End the night with a stroll along the shore, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
| 🛍️Market souvenirs / small purchases | $2-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich multicultural food scene and friendly, multilingual locals.
- Compact city with historic sites, markets and a busy waterfront close to beaches and nature.
- Good base for exploring the island’s north and west with easy day trips.
- Year-round warm weather and abundant fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
- Can be crowded, noisy and less polished than resort areas.
- Summer cyclone season brings risk of storms and travel disruption.
- Petty crime in busy areas requires vigilance with belongings.
- Traffic congestion and limited parking in the city during peak hours.
- "Bonzur / Bonswar" - Hello / Good morning (Creole)
- "Mersi" - Thank you (Creole/French)
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please (French)
- "Kouma ou ete?" - How are you? (Creole)
- "Pardonne moi / Excusez-moi" - Excuse me / Sorry (French)
Places to Visit in Port Louis
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views over Port Louis, the harbor and surrounding mountains — excellent for sunrise or late-afternoon shots.
Harbor, yachts, modern architecture and colorful nightlife provide varied urban photography opportunities.
Vibrant stalls, close-up shots of spices, fruits, local faces and street food create strong documentary and street-photography scenes.
Historic racing venue with dynamic action shots during race days and an atmospheric setting for wide-angle photography.
Colonial buildings, shuttered windows and narrow streets capture the city’s architectural character and daily life.
Food in Port Louis
Port Louis Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin flatbread stuffed with split yellow peas, usually served with chutneys, curry and pickles; widely available at street stalls and the Central Market.
Must-Try!
A Creole tomato-based stew often made with fish, octopus, sausages or chicken; find it at local restaurants and home-style eateries.
Chinese-influenced stir-fried noodles with vegetables, chicken, shrimp or pork — a ubiquitous comfort food across Port Louis.
Spicy split-pea fritters that are a popular snack sold at markets and by street vendors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The heart of food life in the city — spices, fresh fish, produce, street stalls and snack vendors; try dholl puri, samosas, gateau piment and fresh tropical fruits here.
Near the harbor, a great spot to see and buy fresh catches; some nearby stalls and restaurants will cook fresh fish for you.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites — cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where required.
Mauritians are generally polite and friendly; a simple 'bonjour' (French) or 'bonzur' (Creole) and a smile go a long way. English is widely spoken, but using a few Creole phrases is appreciated.
Be mindful of religious customs for Hindus, Muslims, Christians and others — avoid loud behavior near places of worship and respect prayer times if visiting.
Bargaining is normal in markets for souvenirs but do so respectfully and expect set prices for fresh produce and cooked food.
Safety
Tipping in Port Louis
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving 5–10% in restaurants is common if service charge isn’t included. Small cash tips for porters, drivers and guides are customary.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and stores; carry cash (Mauritian rupee) for markets, street food and small vendors. ATMs are common in Port Louis but can be less frequent in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and wet with the cyclone season peaking between January and March; expect heavy but often short-lived showers, high humidity and warm seas — pack light breathable clothes and a rain jacket.
Cooler, drier and pleasant with milder humidity and lower rainfall; ideal for sightseeing, hiking and outdoor activities with comfortable daytime temperatures.
Transitional months with generally good weather, fewer tourists and reasonable prices; good times for both beach and inland activities.
Port Louis at Night
Hiking in Port Louis
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular, accessible hike close to Port Louis that takes a few hours round-trip and offers sweeping views over the capital and northern plains.
A more challenging hike with a distinctive boulder-topped summit; best for fit hikers seeking dramatic views and a bit of scrambling.
An hour or so from Port Louis by car, this protected area offers longer trails, waterfalls, endemic flora and birdwatching opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Port Louis by plane.
Main international airport located near Mahebourg about 45–55 km southeast of Port Louis; reachable by car or shuttle in roughly 45–75 minutes depending on traffic.
Regional airport serving Rodrigues Island with flights from Mauritius; not in Port Louis but relevant for inter-island travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of Indian descent form the largest community, influencing cuisine, religion (Hinduism) and festivals.
Descendants of African and mixed heritage, central to Mauritian Creole culture, music and daily life.
Smaller communities often associated with business, government and some cultural institutions; French language and customs are influential.
Chinese-Mauritian community contributes to commerce, food (Chinese eateries) and local festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport island-wide, played at amateur and professional levels with local clubs and passionate supporters.
Held at the historic Champ de Mars in Port Louis — one of the oldest racecourses in the Southern Hemisphere and a major social event.
Rugby is popular especially in schools and clubs; beach volleyball and water sports are common along the coast.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Port Louis.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common due to the large Indian-origin population; many restaurants offer vegetable curries, dhal and rice dishes. Specify 'vegetarian' or in French/Creole — 'végétarien' / 'véjétaryen' — and check for ghee or fish sauce in sauces.
Vegan choices are growing but you should clarify ingredients; rice, lentils, vegetable curries and many street snacks can be vegan if made without dairy or egg.
Halal food is widely available in Port Louis; many Indian and Muslim-owned eateries serve halal meat—ask if unsure.
Gluten-free options exist but cross-contamination can occur in busy markets. Rice-based dishes and curries are usually safe, but confirm with vendors about wheat-based items like roti and fried snacks.