Visit Port Louis: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of Mauritius? Discover the must-see in Port Louis!
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. The city was founded in 1735 by the French governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais . She was the pioneer in trade in this part of the world.
Today, the city has always a strong influence and has become the administrative and cultural centre of the island. In fact, visiting Port Louis is going to the discovery of historic places and trying to many of the essential activities during a stay on the island.
What about Port Louis? What does this pretty capital reserve? Follow the guide for a tour of the best things to do and see in this city with a thousand and a cultural wealth.
1. The Place d’armes
In the center of Port Louis, is the Place d’armes . In the middle of this vast esplanade, the statue of Mahé de la Bourdonnais, founder of the island, is crowned. You can admire the magnificent royal palm trees and the canons, which still bear witness to the colonial history of the island.
Finally, the square is just a step away from the Government Hotel the oldest colonial building in Port Louis. So if you are going to visit Port Louis, take advantage of it to admire its unique architecture.
2. La Citadelle de Port Louis
Photo credit: Flickr – Willem Van Zyl
Also known as Fort d’Adelaide, the Citadelle de Port Louis perched on a hill, overlooking the city.
Heir to the period of abolition of slavery, he was built to protect Port Louis from riots. Nowadays you can go there to attend concerts and shows but also to admire the spectacular view of the city and the port.
3. Aapravasi Ghat
Are you wondering what to do in Port Louis to discover his story? L’ Aapravasi Ghat , in other words the immigration deposit in Hindi, is a tribute to the history of the country and the origins of its inhabitants. Indeed, after the abolition of slavery occurred a strong immigration of workers from India. The latter subsequently settled permanently on the island, which is why Mauritius is now borrowing from an important Hindu culture.
On this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can visit the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretive Centre (BRIC): the opportunity to learn more about this period of history, through objects and testimonies of the descendants of the workers from India. Also discover a replica of ships that transported immigrants!
4. The Natural History Museum and Jardin de la Compagnie
Photo credit: Flickr – Miwok
What to do in Port Louis when you want to escape daily stress and grow? True green lung of Port Louis, don't miss to go to the Jardin de la Compagnie . Ideal place to relax and discover the tropical vegetation of the island between baobab and banians!
Enjoy your walk to visit the Natural History Museum Get in the garden. Discover through the 4 galleries, collections of specimens of Mauritian fauna and flora. In particular, do not miss the skeleton of the famous dodo, endemic bird of the island that has now disappeared.
5. Caudan Waterfront
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Simisa
Visit Port Louis necessarily implies to go to Caudan Waterfront . This very popular and trendy area is located on the marina. It will make the pleasure of shopping lovers with its many shops of great brands but also gourmets thanks to its restaurants.
One thing is certain, it's not the activities that are missing at the Caudan! So walk on the harbour, sip a glass on the terrace, go make a canvas or try your luck at the casino. Many events are organized at the Caudan Waterfront and you can find the programming on the official site of the site. It is also an opportunity to visit another must-see in Port Louis, the museum of the Blue Penny , and discover the precious objects that are there.
6. China Town
Photo credit: Flickr – Lukas Litz Obb
If you are going to visit Port Louis, do not miss the uncontourable of all major cities: the Chinese Quarter . This is the perfect opportunity to discover new flavours combining Chinese and Mauritian cultures. Once a year is the Food Festival, which celebrates exotic cuisine!
Also take advantage of your visit to China Town to make some shopping and bring back memories of all kinds: clothes, porcelain, decorations... Don't miss going there if you're here at the Chinese New Year. In fact, the neighbourhood is animated, leaving room for a profusion of colours and street shows.
Book your gastronomic visit to China Town
7. The Champs de Mars
Photo credit: Wikimedia - Ashok Prabhakaran
If you're wondering what to do in Port Louis on the weekend, then go to Port Louis Champs de Mars . From March to December, you will be able to attend real horse races where jockeys from all over the world compete. A surprising and unique activity on holiday in Mauritius.
8. Central market
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Karsten Ratzke
If there is a must to do in Port Louis if you visit the city, it is the Central market . Indeed, it is the place of life par excellence of the Mauritians. Authentic and lively, you will no longer know where to give head between different stalls of exotic fruits and spices.
So, let yourself be tempted by some local dishes, such as the famous Dhall Purri, and spit for Mauritian craftsmanship as souvenirs. A single word on the market, market!
9. To do and see also in Port Louis and around
Photo credit: Flickr – Tom Ward
- The Botanical garden Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam : Located in Pamplemousses, this park is thirty-seven hectares!
- Jummah Mosque : Don’t miss this mosque that perfectly combines Indian, Creole and Islamic architecture and houses the remains of Jamal Shah
- Saint Louis Cathedral of Port Louis
- Mountain hikes Push and Pieter Both
- The Point of view of Port Louis : Located at the top of the Signal Mountain Road, you can admire Port Louis from this point of view!
- Great Bay: If you are eager for a snorkeling session or do your diving baptism, it is in Grand Baie that you must go!
How to get to Port Louis?
To get to Mauritius, you will necessarily go through Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (or SSR). Many airlines serve this territory of the Indian Ocean, such as Air Mauritius, Corsair and Air France. Whatever your city of departure, our partner Ulysses will present you the best deals in terms of flight. So get to their site!
Once on site, you can choose the choice of car rental and thus you will go to Port Louis, north-west of the island, by your own means. Be careful, we drive left to Mauritius! The Mauritian capital offers a parking service, including that of the Caudan, allowing you to enjoy the charms and attractions of the city in full serenity.
You can also choose public transport to move. The network is pretty well developed and it will be an opportunity to meet the locals.
Where to stay in Port Louis?
Port Louis offers a wide range of accommodation options. From the luxury hotel to the Airbnb, from the city centre to the atypic Chinatown, every traveler will find his happiness: we have prepared you a article on the topic , so as to guide you during your stay. To find a hotel that corresponds to Port Louis, we recommend that you visit this Compare hotels which lists the best offers according to your departure dates.
So, are you ready to discover Port Louis?
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