Photo: Mip130916, CC BY-SA 3.0Caudan Waterfront
Shops, a craft market, restaurants and a cinema by the harbour. A good stop after the Central Market.
Shopping and malls in Mauritius
Air-conditioned malls, noisy markets and the best things to bring home.
Mauritius has modern shopping malls in every region, but the real fun is in the markets: fruit, spices, textiles and souvenirs, with plenty of chatting and some bargaining. Here is where to go, area by area.
Main malls by area
Photo: Mip130916, CC BY-SA 3.0Bagatelle Mall
One of the biggest malls on the island, with international brands, a supermarket and plenty of places to eat.
Phoenix Mall
A large shopping centre with a hypermarket, handy if you stay in the centre or the south.
Cascavelle Shopping Village
The main shopping stop on the west coast: supermarket, shops and restaurants.
La Croisette
Shops, restaurants and entertainment in the north, close to the beaches and hotels.
Markets
- Port Louis Central Market: fruit, vegetables, spices and street food on the ground floor, souvenirs and crafts upstairs. Go in the morning.
- Quatre Bornes market: famous for clothes, fabric and household goods, very busy on market days.
- Flacq market: one of the biggest open-air markets on the island, in the east. Colourful and very local.
- Mahébourg market: the Monday market on the waterfront in the southeast, with fruit, vegetables and snacks.
Grand Baie Bazar: craft and souvenir stalls in the north, good for gifts. Prices are not fixed, so bargain with a smile.
Bargaining is normal at markets and craft stalls, with a smile. In malls and supermarkets, prices are fixed.
What to bring home
- Model ships, handmade in workshops around Curepipe.
- Mauritian tea (vanilla tea is a classic), local coffee and spices.
- Rum from the island's distilleries.
- Honey and pickles from Rodrigues.
- Textiles, art and crafts made in Mauritius (ask where things are made).
Duty-free and practical tips
- Prices in shops include VAT of 15%. Keep your receipts.
- There are duty-free shops at the airport for your departure. Some shops in town also sell duty-free items to visitors: ask in the shop how it works, and bring your passport and flight details.
- Malls are open every day. Many smaller shops in towns close early on Sunday, so plan your shopping for Saturday.
- Carry some cash for markets and small shops; cards are accepted in malls.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best mall in Mauritius?
Bagatelle Mall in Moka is one of the biggest. The Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis is the most pleasant for visitors, with shops, a craft market and restaurants by the harbour.
What should I buy in Mauritius?
Model ships, vanilla tea, spices, local rum, Rodrigues honey and crafts made in Mauritius.
Is there duty-free shopping in Mauritius?
Yes, at the airport when you leave. Some shops in town also sell duty-free to visitors: ask in the shop and bring your passport and flight details.
Can you bargain in Mauritius?
Yes at markets and craft stalls, politely. Not in malls or supermarkets.