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Living in Port Louis as an expat in Mauritius
The capital city offers an authentic Mauritian experience to the (few) expatriates who settle there. Explore your life as a Port Louis resident.
Port Louis, the economic, political and cultural capital of Mauritius, stretches along the north-west coast between sea and mountain. This eclectic city brings together a business district, a Chinatown, a Muslim quarter, colonial mansions and the country's main harbour.
Living in Port Louis
Very few expatriates choose to make Port Louis their home — it is more of a city you visit for work, errands or a day out. As a place to live, it can be noisy, swelteringly hot in summer, and the choice of quality housing is limited.
If you work in Port Louis and want to cut down your commute, your best bet is to base yourself in one of the nearby coastal towns (up North in Balaclava or towards the West in Pointe aux Sables, or a little further out, Albion) or the Centre around Beau-Bassin / Rose Hill or Moka.
Culture, shopping and food: what to do in Port Louis?
Wandering through the streets of Port Louis is an experience in itself. Neighbourhood by neighbourhood, you will discover the island's remarkable cultural tapestry: Hindu temples, Chinese pagodas, mosques and cathedrals.
The Natural History Museum, the Blue Penny Museum, the International Slavery Museum and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aapravasi Ghat are all must-sees. The Caudan Arts Centre, the beating heart of Mauritian cultural life, hosts theatre productions, concerts, dance performances and other events showcasing both local talent and international artists. For a step back in time, head to Champ de Mars during the racing season and discover one of Mauritians' great passions at the oldest racecourse in the Indian Ocean.
Shopping in Port Louis means choosing between the polished malls of Le Caudan Waterfront and Victoria Urban Terminal, and the organised chaos of the Central Market and the side streets, where small shops sell just about everything.
Port Louis is a street food lover's paradise. Work your way through Chinatown's restaurants, or track down local specialities at the Central Market and throughout the city streets.
