Things to do & places to visit in Port Louis, Mauritius

Sandwiched between the Indian Ocean and a mountain backdrop, Port Louis blends Mauritius modernity and tradition. The Caudan Waterfront entices shoppers with fashion, local crafts and live entertainment. Domaine les Pailles, with its 18th-century ox-driven sugar mill and colonial architecture, houses a new casino. Seek out the capital city's vast Bazaar, built in 1828, for spices, souvenirs and a lunch of fried noodles. For great views, hike the pedestrians-only road up Signal Mountain.

Port Louis #66 destination in Mauritius 2023. Timezone: Indian/Mauritius, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 17:29.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Marco Paradise Tour (292 reviews)
- Incredible trip and Experience
Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Marco Paradise Tours provides individual and group travel to leisure clients. Services and products provided by Marco Paradise Tours include pre-arranged tours, custom packages according to client’s specifications, travel consultation, and reservations for lodging amongst other related services. Attractions : Blue Safari ,Port louis citadelle fort pamplemous garden aventure du sucre See more..
5.0 The Crown Lodge Mauritius (252 reviews)
- Fit for a king......
Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Horse Tracks

One of the oldest horse-racing clubs in the world. The Champ de Mars saw the first race on the 25th June 1812. While you enjoy the show, our fully dedicated Crown Lodge team will do everything possible to make your wish come true. Sit back and enjoy the variety of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and local snacks offered throughout the day. Transfer from and back to your hotel or place of residence. Access to our private VIP box, access to a private teller, all Inclusive. See more..
5.0 Pointes des Lascars Hindu Spiritual Park (5 reviews)
- Great visit to this spiritual place!
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Great visit to this spiritual place! Normally when you do your tour they will it bring you here. This beautiful place is worth exploring located in the north east of Mauritius! Peace and divinity and you also get to visit a beautiful park and seek god's blessings. Do visit! See more..
5.0 The Bank of Mauritius Museum (2 reviews)
- A thoroughly interesting and informative experience, beautifully illustrated.
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

The museum tour starts with the Arab period (12th century) and takes visitors across the meanders of the centuries to present-day Mauritius. The museum boasts an impressive collection of coins minted abroad by the then-colonial governments for use in Mauritius, as well as extremely rare gold or silver coins, like Arab dinars or British Indian Mohur even the Tael. See more..
4.5 Port Louis Race Track (133 reviews)
- Day at the races Mauritian style
Horse Tracks

We were told the race track is the second oldest in the world and what an experience it proved. Been to many race meetings in this country but enjoyed Mauritius as much. Make sure you turn up at the track dressed up and they will treat you like royalty. On arriving a track-attendant took control and put us in an upstairs outdoor seating area with a covered area overlooking the track near the finish line. He took us to the parade ring and to the trophy presentation after the seventh race. The bar and tote betting is like in this country although it is fun to see a calculator used to work out your winnings. The race programme puts ours to shame and the entrance fee is about eight pounds. Overall it's a great Saturday of fun. Get their early as the racing starts around 12:30. See more..
4.5 Le Pouce (109 reviews)
- Pleasant hike
Mountains

Easy 1-2 hour hike (ca 400m altitude gain) from St Pierre village, no guides required, the path is clearly defined most of the way. The approach can be a bit wet and slippery in August (winter in Mauritius), but no ropes/security is required. Can also hike from Port Louis but its much longer as the altitude gain is ca 800m. Nice 360 deg view from the top. See more..
4.5 The Photographic Museum (38 reviews)
- Did not expect to see this much history!
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The Photographic Museum was created by Marie-Noëlle and Tristan Bréville since 1966. By doing such an amazing job, the Museum goes beyond the conservation and preservation mission. It creates and saves the memory of a nation! Mauritius greatly needed a place to preserve its memory and the Bréville couple made this a reality. International press even described the Museum as "one of the biggest preservation work of the 20th century." Located in an 18th century building, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the creators of the Museum. Our Mission • The Photographic research. • Preservation and Conservation. • Insure the photographic legacy. • Promote Mauritian photography. • Develop a passion for photography. • Safeguarding an exceptional heritage. The Content • More than one thousand cameras. • The first photographic lens which equipped one of the first ever made photographic camera and bought by a Mauritian in Paris in 1839. • The fabulous collection of Mauritian "daguerreotypes" • One of the biggest photographic collection in the world: nearing a million documents! • The largest collection of mauritian post cards in the world, Photo: Jean-Jacques Fabien vintage films on Mauritius, tintypes and autochromes See more..
4.5 Kaylasson Temple (30 reviews)
- Colorful Tamil temple
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

