Port Louis: All About Mauritius' Capital

Port Louis is the vibrant, bustling, and surprisingly multifaceted capital of Mauritius, blending colonial history, Creole culture, industrial vibrancy, and picturesque mountain panoramas. Colonial mansions, modern business centers, spice-scented markets, and a waterfront promenade lined with cozy restaurants all stand side by side. The city is ideal for a short excursion during your island getaway and allows you to see Mauritius from a completely different perspective.

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Facts and history of the city

• Founded by the French in 1735.
• The population is about 150,000 inhabitants.
• The largest port and financial center of the country.
• It is located in the north-east of the island, at the foot of Mount Le Pouce.
• The port city is named in honor of King Louis XV.

Port Louis is one of the most vibrant cities in the Indian Ocean. It's a place where French, British, Indian, Chinese, and Creole heritage intertwines. Tourists come here to see the historic center, vibrant markets, the Caudan Waterfront, and ancient forts, as well as to experience the true rhythm of island life.

The city was founded by the French as a strategic harbor and an important stop on the route to India. The British later destroyed the French infrastructure, constructing their own expensive mansions, government buildings, a port, and a railway. Today, Port Louis is a blend of colonial architecture, modern neighborhoods, and an oriental flair. Ancient barracks, stone forts, historic markets, and entire neighborhoods where time seems to have stood still remain.

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What to see in Port Louis: the main attractions

In Mauritius's capital and surrounding area, you can experience the island's colonial era, reflected in its architecture and cultural mix. The area also boasts several interesting natural sites.

Caudan Waterfront - Port Louis's calling card

A modern promenade and the most popular place for strolling. It features shopping arcades, restaurants, cafes, food courts, Creole stalls, and museum spaces. It's a beautiful promenade with scenic views and art installations, including the famous Umbrella Square with its colorful umbrellas. There are also numerous comfortable relaxation areas.

Caudan Waterfront

Main Street (Intendance Street)

The most beautiful street in the city, it runs from the Caudan Waterfront to the Government Palace. The street is lined with picturesque palm trees and features numerous ancient buildings in various architectural styles, including museums, mosques, and residential buildings, as well as modern structures. Port Louis also has high-rise buildings. It is, after all, the business center of the country, albeit a small one.

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Central Market of Port Louis

It's arguably the city's main tourist hub. Travelers flock to this market for its vibrant souvenirs and exotic products: fruits, spices, legendary Mauritian rum, a wide variety of street food, and Creole handicrafts.

Tip: Visit in the morning when the market is at its most saturated with goods and many foreign visitors are just waking up.

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Fort Adelaide

An ancient 19th-century fortress built by the British to protect the harbor, it now offers the capital's best vantage point, offering excellent views of the city, sea, and mountains.

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The Blue Penny Museum is a unique museum in the capital.

The Postage Stamp Museum is one of Mauritius' most famous museums. It houses the legendary Blue Penny and Red Penny postage stamps, issued in 1847. They are considered among the most valuable stamps in the world. The museum tells the story of stamps, postage, and communications on the island. Philatelists will appreciate this place.

Mount Le Pouce

Translated as "thumb," it's a peak near Port Louis, approximately 812 meters above sea level. It offers an excellent viewpoint, accessible even with small children. The hike takes up to two hours. It's 6 kilometers from the capital's center. It offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the hills, the lagoon, and the city itself. Sir Charles Darwin is believed to have been the first person to conquer the mountain.

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Sugar Museum (L'Aventure du Sucre)

Situated on the grounds of a former sugar mill, it offers a glimpse into Mauritian life through the lens of sugar production. There's a shop at the entrance where you can sample and purchase various types of sugar or local rum.

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Champ de Mars Racecourse

Also known as the Champ de Mars, it's the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere, founded in 1812. Races run from March to December and attract thousands of spectators.

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Chinatown

An atmospheric neighborhood with narrow streets, Chinese shops, teahouses, and eateries. The street stretches for 500 meters. It's a relatively small Chinatown, but it retains the atmosphere of a century ago, without the modern animation and bright screens at every turn. Chinese street food is widely available. People come here for fried noodles, siu mai dumplings, and other hearty Asian delicacies.

Aapravasi Ghat (The Immigration Depot)

The museum is located on the grounds of a former complex for the reception of slave immigrants from British India. They were brought to Mauritius to work on plantations throughout the British Empire. Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is perhaps the oldest such place in the Southern Hemisphere. Numerous tropical trees, lotus ponds, and a cool haven amid the heat are the main draws for visitors.

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Lenin Statue Bust

Perhaps the most unexpected object you'll see in Mauritius. The reason is that the Soviet Union was one of the first countries to recognize Mauritius's independence. The bust of Lenin is located in the small Yuri Gagarin Square. It's quite an exotic sight in this part of the world.

Things to do in Port Louis

Let's sum it up:

• Stroll along the embankment and historic streets
• Buy local spices, tea and souvenirs at the local market.
• Try street food.
• See the fabulous Caudan Waterfront
• Take vibrant photos at Umbrella Square.
• Climb Fort Adelaide and Le Pouce.
• See the world's most expensive brands and all types of cane sugar.
• Take a stroll through the old botanical garden.
• See Lenin.

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Port Louis Weather: When is the Best Time to Visit?

The capital of Mauritius is located in a tropical zone with a hot and humid climate. The best time to visit is May to October (dry season). The hottest months are January to March. Average temperatures range from 25 to 30 °C. It's worth keeping in mind that Port Louis is hotter than resort areas due to the city's dense development.

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How to get to the capital of Mauritius

Port Louis is conveniently located to all popular resorts.

• From Grand Baie and Pareybere - 25-40 minutes.
• From Flic- en -Flac - about 35 minutes.
• From Belle Mare - about 45 minutes.
• From the airport - about 50 minutes.

Upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, most travelers head to the resorts on Mauritius's azure coast. If you're planning to visit the capital, consider taking a taxi or renting a car at the airport.

By public transport, one option is to take the bus that runs via the airport between the Port Louis bus station (Victoria Square) and the Mahébourg bus station. The bus ride to Port Louis takes about 1.5 hours.

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Where to stay in Port Louis

In Port Louis, you won't find resort hotels—they're all concentrated on the coast. Within the capital, there are several hotels and hostels for accommodation. A little further afield, in the Pamplemousses district on Mauritius's northern coast, a scattering of resort hotels of varying service levels begins. The selection is excellent. Among the best options are the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort, Cocotiers Hotel, Le Jadis Beach Resort, Ocean's Creek Beach Hotel, and others.

Within Port Louis:

• Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel. 5-star business hotel on the waterfront in Port Louis. It offers luxurious rooms and suites in several styles, fine dining, a spa, fitness center, and wellness facilities. Conveniently located near the racecourse and the capital's main attractions.
• Le Suffren . Overlooking Port Louis's bustling waterfront, this hotel combines the practical comfort of a business hotel with the amenities of a resort, while being within easy reach of the business district, the historic city center, and CyberCity.
• Le Saint Georges Hotel . A 3-star hotel offering comfortable accommodations. Standard, junior suite, and suite rooms are available. Excellent location in the heart of the city.
• Hotel Villa Anakao . A cozy guesthouse on the coast. Featuring a colonial style, surrounded by a lush garden, a private pool, and wonderful amenities for relaxation and accommodation. Located 10 minutes from Port Louis.

Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel