Joanna James
Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation famous for its picturesque beaches and mountainous interiors, offers fantastic shopping opportunities. Explore the island's vibrant markets for a unique shopping experience that goes beyond retail therapy.
Coming to life in the heart of the capital city, Port Louis, the bustling Central Market, seemed to have evolved into a tourist attraction of classic and authentic charm rather than just a marketplace itself. While the locals come for reasonably priced fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, what draws the tourists is all that, plus the market’s oodles of authentic experiences. The marketplace is divided into a number of sections, where one section sells fruits and vegetables, another sells meat and seafood, and the whole of the upstairs is dedicated to souvenirs and clothing. Despite the low prices, haggling is quite mainstream here in the Central Market, so put your skills to the test for a truly authentic shopping experience.
The eponymous market in the largest district of Mauritius, Centre de Flacq, is also the largest open-air market in all of the Eastern African nation. While the marketplace is open throughout the week except on Mondays, Sunday is when all the stalls are open, hence the day most shoppers look forward to. Nonetheless, you can rest assured that a visit to this vibrant market is bound to be more than exciting on any day, but to savour the fullest of the marketplace’s glories, a visit on Sunday is advisable.
No matter the destination, no holiday would be complete without at least a few authentic souvenirs that make for a truly memorable trip, and the Indian Ocean island nation is no exception. Vacationing tourists looking for a souvenir or two to take back home, make your way to the waterfront Caudan shopping centre, where authentic souvenirs galore await you at the Le Craft Market. The 36 stalls that make the marketplace are bursting with lovely souvenirs, including traditional clothing, glass, essential oils, fruits and Mauritian spices, sure to leave you spoiled for choice.
Often dubbed the “textile capital of Mauritius”, the eponymous market in the heart of Quatre Bornes at Saint-Jean Street is a hub of traditional clothing and colourful, authentic fabrics. While it’s the clothing that puts the marketplace on the map, come Wednesdays and Fridays, food grabs the spotlight as assortments of local delicacies come to life in the vibrant market.
Among the whole host of atmospheric markets that call Mauritius home, Mahebourg Market, in the nation’s old capital city, is as authentic as it gets and is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Mauritius. Treat yourself to a slice of authentic retail therapy and retreat to one of the finest hotels and resorts the Eastern African nation has to offer, including the likes of Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
