Travelling Port Louis
Before You Travel
Port Louis is Mauritius’ capital and at the same time the centre of economics.
With approximately 200,000 inhabitants Port Louis is the island’s biggest city. A lot of Mauritians from the suburbs and surrounding villages come daily to work in the capital. That explains the heavy traffic. Port Louis is not a classical “beautiful” city with a lot of sights but it’s still worth a visit to get to know Mauritian culture and the daily life of many Mauris.
A special attraction in Port Louis is the race-course Mauritius Turf Club. The second largest race-course worldwide attracts numerous locals as well as tourists. Races take place from May until December, Saturdays around 12h. While some drink their sparkling wine in elegant suits and dresses at the higher stands (entrance fees: men: 175 Rs, women: 100 Rs), most visitors look for places in the lower stands or the inner field of the race-course. As soon as you can see the jockeys the atmosphere gets tense and after the starting signal people are jumping around, cheering, shouting dependent on the success of their horse. If you get hungry or thirsty during the races you’ll find all sorts of snacks in the inner field of the race-course. It almost seems like a fair.
Most of Port Louis’ visitors are attracted by the Waterfront where a huge elegant shopping centre (Caudan Waterfront) was built directly at the water. Fancy designer boutiques as well as hip surfer-shops sell their goods in a very western environment. Various cafés and restaurants offering a view on the harbour are waiting for you.
By the way: A drawing of the waterfront is printed on the 50-Rupies-banknotes.
Walking some meters towards the centre you can experience the total contrast, because on the Central Market a lot of activities are going on. In a heritage-protected hall many different vegetables and fruits are sold. Next to it there are more halls with meat and poultry. Just take care of your bags because pickpockets like this place too J.
Going further into the city centre, in the direction of Chinatown, you are surrounded by contrasts. On the one side huge buildings like the air Mauritius Center, on the other side small semi-derelict houses. Still Port Louis has its own charm. So you will always find someone who explains the way patiently (often times better than trying to orient oneself with confusing or wrong maps) or helps you out of a small parking lot. The Mauritian readiness to help is really impressive.
If you look for a place to take a break and relax, you should head towards the Company Garden (near the Government House in the west). Here you will find a little green oasis in the midst of the noisy, busy traffic.
You should try one of the numerous snacks that are offered almost everywhere in Mauritius and also near the Company Garden. Don’t miss to try delicious Samosas, little meat or vegetable stuffed pastry in the form of a triangle.
Port Louis Tours
