Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, but we also like to think of it as ‘the star and key of the Indian Ocean.’ Port Louis offers a wealth of Mauritian culture, history, picturesque views and plenty of shopping. It’s also home to some of the best food Mauritius has to offer.The Caudan Waterfront. This is the main boulevard and a shopper’s mecca. It’s located on the town side of the port, with cruise ships docking just opposite of it. Some extras Caudan has to offer:
- The Old Windmill with a small museum inside
- Cannons leftover from when Port Louis was a fort
- The Blue Penny Museum which holds two of the rarest stamps in the world
- “Allée des Artistes” an aisle for performances of various artistic fields (See video)
The waterfront also has a ton of cafes and restaurants, a gorgeous view- and it is a favorite area for shopping.
Video : Ido Productions
Specialty Things to Buy in Port Louis:
- ‘Dodobilia,’ or anything Dodo
- Muscavado Sugar
- Mauritian-Style Sarees (‘pagne’ in Creole)
- Blue Mauritius Rum
Fort Adelaide (‘the Citadel’). It was built in 1840, and is a large fortification at the top of Suffren Street. The fort itself is worth taking a look at, but the vista view it offers of Port Louis and the island of Mauritius is exquisite. You can even see the Champ de Mars (the racecourse) from the perimeter wall. How to get there:
- Take a guided tour through the city
- Take a taxi or cycle
- Hike/walk*
*If you decide to walk, be prepared for the combination of heat and humidity plus a steep hike. Definitely bring water with you.
Chinatown. Part of Port Louis’ history is Chinese, so it’s no surprise that we have a Chinese quarter- where you can find Asian goods, spices and specialized herbs. It’s less traditional than it used to be, but it’s still an important part of our culture.
Bazar Port Louis | www.ido.mu
The Jummah Mosque. A part of our Moslem heritage, it’s a beautiful piece of architecture that really stands out as a unique piece of intrinsic architecture. (Please note that visitors aren’t allowed inside the mosque.)
The St. Louis Cathedral. A part of our Catholic heritage, this imposing stone structure looks more impressive when it’s contrasted with its tropical landscape.
The Travellers Lane in Jardin des Compagnies. A nice and thought-provoking work by Khal Torabully and it is based on our island’s history of indenture. From there, you can stop by our Natural History Museum. It houses our famous Dodo bird, along with many other interesting artifacts.
Aapravasi Ghat, a World Heritage Site. Hindi for ‘Immigration Depot,’ the ghat was one of the first places slaves or indentured servants were held when they first arrived. It’s now a reminder of that darker part of our history and is being restored to its 1860s appearance.
Place d’arme | www.ido.mu
Other Things to Do in Port Louis:
- Shop at the Port Louis Bazaar
- Go Hiking
- Take Photos of Our Most Picturesque Place
We hope this checklist for sites to visit in Port Louis, Mauritius has been helpful. Are there any sites you think we’ve missed? Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments below! Until soon, adieu –Ido Productions