Markets in Mauritius

Commonly known as ‘Port Louis Bazar’ the central market at the heart of the capital city offers everything, from fruits and vegetables, exotic seafood to local textiles, artifacts and souvenirs. Divided into sections, the upstairs section is devoted to a shopping complex for clothing, artisanal sculptures and local handcrafted artifacts. Although many sellers insist tourists that the goods are branded, one should be aware of such frauds. If you are keen on street and market photography, do visit the place right when it opens as there are the least number of customers then.

Address: 9 Corderie St, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Monday to Saturday: 5.30 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Sunday: 5.30 A.M to 12 P.M.    
Bargaining: Good

An ephemeral market in the Saint Jean Street, Plaines Wilhems in Mauritius, Quatre Bornes is your place for a change of wardrobe. Both sides of the market can be seen occupied with merchants selling flamboyant garments, souvenir t-shirts, fabrics and fashion accessories. The narrow alleyways sell even the culinary items as well. Tourists love the place due to its economical soundness.

Timing: Textile: Sundays and Thursdays: 8 AM to 5 PM
Food Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays: 8 AM to 5 PM.
Bargaining: Extremely good

The Flacq market is located in the largest district and is an eponymous village, which hosts biggest open-air market in Mauritius. One can notice the gradual shift to Bhojpuri, an Indian dialect here rather than Mauritian Creole and French. You can get literally everything here, from tropical fruits, fresh fish, seafood, sweets, exotic spices, local herbal tea to pretty dresses and baggy t-shirts.

Address: Central Flacq, Mauritius
Timing: Although the market is open on all days, Wednesdays and Sundays are best to visit because all stands are open.
Bargaining: Extremely good

As you enter the market with 36 stalls, you will be welcomed with the fragrance of teak blending in mahogany. More often than not, the stalls are occupied with artists who owns the same and you can go, strike up a conversation about their work. The craft market is famous for its sculpted wood artwork, intricate basketwork, glasswork, cane work, the famed Mauritian Rum, exotic oils, traditional herbs etc.  There’s no huckstering involved and it is a great place to get your loved ones eccentric souvenirs.

Address: Caudan Waterfront, Port Louis, Mauritius
Timing: Monday to Saturday: 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Bargaining: Not good

Named after the French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais, the once fishing village is quite known for budget friendly spices, souvenirs knickknacks, fritters local handicrafts and souvenirs. The waterfront turned flea market is a stroll away from the sea and is known for its vibrant ambience. If you are tired after a day of shopping, do go for traditional snacks in the market such as chilli cakes, dholl puri, samosa, biryani, noodles and homemade Mauritian dishes.

Timing: Monday: 8 AM to 5 PM
Bargaining: Good

The city of Curepipe in Plaines Wilhems is the second biggest city after Port Louis in Mauritius. With a number of duty free shops, you can go on a marketing spree in clothing, especially Indian apparels. The bustling market will remind of a typical English town of the seventeenth century.

Bargaining: Good
Highlight: British and French ship models in exact dimensions.

The Bazaar de Grand Baie is a treat for every shopping lover, with multiple stalls in an alley near the Royal Road. The place is notable for local arts and paintings, handcrafted stones and gold and silver ornaments. The prices in this market may be a bit higher due to intricate craftsmanship involved but your every penny is worth the items found here.

Timing: 9 AM. To 5 P.M.
Bargaining: Not good
Other items found: Low range t-shirts, bags, colourful fabrics, snacks etc.

Rose Hill is the second largest town in Mauritius with colonial styled shopping arcades, boutiques, food stalls etc. If you have time to spare in your vacation, take a stroll through the marketplace; you might just be surprised at the wide range of indigenous products you can find.

Address: Beau Bassin-Rose Hill