The Essential Guide To Port Louis' Central Market In Mauritius

A stone’s throw from the harbour, the central bank and the national assembly to name a few, the Central Market is at the crossroads of Mauritius‘s capital, Port Louis. have many a story to tell. Here are some of the stories its stone walls, some dating as far back as 1839, tell as visitors make their way through the paved alleys of this Victorian-era survivor.

A brief history

For the Market’s erection, done while the country was still under British Empire rule, several places were earmarked in Port Louis. La Corderie Street was eventually chosen as the Central Market’s permanent choice. Following a major refurbishment in 2004, the Central Market has been considered a true historical gem on the island. To cater to the increasing number of customers, builders added a couple of stalls along with a covered food court. They also built a first floor to house local artists’ crafts.

IMG_9069/Ile Maurice/Port Louis/Great Central Market/Poultry section

What makes the market so special?

What is the best time to visit?

Early morning, before the scorching sun hangs over the capital. It is also the perfect time to get the freshest of vegetables, sourced from across the island overnight. Avoid Sundays as Port Louis comes to a halt slightly before midday. Summer is the ideal time of the year to get your hands on juicy mangoes and sweet Victoria pineapples.

The stands to look out for

Have your olfactory senses taken over by the herbalist at stand number 2. Let the vendor do the talking, as he mentions the litany of diseases his organic herbs can help soothe or even cure. Welcomed by the haggling over the cost, the sun-locked vegetables nearby are a real feast to the eyes. It cannot get fresher than this and if there were any more colours on the stall, your eyes may not be able to process it all.

The first level holds a craft market, distinguished by colourful textiles, artisanal sculptures, and various fruit preserves. Various blends of local rum are also on sale, with the emblematic Dodo bird painted on the bottle. The scent of stir-fried noodles from nearby will be reason enough to keep exploring.

IMG_9059/Mauritius Island/Port Louis City/Central Market/

Where’s good to eat and drink nearby?

Although small in size, the Market’s food court remains by far the best place to sample Mauritian food! Fritters, roti, various curries, dumplings, or noodles can all fit into a rs200 ($5.50) budget. If the heat of all the gas cookers running takes its toll, spare an extra rs40 ($1.10) for a refreshing Alouda, an ice-cold milk-based preparation served with agar-agar and psyllium grains (a natural laxative).

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.