Many visitors miss the capital city of Port Louis; it's easy to do as the resorts collect guests from the airport and drive them straight to their seaside lodgings, where they relax for most of their stay. However, a visit to the capital is a must to see the local Mauritians at work and play. Start with a trip to the highest point, the British-built Moorish-style fort—known as La Citadelle or Fort Adelaide—for great views of the city, the horse-racing track at the Champs Mars (the second oldest in the world—built in 1812), and the ocean. Port Louis's waterfront is a shopper's dream with some 150 retail outlets at Le Caudan, and the UNESCO-designated fruit and vegetable market is a colorful spectacle not to be missed. Port Louis is accessible via many buses from around the island. Also worth a look is the parliament building, and a ramble through old town's 300-year-old streets (near the market) is a must for history buffs.
Love to travel?
Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
