Port Louis Sightseeing Highlights

The sights of Port Louis cluster around the harbour and the old town. Allow a full day, start in the morning and leave Sunday for the waterfront, because many places close that day.

Fort Adelaide and the view

Fort Adelaide, also known as La Citadelle, stands on Sebastopol Hill. The British built it in the 1830s, and from the walls you can see the city and the harbour. Most sources give free entry and hours of about 08:00 to 20:00, but one 2026 guide mentions a small fee, so check on arrival. Aim for late afternoon, when the light is best. A taxi saves the steep climb from Plaine Verte.

Blue Penny Museum

The museum at Barkly Wharf on Caudan Waterfront is about stamps, art and the island’s history. Its famous items are the 1847 “Post Office” stamps, a one penny and a two pence issue, along with the Paul and Virginie artwork. Opening hours are 09:30 to 16:00 from Monday to Saturday, and non-resident adults pay Rs 325. Lights come on over the stamps for 10 minutes at quarter past each hour, and cameras stay in the bag in that room.

Natural History Museum

Next to Jardin de la Compagnie, this museum shows dodo displays. Reported hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 16:00, Wednesday from 11:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00. Most sources say entry is free, but one lists adults at Rs 75, so confirm at the door.

Postal Museum

The Mauritius Postal Museum is inside the General Post Office on the harbour front. Check hours and any fee before you go.

Faith and street sights

  • Jumma Mosque on Royal Road asks for modest dress and shoes off.
  • St Louis Cathedral.
  • Chinatown and the Chinese Friendship Gate.
  • Place d’Armes and Government House are best admired from outside.

The two memorials

Aapravasi Ghat stands on Quay Street at Trou Fanfaron and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. From 1834, after slavery was abolished, indentured labourers from India came ashore here, close to half a million people according to UNESCO. Entry is reported free. Reported hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday from 09:00 to 12:00, with Sundays and public holidays closed, so confirm with the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund before you set out.

The Intercontinental Slavery Museum occupies the former Military Hospital, a building from 1740 that opened to visitors in September 2023. Check hours and any fee before you go. Visit both places quietly, and parents should decide whether young children come along.

Staying safe

Petty crime is common in Port Louis. Official advice warns against walking alone after dark in unlit areas, with the business district’s backstreets singled out. Look at the current official advisory for Mauritius and stay away from demonstrations.

Read more: Walking routes in the capital and Museum and attraction visits .

City sightseeing tours can be searched on Viator . Full details: Blue Penny Museum , Mauritius Post and Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund .