Port Louis holidays

Port Louis holidays shine a spotlight on Mauritius’ historic capital city and its post-colonial charisma. Authentic Mauritian experiences are on the cards here, and it’s the perfect base for white-sand beaches nearby.

A diverse port city

Mauritius’ capital – and largest city – sits on the island’s west coast, and it’s also home to the busiest port in the Indian Ocean. It’s not the place for beaches – they’re nearby – but there’s a mix of old-meets-new architecture. The likes of the Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site and the city’s colonial architecture sit side-by-side with modern tower blocks and colourful street art murals.

Culture on the waterfront

Many of Port Louis’ top attractions can be found by the waterfront. The Blue Penny Museum highlights the island’s rich history, while the Mauritius Postal Museum houses a huge collection of rare stamps. For a spot of retail therapy, Caudan Waterfront’s home to independent boutiques, plus restaurants with harbour views.

Central market and local life

You can get a glimpse of local life at Port Louis’ Central Market. Here, you’ll find the likes of exotic fruits and spices, plus handmade Mauritian souvenirs. Just down the road, the 19th-century Jummah Mosque is worth a peek – with its ornate white facade and green wrought-iron balconies, you can’t miss it. Then, right around the corner, you can check out the Champ de Mars Racecourse, which is the oldest horse-racing club in the southern hemisphere.

Beach excursions

Getting your beach fix is easy enough – some of the island’s best swathes of sand are just a scenic taxi ride away. Mont Choisy Beach’s chalk-white sands are just 30 minutes away, while La Cuvette Beach is just a further five minutes along the coast. This stretch is more secluded, and it’s dotted with tall palms and boulders. Balaclava Beach, meanwhile, is also around 30 minutes away, and it’s a top spot for snorkelling.