Self Guided Heritage Walk in Port Louis

The old centre of Port Louis is small, so a self-guided loop is easy. This route links seven stops in a sensible order. Begin early, because the city winds down by late afternoon.

Before you set out

  • Start by about 09:00 and finish before dusk.
  • Wear sturdy shoes. Drains are open at the edge of many streets.
  • Avoid Sundays, when most of the centre is closed.
  • Bring water, since summer from November to April is hot and humid.

The route in 7 stops

1. Le Caudan Waterfront. Start where the harbour meets the shops. The Blue Penny Museum here opens at 09:30 Monday to Saturday, and its 1847 stamps are lit at quarter past each hour for 10 minutes.

2. Aapravasi Ghat. A short walk along Quay Street brings you to this UNESCO site, the landing place of indentured labourers from India from 1834. Entry is reported free, and weekday hours run about 09:00 to 16:00, with a short Saturday. Ask the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund for current hours. This is a memorial, so go quietly.

3. Place d’Armes and Government House. View the building from the street.

4. Jardin de la Compagnie. The Natural History Museum beside it has the dodo displays. Opening times differ by weekday and Wednesday starts later, so check at the door.

5. Central Market. Food is the reason to come. Dholl puri, alouda, gateau piment and boulettes are all on offer. It is cash only and cheap. Go before midday.

6. Chinatown and the Chinese Friendship Gate.

7. Fort Adelaide. The finish is a steep climb up Sebastopol Hill from Plaine Verte, though a taxi will do the climb for you. Views over the city and harbour are best in late afternoon.

A guided option

The Taste Buddies Port Louis Street Food Tour lasts about three hours and starts around 10:30. Groups are capped at 8 per booking, and the meeting point is near the casino at Caudan Waterfront. The tour visits Jardin de la Compagnie, Chinatown and market food stalls. Reseller prices sit around EUR 50, or USD 58 to 63 on other sites.

Walking safely

  • Stay on lit, busy streets.
  • Official advice warns against walking alone after dark in unlit areas, with the business district’s backstreets singled out.
  • Petty crime is common, so take care with your belongings.
  • Read your government’s latest travel advisory ahead of the trip and keep clear of demonstrations.

Getting around the stops

The Metro Express runs every day from 06:00 to 19:00 between Port-Louis Victoria and Curepipe, and taxis connect the rest.

Read more: City sights and landmarks and Museum and attraction visits .

Walking and food tours can be searched on GetYourGuide . Full details: Taste Buddies , Blue Penny Museum and Metro Express .