Chinatown

Port Louis


The Chinese have traditionally occupied an important position in the life of Port Louis, and the area between the two 'friendship gates' on Royal St forms the centre of the city's Chinatown. Here you'll take in the rich mercantile life of the Chinese community, busy Chinese restaurants and grocery stores, and streets echoing with the unmistakable clatter of mah-jong tiles.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Port Louis attractions

1. ICAIO

0.1 MILES

One of Mauritius' premier art institutions, this fine space is designed to increase local exposure to high-quality art, with four temporary exhibitions…

2. Jummah Mosque

0.11 MILES

The Jummah Mosque, the most important mosque in Mauritius, was built in the 1850s and is a striking blend of Indian, Creole and Islamic architecture – it…

3. Central Market

0.26 MILES

Port Louis' rightly famous Central Market, the centre of the local economy since Victorian times, is a good place to get a feel for local life, watch the…

4. Aapravasi Ghat

0.27 MILES

Aapravasi Ghat, a small complex of buildings located on the seafront, served as the island's main immigration depot for indentured labourers from India…

5. SSR Memorial Centre for Culture

0.3 MILES

This simple house museum near the Jardin Plaine Verte was home to Mauritius' father of independence, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, from 1935 until 1968. It's…

6. Government House

0.34 MILES

Government House is a beautiful French-colonial structure dating from 1738, although it was added to in later years. Outside it stands a typically solemn…

7. St Louis Cathedral

0.34 MILES

The slightly austere St Louis Cathedral dates from 1932 and is popular with the Chinese community.

8. Place d'Armes

0.34 MILES

The city's most imposing boulevard, Place d'Armes is lined with royal palms and leads up to Government House, a beautiful French-colonial structure dating…