A beautiful colorful Tamil temple. Don’t forget to take off your shoes although we didn’t see any guide or guard. No English signage! We couldn’t find when it was built! Festivals info all written in local language! But certainly worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Le Jardin De La Vanille et L'Epice (14 reviews)
- Nice place on the way to Radisson
Farms

Small organic vanilla farm also selling locally made produce, inc spices. Registered with the Mauritian 'Small Planters Welfare Fund' Tel 230 754 7863 or 230 416 9269. Sometimes at Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa in the evenings See more..
4.5 Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (4 reviews)
- A great way to obtain information about Mauritius and get to know what's going on
Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers
Description See more..
4.0 Le Caudan Waterfront (1.574 reviews)
- May be a nice place when finished. But its going to be pricey
Casinos • Shopping Malls

Above all, the Caudan Waterfront is a cultural destination that offers its visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history buff, an art and theater enthusiast, a foodie, fan of artisanship or shopping, you will love the authentic and vibrant experience of the Caudan Waterfront! See more..
4.0 Blue Penny Museum (345 reviews)
- More interesting than expected.
Speciality Museums • History Museums

Founded by The Mauritius Commercial Bank and erected at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, this state-of-the-art Museum is one of the jewels of Mauritius cultural establishments. Resolutely modern and dynamic in its conception, it houses an exquisite heritage collection that speaks of Mauritius and the region. Transcending time and space, from the first explorer to set foot on the island, all through its successive settlers from Europe, Africa and Asia, an exciting adventure awaits you. Interwoven with reality are the numerous legends which make us all dream. If deep down, you want to taste the soul of Mauritius, to feel its heart beating with memories of the past, to learn all about what makes it so endearing, then the Blue Penny Museum is a must. See more..
4.0 Aapravasi Ghat (281 reviews)
- So informative
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Historic Sites

This is a fantastic little museum - just noth of the waterfront. It is well laid out with the right mix of exhibits and information in both poster format and IT touchscreen. It gives a real feel of the history of Mauritius and it's people. See more..
4.0 Jummah Mosque (83 reviews)
- The one with the tree inside
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Jummah Masjid in Port Louis dates back to the 1850s as is one of the earliest mosques built in Mauritius with major additions done to the structure in the 1890s. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful religious building in Mauritius. Unusually for a mosque its welcomes non Muslim visitors and holds regular guided tours of the mosques. For Muslim visitors its worthwhile going there for Friday prayers but get there in good time as it will be packed. On the Fridays you will also have street food sellers congregating outside. The structure of the mosque is along Moorish and Mughal styles. Inside the mosque you have an open court stand where a Badamia tree grows. The tree is as old as the mosque itself and gives it an unusual character. There are fans that whirl to keep the congregation cool. Its styling will definitely make you feel that you are in a mosque in Africa. See more..
4.0 St Louis Cathedral (79 reviews)
- We got lost and ended up here
Churches & Cathedrals

On a day shopping trip in Port Louis, we lost our way and ended up here. The cathedral looked imposing form the outside, but the interior was simple and such a stark contrast to the European churches that we are so used to. Calm, peaceful and an oasis in the midst of a bustling office area. See more..
4.0 Government House (62 reviews)
- Government House
Architectural Buildings

The government house is located in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius Island.The Government House, the most important building of the political life in Mauritius, was built by Mahé de Labourdonnais in 1740. In the court of honour a statue of the British Queen Victoria reminds of the Mauritian history and some huge flamboyant trees offer some shadow. It is part of the Mauritian Patrimoine. There is Caudan Waterfront, China Town, Central Market (where one can buy souvenirs at cheaper price) very near to the Government House, which Tourist can also visit. See more..
4.0 Les Jardins de la Compagnie (59 reviews)
- Little oasis of calm.
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Parks • Gardens

In the middle ( ? ) of Port Louis a lovely little oasis of green, giving a feeling of calm and tranquility. Great meeting place or just for a break. See more..
4.0 Port Louis Waterfront by Landscope Mauritius (29 reviews)
- Very nice
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Department Stores

