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Destinations / Mauritius

Port Louis

Island capital of markets, history and nearby reefs

beachesfoodhistorycouples
Plan your trip to Port LouisSee the top 10
150,000Population
English, French, Mauritian CreoleLanguage
MURCurrency
5 daysIdeal stay
$150-300Typical day

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, a lively harbor town with markets, colonial buildings and the UNESCO listed Aapravasi Ghat. Most visitors stay at beach resorts around the island. The guide covers the whole island, with outings beyond the capital marked as day trips.

Where to start

Top 10 things to do

Tap a card to open it. Day trips are marked.

  1. Aapravasi Ghat is the immigration depot where hundreds of thousands of indentured laborers, mostly from India, landed in the 19th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a small interpretation center.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Open weekdays 9 am to 4 pm and Saturday mornings; the interpretation center explains the indenture system well.
    See on the map

  2. The Central Market is a busy covered market selling fruit, vegetables, spices and street food. It reflects the island's mix of cultures.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Try dholl puri and alouda, a sweet milk drink.
    See on the map

  3. The Caudan Waterfront is a harbor side complex of shops, restaurants and museums. It is the modern face of the capital.

    2 hoursTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Good for a meal and a stroll in the evening.
    See on the map

  4. The Seven Coloured Earth is an area of sand dunes in shades of red, brown and purple, formed by volcanic rock. It is part of a geopark with a waterfall and tortoises.

    Half a dayTime needed
    about $17-18Cost
    noBook ahead

    Non resident adults pay Rs 800 (2026); children 5 to 11 Rs 400.

    Tip. About 1 hour by car.
    Official siteSee on the map

  5. Le Morne Brabant is a mountain on the southwest coast where escaped slaves once hid. It is a UNESCO site and a hike with great views.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Start early and go with a guide on the upper section.
    See on the map

  6. Ile aux Cerfs is an island in a lagoon on the east coast, with beaches and water sports. It is reached by boat.

    Full dayTime needed
    about $30-60Cost
    noBook ahead

    Boat.

    Tip. Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
    See on the map

  7. Black River Gorges is the island's largest national park, with forest, waterfalls and endemic birds. It has trails.

    Half a dayTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Start hikes early and bring rain gear.
    See on the map

  8. Grand Bassin is a sacred crater lake for Hindus, with temples and a huge Shiva statue. It hosts a big pilgrimage.

    1 hourTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Dress modestly and remove shoes in temples.
    See on the map

  9. The Blue Penny Museum displays the famous Mauritius stamps and colonial history. It is at the Caudan Waterfront.

    1 hourTime needed
    about $5-8Cost
    noBook ahead

    Entry.

    Tip. Check opening times.
    See on the map

  10. Fort Adelaide is a British era fortress on a hill above Port Louis. It has views over the city and harbor.

    45 minutesTime needed
    FreeCost
    noBook ahead

    Free.

    Tip. Go late afternoon for the view.
    See on the map
Map: OpenStreetMap contributors.
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Ready-made itineraries

Choose how many days you have.

Mauritius in three days

Add Chamarel, Le Morne and Ile aux Cerfs.

  1. Central Market1 hour · Free
  2. Aapravasi Ghat1 hour · Free
  3. Caudan Waterfront2 hours · Free
  4. Chamarel Seven Coloured EarthHalf a day · about $17-18
  5. Le Morne BrabantHalf a day · Free
  6. Ile aux CerfsFull day · about $30-60
  7. Black River GorgesHalf a day · Free
  8. Grand Bassin1 hour · Free
  9. Blue Penny Museum1 hour · about $5-8
  10. Fort Adelaide45 minutes · Free
Beyond the city

Day trips

Blue Bay Marine Park

Coral snorkeling.

31 mi · Car about 1 hour

Pamplemousses Garden

Giant water lilies.

7 mi · Bus about 25 minutes

Grand Bassin

A sacred crater lake and Hindu temple.

31 mi · Drive about 1 hour

Ile aux Cerfs

Beach island with water sports.

37 mi · Drive to Trou d'Eau Douce plus boat, about 1.5 hours

Mahebourg

Southeast town with museum and market.

34 mi · Drive about 1 hour

Plan your dates

Weather and seasons

Best: May to December. Dry and sunny.

Busy and priceyShoulderQuiet and cheaper

Temperature

Daily high and average, by month

32°50°68°86°104°JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecDaily highAverage

Rain

Typical inches per month

0.00.81.62.43.13.94.75.5JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

January

82°F
Typical daily high
Average81°F
Rain5.0 in
About16 rainy days
Sun strength6.6 kWh/m²

Quiet season. Lower prices, fewer crowds.

Climate normals: NASA POWER (public domain). For your own dates, a trip's Plan tab shows the forecast and the usual weather.

Main events

Oct

Diwali

October or November

Lamps and sweets.

Feb

Maha Shivaratri

February or March

Pilgrimage to Grand Bassin.

Oct

Divali

Usually October or November (date varies)

The festival of lights, celebrated across the island.

Jan

Chinese Spring Festival

Usually January or February

Fireworks and lion dances, especially in the Chinese quarter.

Mar

Independence Day

March 12

National holiday with ceremonies.

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Know before you go

At a glance

4/5
Safety

The US State Department rates Mauritius at Level 2 (increased caution); petty crime occurs, but the island is generally safe.

3/5
Walkability

Central Port Louis is walkable.

2/5
Public transport

Buses and a Metro Express line link towns.

Pick your base

Where to stay

The neighborhoods that suit most first visits.

Map: OpenStreetMap contributors. Shapes where OpenStreetMap has a boundary; dashed circles mark areas it only has a point for.
123456

1. Grand Baie

$$$

Best for: first-timers

Lively north.

2. Flic en Flac

$$

Best for: budget

West sunsets.

3. Le Morne

$$$$

Best for: luxury

Resorts.

4. Port Louis

$$

Best for: business

Near the market.

5. Caudan Waterfront area

$$

Best for: first-timers, day visitors

Walkable to markets and museums.

6. Mahebourg

$

Best for: culture lovers

Quiet southeast town with local life.

Getting there and around

Main airportSir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), 28 mi from the center
To the centerTaxis take about 1 hour.
Around townUse the Metro Express and taxis.
Ride appsYugo, Bolt (limited), Taxis
Taste it

What to eat

Dholl puri

Lentil flatbread.

Rougaille

Tomato stew.

Gateaux piments

Chili fritters.

Alouda

Sweet milk drink with basil seeds.

Creole fish curry

Fish in tomato based sauce.

Good to know

PlugsType C and G, 230 V
Tap waterUse bottled water
TippingTip 5 to 10 percent.
PaymentsCards widely accepted.
EtiquetteMauritius is multicultural; dress modestly at temples, mosques and churches. Greet people politely and ask before photos.
  • The capital is busy on weekdays and quiet in the evening.
  • Traffic into Port Louis is heavy at rush hour.
  • Cyclone season runs roughly November to April.
  • Driving is on the left.
  • Avoid back streets at night, especially in the business district.
  • Keep valuables in a hotel safe.
  • Markets close in the afternoon, so go in the morning.
  • Rent only registered accommodation.

A short history

The Dutch, then the French, then the British ruled Mauritius. The French founded Port Louis in 1735. Indentured laborers from India arrived via Aapravasi Ghat from 1834. Mauritius became independent in 1968.

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Researched 2026-10-12. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.

Plan Port Louis