What are the best things to do in Port Louis?
Top picks in Port Louis include Caudan Waterfront, Blue Penny Museum, Citadelle, St Louis Cathedral. See the full list and itinerary on this Port Louis travel guide.
Photo: Thierry · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Port Louis
Travel guide for Port Louis, Mauritius — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Port Louis is a stop in Mauritius, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Caudan Waterfront, Blue Penny Museum, Citadelle instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 80–180 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Port Louis
1
Caudan Waterfront
2
Blue Penny Museum
3
Citadelle
4
St Louis Cathedral
5
Jummah Mosque
Budget travel
Free things to do in Port Louis
Caudan Waterfront
St Louis Cathedral
Jummah Mosque
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Port Louis itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Caudan Waterfront
- Visit Blue Penny Museum
- Visit Citadelle
- Eat at Le Calife
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit St Louis Cathedral
- Visit Jummah Mosque
- Eat at Mystic Masala
Budget
Port Louis trip cost
Budget
USD 35–60
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 80–180
per person / day
Luxury
USD 205–340+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Port Louis, Mauritius. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Port Louis
Estimated total (USD)
$2,565
≈ $1,283 per person · $366 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $130/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Port Louis mid-range ground costs (budget 35–60 · mid 80–180 · luxury 205–340+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Le Calife
Creole and Indian cuisine served in a pleasant environment. Halal biryani is the house specialty.
Mystic Masala
A kiosk at the seafront with a few tables serving Indian food such as samosas and masala dosa and you can enjoy a lassi drink or alouda (a M
First Restaurant
Traditional Cantonese cuisine with a large menu, this restaurant particularly suitable for groups. Great food at reasonable prices have made
La Bonne Marmite
Described as one of the best restaurants outside the waterfront area, they have Creole, Indian and Chinese dishes on the menu and the staff
Namaste
Fine dining Indian vegetarian restaurant mainly serving North Indian food. Book in advance to get a table on the balcony, as they are the mo
The Courtyard
Described as a European-style restaurant, it's built around a patio but also offers indoor dining. Local seafood dishes and Australian steak
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Bourbon Tourist Hotel
16-room hotel in Chinatown, looking more like a student dorm. Bathrooms are awful, though the rooms have AC, television and phone.
Hotel Le Grand Carnot
Budget hotel for backpackers.
Hotel Le Champ de Mars
Hotel next to the horse race track.
Tandoori Hotel
Noisy in daytime, quiet during the night. The rooms are comfortable, but there are no natural light in them. Some rooms are air conditioned,
Le Suffren Hotel and Marina
One of the newer hotels in the city. The rooms are on average smaller than others in the vicinity, but it has a very pleasant atmosphere, wi
Shopping
- "Bazar" of Port-Louis
- Corner House
- Winner's Supermarket
Nightlife
- Keg and Marlin Pub
- Sunset Café
Museums & culture
- Blue Penny Museum
- St Louis Cathedral
- Jummah Mosque
In pictures
Port Louis gallery
Photos: Thierry, Ashok Prabhakaran, Arne Müseler, Hansueli Krapf, User: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Port Louis travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Port Louis?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Port Louis?
Plan at least 2 days in Port Louis for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Port Louis?
Popular stays in Port Louis include Bourbon Tourist Hotel, Hotel Le Grand Carnot, Hotel Le Champ de Mars. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Port Louis cost?
On the ground in Port Louis (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 35–60 per person per day, mid-range about 80–180, and luxury about 205–340+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Port Louis, Mauritius. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
.jpg?width=1920)
