10 Best Things To Do In Port Louis, Mauritius

1. Explore Port Louis' Central Market

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Central Market is an ideal attraction to get a taste of the local culture. You get to spend some time amidst the locals, stopping by for food, herbal remedies, and spices. The fruit and vegetable market is situated on the ground floor, while the tourist-friendly souvenir market is located on the first floor and sells jewelry, crafts, and carvings. It’s also one of the best locations to try some of the city’s best street food and Mauritian cuisine. This market opens every day, regardless of the season. The best time of the day to visit the market is early in the morning before the heat of the day descends upon the capital. Sundays are best avoided because Port Louis comes to a halt just before noon.

Central Market

Address: 9 Corderie St, Port Louis, Mauritius

Opening hours: Mon -Sat: 5am - 5:30pm; Sun: 5am - 11:30am

2. Check out the amazing China Town

China Town is one of the must-see attractions in Port Louis. This community is one of Africa’s oldest Chinatowns, having been established by the first large wave of Chinese immigrants in the 1780s. The streets in this area are characterized by painted wooden shop fronts containing restaurants serving Chinese cuisine. Every year, China Town hosts a food festival to celebrate Chinese cuisine’s richness. The festival also includes traditional Chinese performances such as lion and dragon dances, street art performances, cultural and musical performances, firecrackers, and martial arts demonstrations.

China Town

Address: Royal Road, Port Louis, Mauritius

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Plan a day at Natural History Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This is Mauritius’ oldest museum and houses a large collection of natural science exhibits. Natural History Museum, which opened in 1880, houses a display of the famous Dodo, a flightless bird that has been extinct since the early 17th century. The Museum is divided into different galleries, Fauna Gallery, Marine Life Gallery, Insects, Meteorology, and Giant Tortoise Gallery. When you walk into Fauna Gallery, you are transported back in time to the Jurassic Period, roughly 150-148 million years ago.

Natural History Museum

Address: Mauritius Institute Building, Chaussée Street, Port Louis

Website Natural History Museum

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 9am - 4pm; Wed: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sunday)

4. Marvel at the city views from Citadelle

This fort is situated on the higher lands of Port Louis and overlooks the Mauritian capital. This fort, also known as Citadelle or Citadel of Fort-Louis, is the last of the English’s four major strongholds established since their arrival on the island. It is situated approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level on a hill called La Petite Montagne. For many visitors visiting the capital, the fort is a must-see. The view of Port Louis and its harbor from this fort is breathtaking.

Citadelle

Address: Sebastopol St, Port Louis, Mauritius.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

5. Take a tour of Caudan Waterfront

Le Caudan Waterfront is a retail and commercial hub of Port Louis with a mix of shopping and leisure venues, as well as outstanding restaurants and five-star hotels with views of Port Louis Harbor. The shopping center, with its 170 boutiques, is a must-visit for shoppers, with high-end stores. Tourists can also check specialty shops offering exclusive local items such as jewelry and art paintings. Despite being the island’s first and oldest shopping center, Caudan Waterfront has managed to keep up with the times and retain its allure as a modern waterfront mall. Visitors can also watch the port’s activities as large container and cruise ships enter and depart the premises.

Caudan Waterfront

Address: Marina Quay, Caudan, Port Louis, Mauritius

Website: Caudan Waterfront

Opening hours: Mon Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)

6. Enjoy horse racing at Champs de Mars

Champ de Mars is the world’s second-oldest racecourse. At this historic site, you can experience Mauritian culture and passion for horse racing firsthand. Even if you are not a racing enthusiast, you will be drawn in by the amazing atmosphere. You can either bet or simply watch the races; either way, you will not be disappointed. Horse racing has become a national pastime in Mauritius, with thousands of people attending each race. Champs de Mars also provides a spectacular view of the harbor, Le Pouce mountain, and its surroundings.

Champs de Mars

Address: 9 Dauphine St, Port Louis, Mauritius

Website: Champs de Mars

7. Hike Le Pouce

Le Pouce is the island’s third-highest point and one of the island’s most recognizable features. This mountain will provide you with breathtaking views of Le Morne, Coin de Mire, the capital city, and other landmarks. You will explore the flora-covered mountain during your climb to the summit, discovering exotic plants as well as some rare and unusual endemic species. Le Pouce is known for its simple hiking tracks, with the exception of the steep climb to the top. The climb begins in the shade of dense woodland, but as you progress higher up, you’ll come to a more open path with few trees and stunning views.

Le Pounce

Address: La Laura-Malenga, Moka, Mauritius

8. Visit Blue Penny Museum

This state-of-the-art museum located on the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis is one of Mauritius’ cultural jewels. Its design is boldly modern and dynamic, and it houses an exquisite heritage collection that speaks volumes about Mauritius and the region. A thrilling adventure awaits you as you travel across time, and space, from the first explorer to set foot on the island to its successive settlers from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Blue Penny Museum

Address: Dans Caudan Water Front, Port Louis, Mauritius

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

9. Spend time at Les Jardins De La Compagnie

With its massive banyan trees, a large number of sculptures, peaceful benches, and fountains, Jardins de la Compagnie is Port Louis’s most attractive park. It’s perfectly safe and even enticing during the day. Les Jardins De La Compagnie is the coolest spot. Offering fresh air and greens, it also serves as a gathering place for a variety of organizations, including political, historical, religious, educational, social, and family events. A shopping center, a food court, and popular museums are all nearby.

Les Jardins De La Compagnie

Address: La Chaussée, Port Louis, Mauritius

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

10. Explore Rivulet Terre Rouge Bird Sanctuary

This site is located on one of Mauritius’ largest estuary ecosystems. It attracts a large number of migratory bird species from October to February. Hundreds of migratory birds use this sanctuary as a wintering ground and shelter each year to avoid the harsh winter months in the northern hemisphere. Birds migrate in from as far as Siberia to avoid the cold winters there and find refuge in Mauritius’ warm climate. According to the observatory, nearly 1200 birds visit the sanctuary each year. The sanctuary is well-protected and under continuous surveillance.

Rivulet Terre Rouge Bird Sanctuary

Address: Port Louis, Mauritius

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Never be bored in Port Louis

Port Louis boasts abundant natural beauty and unquestionably must-see destinations. During your time in Mauritius, check out the selected things to do in Port Louis that makes for a memorable trip.