Port Louis Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Port Louis
Port Louis
Port Louis
Port Louis
Port Louis

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius on the shores of the Indian Ocean, is a truly cosmopolitan city that is sure to fascinate visitors with its variety of cultures.

Located on the north-west coast of the island and therefore sheltered from storms, the city is made up of a fusion of Western buildings and Creole houses: the result of a wide ethnic mix that makes the island so diverse.

Far from western capitals, Port Louis still bears the scars of its colonial past. The city was founded in 1735 by French settlers, under the government of Mahé de Labourdonnais which built its well-equipped port, and today this melting pot of cultures is inhabited by the descendants of Indian, Chinese, African and European immigrants. Over the course of its history, the city has been occupied by the Dutch, French and British. After the arrival of the British, a great many Indian merchants settled in the capital. Let yourself be transported into an authentic ocean of culture where art and history are everywhere.

Every little corner of the city seems to be bristling with evidence of this turbulent past. Start your visit with an overview of Port Louis, looking down from the heights of Fort Adelaide. Then go down to the capital itself, taking your time as you walk along the pretty cobblestone pavements, much loved by the locals and a remnant of the French era. As you wander around, you are bound at some point to arrive at Port Louis Central Market where the sights and smells of the local produce will undoubtedly delight you. Next, step into the Far East with an exploration of Port Louis’ Chinatown. Continuing the Asian theme, Aapravasi Ghat is a UNESCO world heritage site and was the spot where the first Indian immigrants landed in the 19th century.

Other sights to discover include the Champ de Mars, a very popular racecourse which hosts regular meetings and horse races, and the Domaine Les Pailles, where you will step back in time to get an idea of the atmosphere of the sugar cane plantations of Mauritius. And don't forget to visit Le Caudan Waterfront, where you can find big brands as well as local handmade goods.

A trip to Port Louis offers a journey brimming with a thousand colours and flavours.

Le Suffren Hotel & Marina
Le Suffren Hotel & Marina
4 out of 5
Le Caudan, Po Box 91, Port Louis
The price is £173 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£173
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Port Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the room service in their reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (328 reviews)
Getting tired… but good location.
"One night stay for business. Room’s got the damp coastal smell to them (I guess the carpets never really get dry). Bathrooms are tired and could do with a modernization. Location convenient if got meetings in CBD. Very peaceful considering in middle of the city."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Le Suffren Hotel & Marina
Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel
Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel
5 out of 5
Caudan Waterfront, Po Box 91, Port Louis
The price is £268 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£268
1 Jul - 2 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Port Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Turtle Bay and Caudan Waterfront are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (266 reviews)
"The staff was lovely, I had come much earlier due to my flight and my room was available when I arrived. The room was beautiful, with great water views. The only downside was there was no shower gel when I wanted to shower late at night, had to use the hand soap! It was corrected early the next day. ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel
Villa Anakao
Villa Anakao
3.5 out of 5
154 Royal Road, Pointe Aux Sable, Port Louis
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Port Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (146 reviews)
"tout était Top sauf la suite composé de 2 pièces une climatisé l'autre pas il était impossible de rester dans la pièce non climatisé séjour en début février"

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2025

Villa Anakao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Superb Villa, Beachfront, Private Pool, Sunset
Superb Villa, Beachfront, Private Pool, Sunset
baie du tombeau
Stay at this villa in Port Louis. Enjoy private pools, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Turtle Bay and Le Goulet Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (55 reviews)
Beautiful villa
"We had a wonderful stay at the villa, the photos don’t do it justice, the kitchen is very well equipped with everything you would need. The outdoor area is very large with beautiful views of the bay and the location is convenient to travel the island. Hosts and staff were very friendly. Highly ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2024

Superb Villa, Beachfront, Private Pool, Sunset
Residence Rivabella
Residence Rivabella
2 out of 5
Pointe aux Sables, Port Louis, Rivière Noire District
Stay at this apartment in Port Louis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tamil Temple and Christian Decotter Cruise Terminal ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
"The area was okay"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2025

Residence Rivabella
Mon Choisy Beach R.
Mon Choisy Beach R.
3.5 out of 5
Royal Road, Mont Choisy
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Mont Choisy. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (739 reviews)
Great place and staff
"The property is really great. It’s quiet and close to Mon Choisy beach. The service from the staff was excellent. They have sister hotel which has very nice restaurant (Le Skipper). I used a rental car but I think you can still manage with public bus nearby."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2025

Mon Choisy Beach R.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Port Louis