Things to Do in Port Louis
What to Do in Port Louis?
Being the capital of Mauritius, there are just so many things to do in Port Louis. From trying your luck at Le Caudan Waterfront Casino to exploring the local cuisine at Chinatown to emptying your pockets in the Central Market, it has something to offer to every kind of visitor. You can make a detailed visit to Blue Penny Museum if you are a history buff and if you understand the intrinsic art. Whereas if you are a music lover and appreciate a musical night out with good food, Keg and Marlin is the place to be.
It is also home to 650 variations of flowers plants and medicinal plants. You can also see the unique Baobabs trees, the Palmier Bouteille and the signature flower of the garden- the Giant Water Lilies.
Location: Pamplemousses, Mauritius
Timing: Monday to Sunday (8:30 am – 5:30 pm)
Price: INR 702 per person
It exhibits the three main colonial rules in the history of Mauritius via incredible layouts, as well as the rare, red-coloured one penny and the blue-coloured two-penny ’Post Office Stamps’, which was issued in 1847. The stamps are lit up at regular intervals to make sure the colours do not fade away.
Location: Dans Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Monday to Saturday (10:00 am – 4:30 pm)
Price: INR 245 per person
Highlight: You will also get a chance to have stunning and breath-taking views of the entire city of Port Louis. The Citadel fort has been constructed in Moorish style. Rectangular blocks have been used to construct the Citadel fort. All the arches are horshoe shaped.
Prices: The entrance fee is Rs. 50.
It was built in 1850 and reflects Islamic, Indian and Creole architectural style. Next to the mosque lies the sacred marble tomb of Jamal Shah – a ‘pir’ from Kutch. Every Friday, the holy ‘azaan’ or the Jummah Prayers are broadcast and the Taraweeh prayers are broadcasted during the month of Ramadan.
Location: Royal Road, A1, Queen St, Port Louis, Mauritius
Situated in one of the oldest historical buildings in Port Louis Waterfront, this museum displays a rich exhibit of old and rare postage stamps depicting the history of Mauritius.
Location: Port Louis Waterfront, Trunk Road, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Monday to Saturday (9:30 am – 4:30 pm)
Price: INR 200
In this history, Mauritius was a British Colony and Aapravasi Ghat served as a place of the immigrants and labourers who were brought from various other colonies of the Britishers. Although the majority of the place is damaged, one can witness the remaining ruins which are not only beautiful but hold stories of different cultural and historical backgrounds.
Aapravasi Ghat is surrounded by silence and peace, which makes the tourists visit the ghat to not only to relax in the silence but also to learn about and dig in the various aspects of its beauty. Due to its location in the capital city and proximity to the coast, Aapravasi Ghat attracts non-history bluffs too.
Tourists can explore Aapravasi Ghat for half-a-day and then go for a shopping spree to the nearby Caudan Waterfront, Blue Penny Museum, Jummah Mosque, etc. After getting the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aapravasi Ghat has been visited by more than 3 million tourists from around the globe.
The unmatching beauty of this place makes it a very popular tourist place in Mauritius and if you want to visit Aapravasi Ghat, make sure to read through to know any and everything about it.
You can play only live tables such as Roulette, Blackjack, SIC Bo, Texas Hold’em Poker. The casinos are not just amazing but will give you an amazing opportunity to have some fun and enjoyment.
Highlight: The amazing backdrop that this casino provides makes it a must visit place for all the travellers who visit Mauritius. It has reel machines, poker, electronic roulette, Black Jack, Roulette, Poker and has double bars too
Timing:
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
Have some real fun. Just leave the monotonous life that you have always been leading and try some real fun in the casino.
This museum has restored famous photographs taken by Tristan Breville, a local photographer. The museum also displays old, antique cameras and prints that have gone out of use, but was once used to capture some of the photos displayed in the museum.
Location: Rue du Vieux Conseil, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Monday to Friday (10:00 am – 3:00 pm)
Price: INR 150 per person
In the evening, the waterfront takes on different energy, as the shops light up unique food shops start selling street food. You can take a peaceful walk along this stretch after sundown as well.
Location: Marina, Quay, Caudan, Port Louis, Mauritius.