The vision behind the construction of the Port Louis Waterfront was to create a space that would offer a diversity of leisure, shopping, eating and entertainment opportunities in a safe and secure environment both for Mauritians and tourists alike. For years the Port Louis Waterfront, with its esplanade of 100 000 square feet, green spaces, children’s playground, food outlets, restaurants, pub, shops, cinema theatres and a splendid view over the port area, was the place to be. The thousands of Mauritians and tourists visiting or transitioning through the Port Louis Waterfront daily rendered the place lively. After two decades, a new master plan has been devised by Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd for the revamping of the Port Louis Waterfront. After the renovation, in addition to inland water feature the Port Louis Waterfront now has the SBM fountain, a gift of the State Bank of Mauritius to celebrate the colours of unity which epitomizes the Mauritian’s harmony as one people and one nation. See more..
4.0 Odysseo Oceanarium Mauritius (18 reviews)
- Worth it Big Time.
Aquariums

Odysseo is a place of discovery, education and awareness. Our purpose is not only to create wonder for our visitors but also to awaken their curiosity and desire to learn more. We are all citizens of the ocean and the it is important to understand the essential role it plays in maintaining the equilibrium of our planet! The ocean has so much to offer and we all have a role to play in its protection. Together, let's protect and save our ocean and planet! See more..
4.0 Pere Laval's Shrine (16 reviews)
- Shrine to the patron Saint of Mauritius
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

Open to everyone and frequented by the locals, this is a shrine to the patron saint of Mauritius, Pere Laval. See more..
4.0 Marie Reine de la Paix (10 reviews)
- what a beautiful place
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

i really love this place, its very nice, clean and calm, i went there and watch sunset, amazing. one of the best places in port louis. See more..
4.0 Mauritius Tourism Office (5 reviews)
- Very informative
Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers
A great and friendly staff works here. They can give you up to date information on virtually everything on Mauritius. See more..
3.5 Central Market (1.073 reviews)
- Central Market visit
Flea & Street Markets

This bustling, lively open-air market offers a variety of goods for sale including fruit, herbs, spices and potions. See more..
3.5 Citadel Fort Adelaide (579 reviews)
- Wonderful View
Historic Sites

This is a hill top Fort built by the British to defend Port Louis from the French. The fort never saw active service. The fact that it is still standing is testament itself to the high standard of construction form over two hundred years ago. Today it is a fine example and gives you provides an insight into what was regarded at the time as being the ultimate fortification to defend this little bit of the globe coloured red and then called the British Empire. You can climb the stone steps to reach the battlements from which there are wonderful panoramic views over Port Louis. It is worth a visit to the fortress if only just to take in the view. There are refreshments available and a small gift shop. You need about an hour to do the place justice. See more..
3.5 Natural History Museum (162 reviews)
- Small traditional museum with a unique exhibit
Natural History Museums • Libraries • History Museums

Founded in 1880, this museum features an exhibit of the popular Dodo, the flightless bird that has been extinct since the end of the 17th century, and a vast library collection of more than 50,000 books. See more..
3.5 Mauritius Postal Museum (22 reviews)
- Great museum a step into the past.
Sunday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

Great museum a step into the past. Really enjoyed visiting here , showing the British colonial history and the stamps used by Mauritius at the time. The staff were friendly and admission was reasonable. See more..
3.0 China Town (316 reviews)
- China ? Town
Neighborhoods

This bustling neighborhood is known for its small shops, family traders and oriental restaurants. See more..
3.0 Domaine Les Pailles (41 reviews)
- PEACEFUL
Sunday: Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Stretching more than 3,000 acres, this nature park and cultural center features fun activities for all ages including tours by horse-drawn carriages, train rides, pony rides for children and an adventure safari in Land Rovers along winding mountain trails. See more..
3.0 Rivulet Terre Rouge Estuary Bird Sanctuary (20 reviews)
- The place for shorebirds in Mauritius
Nature & Wildlife Areas

I don't understand the poor reviews from others on this site. It is easy to find, with big brown signs as you drive through Port Louis. The reserve itself is small compared to British/western standards, with just a single hide but the warden on site will escort you, take his telescope, and show you the birds present. For an island with a (to humans) very appealing shoreline, wading birds are hard to come by, and this site is a magnet for birds on the island. On our visit we saw a Crab Plover, 4 Terek Sandpipers, 30+ Curlew Sandpipers, Greenshanks, Common Sandpipers, Turnstone, Sanderling, sandplovers, Common Terns and Whimbrel. If you are not interested in seeing Mauritius's shorebirds, this 'attraction' is probably not for you, but if you are interested in wildlife it is one place to that should be on your itinerary. See more..
3.0 Casino Senator Port Louis (7 reviews)
- take a chance
Spent More than 3 hours Casinos

Your first and only stop when it comes to Casinos in Mauritius. Senator Casino offers its customers a safe place to play their favourite casino games: Slot Machines, Roulette, Van Lak, SicBo See more..