Those who decide to take a stroll downtown Port Louis should not miss to visit the Central Market with its myriad of things to discover and enjoy. Missing out on this landmark is a serious gap in each island visit. The market is located between the Motorway and Farquhar Street opposite the Waterfront and the old post office and open daily except for Sundays.
Walking up Intendance Street brings one not only into a very busy district, but also right in front of the old theatre which was built in 1822 and still today hosts all kinds of plays, operas and also gala diners and social gatherings.
The company’s garden is a small green oasis in the midst of the bustling capital. It is well worth a stroll not only for its plants, but also for the statues of famous island sons, and the old Baobab trees. Right besides it, the Mauritius Institute hosts some of the most spectacular treasures. In its museum section, the skeleton of a Dodo can be seen, with depictions of rare birds. The library features a precious collection of old documents, books and paintings.
Who would like a more accurate glimpse of bygone days may drop by the Museum of Photography. Sepia brown coloured treasures take them away into the times of horse drawn carriages, sailing boats and colonial splendour.
In the many shops at Le Caudan Waterfront, one may find clothes, jewellery, souvenirs and have a bite at the food court or in one of the many cafes or restaurants. The crafts market is the largest and best on the island. At the other side, by the hotel Labourdonnais, the Blue Penny Museum displays the famous postal stamp as a part of an interesting exhibition. At Le Caudan Waterfront, myriad shops, a bank, a cinema as well as cafe’s and restaurants provide anything one has ever hoped finding in Mauritius and a surprising amount of things one never dreamt of actually wanting to find.