Port Louis
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At a glance
- Country
- Mauritius
- Region
- Port Louis District
- Population
- 150,000
- Best time to go
- May to December
- Main airport
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU)
- Coordinates
- 20.16°S, 57.50°E
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Overview
Mauritius's capital is a busy port tucked between the sea and a ring of jagged mountains. It is the island's commercial heart, where Indian, African, Chinese and French influences come together in markets, temples, mosques and colonial buildings.
Most visitors stay on the beaches and come in for a day, which is the right amount of time. Spend it eating your way through the market and Chinatown, and learning about the island's layered history.
Things to see
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Photo: Suyash Dwivedi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Aapravasi Ghat
The UNESCO-listed immigration depot where hundreds of thousands of indentured labourers arrived, mostly from India.
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Photo: Didier Baertschiger from Genève, Suisse, CC BY-SA 2.0 Central Market
A lively covered market of tropical fruit, spices, herbal remedies and street food stalls.
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Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0 Le Caudan Waterfront
A harbourside quarter of shops, restaurants and a promenade, good for an evening stroll.
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Photo: Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0 Blue Penny Museum
Home to the rare Mauritius Post Office stamps, along with maps and art on the island's history.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Thierry, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fort Adelaide
A British-era fort on a hill above the city, with views over the harbour and mountains.
Things to do
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Photo: Yoann74, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat dholl puri
Grab the island's favourite street snack, soft flatbreads filled with curry and chutney.
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Photo: Oderuth, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Chinatown
Old shops, temples and small restaurants around the Chinatown gate.
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Photo: Condem at English Wikipedia, Public domain Visit Pamplemousses garden
The historic botanical garden north of the city, famous for its giant water lilies.
Find tours
Where to stay
Caudan Waterfront
Waterfront hotels close to the city's restaurants and sights.
Hotels in Caudan WaterfrontGrand Baie
The north coast resort town, with beaches and nightlife, about 30 minutes away.
Hotels in Grand BaiePointe aux Piments
Quieter beach hotels on the north-west coast, a short drive from the capital.
Hotels in Pointe aux Piments
Getting around
The centre is walkable. The Metro Express light rail links Port Louis with Rose Hill and Curepipe, and buses and taxis cover the rest of the island.
The airport is in the south-east of the island, about an hour by car or taxi to the capital.
When to go
The cooler, drier months from May to December are the most pleasant. January to March is hot and humid, with the risk of cyclones.
Plan your trip to Port Louis
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.