Timing: 9:00 am – 11:30 pm
Price: INR 1,930 approx. per person
Highlights: Crown Lodge not only provides you the perfect view of having the VIP Balcony of Maritius Turf Club and at the same time it allows to you to view the presentation ring along with your favourite horse in paddock. Champ de Mars is yet another oldest race course which you can visit in Mauritius.
Price: 185 Euro per person. Dress code is smart casual for both men and women.
Highlights: The best thing about this casino is that it has a VIP salon and several restaurants too. The minimum age required to enter the casinos is 18. Many casinos also offer complimentary alcohol too.
Games to Play: 48 Jackpot slots, video machines with progressive games and many other live table games such as American Roulette, Blackjack, Oasis Stud Poker and lot more.
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What are the best things to do in Port Louis?
1. Visit Blue Penny Museum: Located in the Capital of Mauritius, The Blue Penny Museum offers a valuable heritage collection and displays the beautiful history of the island. The collection has a series of precious items like old marine maps, paintings, stamps, engravings, ancient documents, and a lot of other things that boast of the rich history of Mauritius highlighting their culture.
Location: Dans Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Mon:Sat: 10 AM :4:30PM, (Sunday closed)
Price:The entry fee for an adult is INR 518 and for a child is INR 253.
2. Try your luck at Le Caudan Waterfront Casino: One of the best things to do in Port Louis is going to the casino that has games like reel machine, electronic roulette, oasis poker, around the table, blackjack, roulette that can be played at 214 slot machines. The casino is not just popular for trying out your luck and earning some quick cash but also for its theme and friendly staff. Just when you enter the place, you would be able to see a pirate ship right at the entrance.
Location: Marina Quay, Caudan, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Open 24 hours every day
3. Go to Aapravasi Ghat: Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO world heritage site and stays to be an immigration depot located on the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. It is known to be the first British Colony to get indentured from different countries. If anyone is still wondering what to do in Port Louis, then this place will prove to be a paradise for history buffs and anyone who wants to explore the region.
Location: Ex: DWC Building, 1 Quay St, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Mon:Fri: 9am:4pm, Saturday: 9am:12pm, Sunday closed
4.Try out street food: Port Louis is popular for its unique flavors and recreated recipes. One can start from the Le Caudan Waterfront, get a taste of Gujarati food like deep: fried gato pima. Head to Chinatown and explore Chinese dishes like dim sums and noodles. Then get your hands on the sugar-coated baked treats and don't forget to get a cup of sweet milky vanilla tea. Finally, get fresh vegetables and fruits from the central market.
5. Enjoy live music at Keg & Marlin: A live band is present at Keg & Marlin that is well: versed with a lot of genres like Mauritian folk music, rock music, and more. They keep the customers hooked to their seats, wanting more music sessions. The place is also popular for its scrumptious food and courteous staff. Enjoying food with some good music playing in the background is one of the best things to do in Port Louis.
Location: Le Caudan Waterfront, 11306, Mauritius, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Friday, Saturday: 11 am–11 pm, Mon- Thur & Sunday: 11 am–10 pm
6. Shopping at Central Market: The central market is a perfect place to scoop up souvenirs like ship models, Buddha idols, fridge magnets, etc. Intriguingly, since Victorian days, the Market has been functional and has retained several of the traditional elegance to date. From herbal remedies, keepsakes to clothing, shopping is one of the best things to do in Port Louis.
Location: 9 Corderie St, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Mon:Sat 5 am- 5:30 pm, Sunday: 5 am- 11:30 pm
7. Explore Chinatown: With beautiful art and authentic dishes, China Town is known to be the best culinary place in Mauritius. It is packed with small shops, oriental food places, and family traders. The region also houses some of the local celebrities and is mostly decorated beautifully for the visitors. One can easily find Indian, Chinese, and European cuisine in Chinatown.
8. Go to Natural History Museum: Constructed in 1880, the Natural History Museum features an exhibit of the famous Dodo, the flightless bird that has ceased to exist since the 17th century, along with a broad collection of more than 5,000 library books. Mauritius's oldest museum is split into 4 galleries: the Fauna Gallery, the Marine Life Gallery, the Insects Gallery, the Meteorology Gallery, the Giant Tortoise Gallery, and the Dodo World Gallery.
