Holiday in Port Louis

City in Mauritius — tips, highlights & best time to visit

Country

Mauritius

Type

City

Best time to travel

May to November (winter, 20-25 °C, dry). December-April warmer and more humid, cyclone season.

Budget/day

60-130 €

Getting there from Germany

Flight to Mauritius (MRU, approx. 11-13 h with a stopover in Dubai, Paris, or Réunion). No visa required for Germans for up to 60 days.

What makes Port Louis special as a destination?

Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is nestled in a bay on the northwest coast of the island and offers a fascinating mix of Creole, Indian, Chinese, and French culture. The city is the bustling heart of an island that is otherwise known for its beaches and luxury resorts. The Caudan Waterfront is the modernized harbor district with restaurants, shops, and a cinema by the sea. The Central Market is the soul of Port Louis: a labyrinthine building full of tropical fruits, spices, textiles, street food, and handcrafted souvenirs. Chinatown (one of the oldest Chinatowns in the Southern Hemisphere), the Champ de Mars (the oldest horse racing track in the Southern Hemisphere, since 1812), and the Blue Penny Museum (home to the rare Blue Mauritius stamp) are cultural highlights. Port Louis also serves as a starting point for the island's attractions: Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO), Chamarel Seven Colored Earth, Black River Gorges National Park, and the turquoise lagoons are accessible for day trips.

Urban
85
Winter
80
Beach
70
Culture
65
Safety
60

What are the top highlights in Port Louis?

The top highlights in Port Louis include Central Market, Blue Penny Museum, Champ de Mars, Chinatown, Caudan Waterfront.

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Central Market

The soul of Port Louis: tropical fruits, spices, street food, and textiles in a labyrinthine building — multicultural Mauritius.

2

Blue Penny Museum

Rare Blue Mauritius stamp (1847): one of the most valuable stamps in the world — philatelic history.

3

Champ de Mars

Oldest horse racing track in the Southern Hemisphere (1812): race days on Saturday are a popular festival.

4

Chinatown

One of the oldest Chinatowns in the Southern Hemisphere: red lanterns, dim sum, and pagodas among Creole houses.

5

Caudan Waterfront

Modernized harbor district with restaurants, crafts market, and views of the bay.

Hotels in Port Louis

Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.

Over 700,000 hotels
Free cancellation
Price guarantee
Compare hotels in Port Louis

* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.

Reise-SIM für Port Louis

Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM

Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

When is the best time to visit Port Louis?

The best time to visit Port Louis is May to November (winter, 20-25 °C, dry). December-April warmer and more humid, cyclone season.. 27-33 °C, hot and humid, occasional cyclones January-March In winter: 18-25 °C, pleasantly dry and sunny

Recommended travel time

May to November (winter, 20-25 °C, dry). December-April warmer and more humid, cyclone season.

Summer

27-33 °C, hot and humid, occasional cyclones January-March

Winter

18-25 °C, pleasantly dry and sunny

How much does a holiday in Port Louis cost?

Budget travellers: 30-55 €/day, mid-range: 60-130 €/day, luxury: 200-600 €/day.

Average costs per person per day

Budget

30-55 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

Mid-range

60-130 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

Luxury

200-600 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

How do I get from Germany to Port Louis?

Flight to Mauritius (MRU, approx. 11-13 h with a stopover in Dubai, Paris, or Réunion). No visa required for Germans for up to 60 days.

Book a package holiday to Port Louis

Compare thousands of package holidays to Port Louis and find the best deals with flight & hotel.

Compare package holidays now

What travel tips are there for Port Louis?

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

No visa required — Germans are visa-free for up to 60 days. Show return flight ticket upon entry.

Central Market in the morning — early morning for the best selection of fruits and street food. Try Alouda (milk drink).

Rupee is moderate — 1 € ≈ 50 MUR. Street food for 2-3 €, restaurant for 10-20 €.

Saturday horse racing — Champ de Mars race days (May-November) are an experience: betting, picnicking, and festive atmosphere.

Bus instead of taxi — the bus network is inexpensive and covers the entire island. Central station in Port Louis.

What should you eat in Port Louis?

Typical specialities in Port Louis: Dholl Puri — flatbread filled with lentils and spicy rougaille: Mauritius street food No. 1, for 0.50 €., Gateaux Piment — fried chili lentil balls: spicy, crispy, and ubiquitous., Biryani — Mauritian spiced rice dish with meat: Indian influence, perfected on the island., Alouda — milk drink with basil seeds, agar-agar, and rose syrup: Mauritius' national drink, cool and sweet., Rum Arrange — rum infused with fruits: pineapple, vanilla, or lychee — Mauritius' liquid souvenir..

These specialties you must try!

Dholl Puri — flatbread filled with lentils and spicy rougaille: Mauritius street food No. 1, for 0.50 €.
Gateaux Piment — fried chili lentil balls: spicy, crispy, and ubiquitous.
Biryani — Mauritian spiced rice dish with meat: Indian influence, perfected on the island.
Alouda — milk drink with basil seeds, agar-agar, and rose syrup: Mauritius' national drink, cool and sweet.
Rum Arrange — rum infused with fruits: pineapple, vanilla, or lychee — Mauritius' liquid souvenir.
Suitable for:MulticulturalMarketStampHorse RacingMauritiusCreoleBeach Nearby

Ready for Port Louis?

Plan your Port Louis holiday now with our free tools.

All destinations in Africa