Port Louis
Go to Port Louis for the markets, the harbor waterfront and the island's history, seen in the streets of its working capital.
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Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, an island country in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. The city sits on the northwest coast, around a working harbor and a grid of streets that climb toward the hills. The city is known for its markets and its colonial-era buildings. Go for the markets, the harbor and the island's history.
The Central Market is the place for fruit, spices, fish and crafts, and the nearby Chinatown adds street food and shops. Caudan Waterfront is a redeveloped harbor area with shops and restaurants. Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, marks where indentured laborers arrived between 1849 and 1923. Port Louis suits a short stay of one or two days, with time for markets, museums and the waterfront. Cooler, drier months from May to October are the most comfortable time to walk around.
Port Louis in five
- Carry rupees for the Central MarketMany market stalls and small shops take only cash, so change some Mauritian rupees before you arrive. Cards are mainly accepted in hotels, at Caudan Waterfront and in larger shops.Money and costs
- Cover up and remove shoes at Jummah MosqueVisitors cover their shoulders and knees and leave their shoes at the door. Bring a scarf so you can cover your hair.
- Set up data before you leave the airportMaps, bus routes and bookings are easier with mobile data. Buy an eSIM or a local SIM before you leave Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.Phones and eSIM
- Walk up to the Citadelle for the harbor viewFort Adelaide, locally called the Citadelle, sits on a hill above the city and gives a wide view of the harbor. The climb is steep, so go in the morning and carry water.
- Visit Aapravasi Ghat for the indenture storyThis UNESCO World Heritage site on the waterfront is where indentured workers, mostly from India, arrived between 1849 and 1923. Allow about an hour to see the site properly.
Need to know
- Currency
- Mauritian rupee (MUR)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check before you fly
- Emergency
- 999 police, 114 ambulance, 115 fire
- Tipping
- Not expected; check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC+4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCyclone season
- FebruaryCyclone season
- MarchHot, humid
- AprilEasing, humid
- MayCooler, drier
- JuneMild, dry
- JulyCool, dry, windy
- AugustDry, windy
- SeptemberMild, dry
- OctoberWarming up
- NovemberStorm season
- DecemberHot, humid
Right now in Port Louis
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 27°
- Humidity
- 74%
- Wind
- 1 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Port Louis
12:38 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today30°20°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 30°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed30°20°85%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 85%.
- Thu30°21°20%Thursday: Fog. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Fri31°21°64%Friday: Fog. High 31°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 64%.
- Sat30°23°57%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Sun32°22°35%Sunday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 35%.
Updated 09:27 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 47.55 MUR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Pamplemousses Botanical Gardenabout 30 min by carGiant Victoria water lilies and a long avenue of royal palms, a short drive north of the city.
- Grand Baieabout 45 min to 1 hour by carBeaches, restaurants and boat trips on the north coast.
- Chamarelabout 1.5 hours by carThe Seven Coloured Earths, dunes of sand in several colors in the south-west.
- Grand Bassinabout 1 hour by carA sacred Hindu crater lake, busiest during Maha Shivaratri.
Before you go to Port Louis
Rules for Port Louis, checked
- Drug offences carry severe penalties in Mauritius; check the UK government's Mauritius travel advice for local laws.Source
- Single-use plastic bags are banned, so bring a reusable bag for the market and shops.
- Check entry requirements with the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office before you fly, and carry your passport at all times.
Plan around Port Louis
Buses, taxis and day-trip transport from the capital
Read the guideMoney and costsRupee cash, cards and typical prices for a day
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and what to check before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayCaudan, the old town and the Citadelle hill compared
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData for maps, buses and bookings
Read the guideAll of MauritiusBeaches, the interior and the coast by region
Read the guidePort Louis FAQ
Is Port Louis worth visiting?
Yes for a day, if you want the market, the harbor and the view from the Citadelle. It is not a beach town, so pair it with a day on the coast.
How many days do you need in Port Louis?
One full day covers the Central Market, Aapravasi Ghat and the Citadelle. Stay longer if you want a slower pace.
Can you visit Port Louis as a day trip?
Yes, from the coastal resorts by car or taxi. Buses also run into the capital from the main towns.
What language is spoken in Port Louis?
Mauritian Creole is the everyday language. English is official, and French is widely used in shops and on menus.
Is Caudan Waterfront worth it?
Yes for a meal or a harbor walk, with shops and restaurants by the water. For cheaper food and a more local feel, go to the Central Market instead.