Location: Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Mon-Fri: 9 am–4 pm, Saturday: 9 am–12 pm, (Sunday Closed)
Price: Entrance fees are approximately 5 Euros for adults and 3 Euros for children.
What are the adventure things to do in Port Louis?
1. Witness a Race at the Port Louis Race Track: Being the second:oldest racecourse in the entire world, this track is a national trademark and mostly found packed with people making bets and finding their seats. Amidst all the noise, there is a range of refreshments, street food, and snacks available nearby.
2. Go on Le Pouce hike: Enjoy the short Le Pouce hike and make the most out of the wonderful view that you will get after reaching the top. The mountain is about 800 m high and lets you explore the beautiful flora and fauna.
3. Horse racing with Crown Lodge: With the wonderful view of the finishing line, access to a private VIP box, alcoholic and non:alcoholic drinks flowing and delicious local snacks getting served, you can enjoy the show comfortably.
4. Climb the Fort Citadel: Situated at a height of 100 meters, the fort is built using massive rectangular blocks. It remains to be a big tourist destination because of the spectacular view of the city of Port Louis it has to offer.
What is Port Louis famous for?
Port Louis is famous for showcasing Mauritian culture and is known for its French colonial architecture. It attracts visitors from all around the world for its lively dining and shopping choices. From the Caudan waterfront to the central market to Chinatown, most of the places are always packed with tourists.
How to reach Port Louis?
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) is at a distance of 47.1 kilometers from Port Louis, making it easier to directly catch a flight. There are three regular bus routes – 9, 10, and 198 that run via the airport to the important parts of the city like Mahebourg Bus Station and Port Louis Victoria Square.
Is Port Louis worth visiting?
Yes, Port Louis will have you experience the best of times. Strolling around the waterfront, shopping your heart out in the central market, exploring the art in the Blue Penny Museum, and enjoying the local food at Chinatown are some of the best things to do in Port Louis. Not only will you be taking souvenirs back home, but also lots of memories and beautiful pictures.
What souvenirs to buy from Port Louis?
Some of the souvenirs to buy from Port Louis are:
- Buddha Idols
- Artisanat sculptures
- Tshirts
- Figures of the famous Dodo bird
- Exotic spices
- Local Rum
- Handcrafted goods
Is Port Louis safe for tourists?
Petty crimes are very rarely witnessed in this area. Proper patrolling is taken care of by the local authorities making traveling relatively safer. Remain mindful and practice caution and you would be good to go.
What are the romantic things to do in Port Louis?
1. Watch a Movie at Le Caudan Waterfront: One of the best places to be at as you can watch a movie, explore the craft market, visit the history museum, stay at a 4:5 star hotel and shop your heart out.
2. Shop Your Heart Out at Central Market: Purchase fresh produce from the market and cook a scrumptious dinner for your partner. What could be more romantic than this?
3. Get an Insight into History: If you and your partner are history buffs, then take a tour of the ever-so-famous Aapravasi ghat, a UNESCO world heritage site that boasts so much about the history and enlightens you about indentured servitude.
4. Enjoy the Authentic Food at Chinatown: This place will have you explore the most colorful side of the capital while making the most of beautifully decorated streets and local and authentic dishes.
What are the best things to do in Port Louis at night?
1. Attend Live Music at Keg & Marlin: Enjoy the live music along with a delicious meal and good company at this place. The music genres are mostly rock and Mauritian folk that make everyone feel a little more lively and vibrant.
2. Play Games All Night at Le Caudan Waterfront Casino: Try your hands on the thrill worthy games and win some amazing rewards at this casino. Not just that, explore the historical architecture and scrumptious food around.
3. Taste the Local Cuisine at Yuzu: Spend some quality time with your loved ones by having a taste of the local cuisine. It is popular for its cuisines like Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more.
4. Get the Panoramic Views of Port Louis at Citadel Fort Adelaide: This is an ideal place to just sit, relax and enjoy the most mesmerizing view of Port Louis.
