Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius.
Understand
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The city of Port-Louis has played a leading part in the struggle between the French and British occupation (1735-1935) and was considered during that period as `the star and the key of the Indian Ocean`. There are many historical places and buildings to visit. It is also one of the best place to learn and appreciate more about the Mauritian cultures and traditions.
Get in
From 1 Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (or simply International Airport) (MRU IATA), head north-west and follow the signs "Port-Louis" (Port-Louis is at the opposite side of the island, at about two hours drive).
Get around
See
- 1 Aapravasi Ghat (ex-Coolie ghat). Landing point for the indentured labourers, mainly from India, in the 19th century, following the abolition of slavery in 1834, and now a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
- 2 Caudan Waterfront. The Caudan Waterfront and its surroundings has a great collection of local souvenir shops and other foreign brand materials such as clothes, and spirits. In addition to the harbour of Mauritius, you will also find the cinema, game arcades, local restaurants
- 3 Blue Penny Museum. A modern museum dedicated to the history of Mauritius and the famous legend of Paul and Virginia. The museum is also the owner of the two most famous stamps of the world: The Post Office Blue Two Pence and the Post Office Red One Penny. Both stamps are in display in the museum but they are lit only on the half hour for 10 minutes, first scheduled at 10:30 and last at 16:30. The museum is open from 10:00 to 16:30 from Monday to Tuesday, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
- 4 Citadelle (Fort Adelaide). Built in basalt by the United Kingdom in 1840, it is the only remaining fort from this period of the island. A 30 minutes walk from downtown, it gives a wonderful view on the whole city. free.
- 5 St Louis Cathedral, Port Louis. The Saint Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest churches on the island. Designed by de Cossigny, it was built under Sir Robert Farquar as a place of worship for the people in Port Louis. Today, the cathedral finds itself in the middle of a busy city centre. In front of the church is a KFC, on the left side there is the State Bank of Mauritius, Western Union and the Supreme Court. On the right side is the Intermediary court and the Pope Henessy Police Station while at the back of the church is the Citadel Mall. Numerous food stalls and offices lie near the Cathedral.
- 6 Jummah Mosque. Rare proof of the skills of Indian, mainly, Tamil craftsmen, who also built temples and churches. A haven of peace in the middle of this busy capital.
- Travellers' Lane, Jardin des Compagnies. with travellers' texts ranging from Marco Polo, Duarte Barbosa to Ahmad bin Majid, as devised by poet and semiologist Khal Torabully, a travel writer born in Port-Louis.
- 7 National Library of Mauritius, 59 Rue Mere, Barthelemy Edith Cavell St.
Do
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Visit the Caudan Waterfront, a meeting place for teenagers and young lovers, which comprises a shopping centre, kiddyland and a huge food court catering for all tastes.
And if you want to have a glimpse of Mauritian life, go to the Port-Louis Market where varieties of exotic food, fruits and other items are sold. There you will meet Mauritians from all over the country who have come for shopping.
- 1 [dead link] Port Louis Theatre, Remy Ollier St.
- 2 Champs de Mars. horse racing track. Free access. To get a nice view on the races, climb to the Citadelle on the neighbouring hill.
Buy
Port-Louis is famous in Mauritius for the low price of clothes sold there. Imported from China or India, or made locally, the articles sold in Port-Louis really offer value for money. You can easily get something of your choice from the numerous hawkers found all along the streets in the city.
Mauritian food is a mouthwatering menagerie of international flavors, with delicious Creole curries, cuisines from all over Africa, Southeast Asia and India, and an abundance of fresh seafood that has never been frozen or shipped on an airplane.
- 1 "Bazar" of Port-Louis (Central Market). Literally translated as "The market of Port Louis" — here you will find a variety of local snacks and tropical fruits. These are the cheapest food you will find in the capital. Numerous shops sell handicrafts, objects such as "goni" baskets. You will also find a lot of stalls selling pirate versions of TV programmes, films and games: they are cheap but of variable quality. Like all crowded areas, be wary of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you. Food sold on the street may led to health issues, but these are rare.
- Corner House. A fabulous stationery shop, selling all kinds of wonderful pens, pencils and books.
Eat
- China Town where you will find Chinese shops and restaurants.
- Yuzu (Labourdonnais Hotel), Caudan Waterfront, ☏ +230 202 4000. Asian
Drink
Phoenix Pale Ale locally called spider beer
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Le Champ de Mars, 22 Frère Felix De Valois St., ☏ +230 212 7373.
- 2 Le Saint Georges Hotel, En face de l'ambassade française, 19 St Georges St., ☏ +230 211 2581.
- 3 Le Suffren Hotel and Marina, ☏ +230 202 4900. Nice hotel located on the waterfront (Le Caudan Waterfront)
Stay safe
Cope
Embassies and consulates
Canada, 18 Jules Koenig Street, c/o Blanche Birger Co. Ltd., Port Louis, ☏ +230 212-5500, fax: +230 208-3391, canada@intnet.mu. Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 12:00.
Egypt, Sun Trust Building, 2nd floor, Edith Cavell Street Port Louis, PO Box 30, ☏ +230 2131767, fax: +230 2131768, egyptianembassy@hotmail.com. 08:30 - 16:00.
Greece, P.O. Box 747, Bell Village, Port Louis, Mauritius, ☏ +230 212-0906, fax: +230 212-0910.
United Kingdom, 7th floor, Cascade Building, Edith Cavell Street, P.O. Box 1063, Port Louis, ☏ +230 202-9408, fax: +230 202-9408, bhc@intnet.mu. Monday to Thursday 07:45-15:45, Friday 07:45-13:45.
United States, 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Avenue. P.O Box 544, Port Louis, ☏ +230 202-4400, fax: +230 208-9534, usembass@intnet.mu.
