Port Louis Landmarks and Museums

October 31, 2026

Sights of a harbour capital

Most Port Louis sights sit within a few kilometres of each other, so a morning and an afternoon cover them. Start early. The city quietens from about 17:00, many sights close on Sunday, and summer from November to April is hot and humid.

Memorials

Aapravasi Ghat on Quay Street, Trou Fanfaron, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2006. It was the arrival point for indentured labourers from India after slavery was abolished, from 1834. UNESCO counts close to half a million people. Entry is reported free, with weekday hours of about 09:00 to 16:00 and Saturday until midday, and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Confirm with the Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund before you travel. The Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre is part of the visitor offer.

The Intercontinental Slavery Museum is in the former Military Hospital, built in 1740, and opened to the public in September 2023. Check its opening hours and any fee before you go. Both are memorials, and a quiet, respectful manner is expected. Parents decide whether to bring young children.

Blue Penny Museum

At Barkly Wharf in Caudan Waterfront, the museum holds the rare 1847 “Post Office” stamps, the one penny and two pence issues, and the Paul and Virginie artwork. It is open Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 16:00. Non-resident adults pay Rs 325. The stamps are lit for 10 minutes at quarter past each hour, and photography is not allowed in that room.

Fort Adelaide

Fort Adelaide, also called La Citadelle, is a British fort from the 1830s on Sebastopol Hill, with views over the city and harbour. Most sources say entry is free and hours run from about 08:00 to 20:00, though one 2026 guide mentions a small fee, so check on arrival. Late afternoon light is best. Take a taxi or walk up steeply from Plaine Verte.

Natural History Museum

Beside Jardin de la Compagnie, the museum displays the dodo. Hours are reported as 09:00 to 16:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 11:00 to 16:00 on Wednesday and 09:00 to 12:00 on Saturday. Entry is reported free by most guides, but one gives Rs 75 for adults, so check at the door.

Postal Museum

The Mauritius Postal Museum is in the General Post Office on the harbour front. Check hours and any fee before you visit.

City streets and places of worship

Jumma Mosque, on Royal Road: wear modest dress and take your shoes off.
Chinatown and the Chinese Friendship Gate.
St Louis Cathedral.
Place d’Armes and Government House, seen from outside.

Staying safe

Check your government’s current travel advice and avoid demonstrations. Petty crime is common, and advice is not to walk alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially in the backstreets of the business district.

Guided city visits can be compared on GetYourGuide . Official pages: Blue Penny Museum , Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund and Mauritius Post .