🇲🇺 Mauritius

10 best places in Port Louis

Port Louis is a compact port capital under an extinct volcano, where colonial forts, Hindu temples and a Chinatown all sit within a short walk of the harbour.

Sight

Le Caudan Waterfront

A harbourside development of shops, restaurants, a cinema and a marina right on the water.

Museum

Blue Penny Museum

A museum inside Caudan Waterfront housing Mauritius's legendary 1847 postage stamps.

Market

Port Louis Central Market

A two-storey market for spices, tropical fruit and street food, five minutes from the waterfront.

Sight

Champ de Mars Racecourse

The world's second-oldest racecourse, running since 1812, where the whole city turns out on Saturdays.

Sight

Aapravasi Ghat

A UNESCO site marking the landing point of the first indentured Indian labourers in the 19th century.

Sight

Fort Adelaide (Citadelle)

A hilltop fort with panoramic views over the harbour and the mountains around Port Louis.

Sight

Jummah Mosque

The island's oldest and most beautiful mosque, right in the heart of the capital.

District

Chinatown

A compact Chinese quarter of noodle shops, dim sum and old-school spice stores.

Park

Municipal Garden (Company Garden)

A shady historic garden in the city centre, home to century-old banyan trees.

Café

Le Café des Arts

A cosy café near the waterfront for coffee and dessert after a walk through the market.

FAQ

Best time to visit Mauritius?

May to November is the dry, cooler half of the year and the easiest time to travel. From November to April it turns hot and humid, and that is also cyclone season. Port Louis usually feels a few degrees hotter than the coast, since it sits between the sea and the mountains with little breeze.

How many days do you need in Port Louis?

One day covers it. The central market, Le Caudan Waterfront, the Blue Penny Museum and Aapravasi Ghat fit into a few hours, and most visitors come in from a beach hotel for the day. The city empties out after working hours.

Is Port Louis safe?

The centre is fine in daylight, with pickpocketing in the market and crowded streets as the main risk. After dark the business district goes quiet and is not a place to wander. Use taxis or a ride app in the evening.

Can foreigners move to Mauritius?

Mauritius actively courts remote workers and investors, with a long-stay permit for people earning abroad and residence options tied to business or property. English works in offices and paperwork, which makes settling in easier than in much of the region. Thresholds and conditions change, so check the current rules before you commit.