Port Louis – the elegant and character-filled capital of Mauritius – offers a host of must-see attractions for visitors.
Stroll down the palm-lined Place d’Armes, admire St James Cathedral, which dates from 1850 then head up to the old British-built citadel of Fort Adelaide for splendid views over the racecourse, city and harbour.
Don’t miss colourful Chinatown, with shops selling just about everything you can think of and stalls offering delicious Chinese foods.
Visit the boisterous Central Market for stalls selling herbal cures for every ailment imaginable, local handicrafts, spices, vegetables, samosas and other tasty Indian snacks.
The Caudan Waterfront is great for a taste of the best of Mauritius, offering everything from fast food to gourmet cooking, fine jewellery and local crafts.
Other sights worth visiting, include…
Stroll along shady avenues and through groves of palm trees and spice gardens that were first laid out in 1735. Don’t miss the talipot palm, which flowers once every 60 years, then dies, or the pond of giant water lilies that are native to the Amazon – watch as young leaves emerge as wrinkled balls and unfold up to 2m in diameter in a matter of hours.
Read more about the Royal Botanic Gardens…
See two of the world’s rarest stamps: the Mauritian 1847 'Post Office' Penny Red and Twopence Blue, estimated to be worth more than US$1 million apiece. The museum is the only place in the world where the two stamps are displayed together for public viewing.
After admiring the stamps take a turn through the museum, which is devoted to the art and history of Mauritius.
Read more about the Blue Penny Museum…
Nestling at the foot of the Moka mountain range just a few kilometres from the capital, the park covers an area of 1200ha and offers a glimpse into the history of Mauritius.
Tour the gardens on foot or take a train, four-wheel drive vehicle or a romantic horse-drawn open-topped carriage to explore a replica of an early sugar mill, an old rum distillery, a herb garden and natural spring.
Port Louis offers a good choice of hotels, including the following…
Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel
Location: Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD325 per room
Description: Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel offers elegant rooms with a private balcony, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can relax in the spa and at the outdoor pool or use the fully equipped gym. All spacious and bright rooms are decorated in pastel tones and feature air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Each includes an iPod docking station, a generous seating area and a flat-screen TV. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at L’Escale with western cuisine or at La Rose des Vents that specialises in Asian-Japanese cuisine. Refreshments and live piano music are available at Latitude 20º Bar. Guests can enjoy a complimentary cruise aboard a catamaran, which lies in Port Louis, a 5-minute drive away. Labourdonnais spa centre offers a variety of treatments. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 50 km away. Guests can make use of the airport shuttle, which can be requested at the 24-hour reception.
Le Suffren Hotel & Marina
Location: Port Louis
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD269 per room
Description: Located on the waterfront in Port Louis, Le Suffren Hotel & Marina offers spacious rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean or the gardens. Guests can relax at the private beach area or at the outdoor pool. All air-conditioned rooms are decorated in light colours and have a carpeted floor. Each features a seating area, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen TV. La Boussole, opening onto a spacious terrace, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The outdoor On The Rocks Bar and The Spinnaker’s Concept Bar offer a variety of international snacks and beverages. Le Suffren includes a fully equipped gym including a spa centre offering a variety of treatments. There is a complimentary water-taxi shuttle to Le Labourdonnais. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is 50 km away and airport transfers can be arranged for a surcharge at the 24-hour reception desk.
Villa Anakao Mauritius
Location: 154 Royal Road Pointe aux Sables, Port Louis
Rating: 4-star
Ave nightly price: AUD139 per room
Description: Offering an outdoor pool and a restaurant, Villa Anakao Mauritius is located at Pointe aux Sables, 6 km away from Port Louis. Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, tea-and-coffee making facilities, air conditioning and a terrace. The apartment is fitted with a kitchenette. At Villa Anakao Mauritius you will find a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and a laundry service. The property offers free parking. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including windsurfing, snorkelling and canoeing. Massages can be organised. The property is 2.2 km from Domaine Les Pailles, 3.7 km from Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport is 38 km away.
Latest update: About Port Louis, Mauritius: 30 December, 2022
Advertising