Le Caudan Waterfront and Umbrella Street
Le Caudan Waterfront is Port Louis's bustling waterfront district combining a modern shopping complex, restaurants, craft market and marina. Adjacent pedestrian lanes feature the colorful Umbrella Street installation — a photogenic canopy of suspended umbrellas that brightens the old port quarter. Together they offer a compact mix of shopping, dining, culture and great photo opportunities against the harbour backdrop.
Location
Le Caudan Waterfront & Umbrella Street (pedestrian lanes near the Caudan mall), Port Louis, Mauritius
Duration
2–4 hours (half-day); can be combined with other Port Louis sights for a full day
Best Time to Visit
May–December (Mauritius dry season) for more comfortable weather. For daily timing: early morning to avoid crowds and heat, or late afternoon to sunset for cooler temperatures and better photos.
Pricing
Visiting the waterfront and Umbrella Street is free. Individual attractions within the complex (museums, aquarium, harbour cruises) and shopping/food costs vary. Expect museum entry and small attractions to range approximately MUR 100–600; dining/shop purchases vary widely.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Waterfront promenade with harbour views and marina
Le Caudan Shopping Centre — boutiques, duty-free shops and restaurants
Caudan Craft Market and local souvenir stalls — authentic Mauritian handicrafts
Umbrella Street — vibrant suspended umbrella canopy and street art; prime photo spot
Nearby cultural sites: Blue Penny Museum, Aapravasi Ghat, Central Market
Seafood restaurants and cafes serving Creole, Indian and international cuisine
Occasional live music, events and evening lights along the quay
Itinerary
Arrive at Le Caudan Waterfront; take a stroll along the harbour promenade
Good time for cooler temperatures and unobstructed photos. Most shops open around 09:30–10:00.
Explore Le Caudan Shopping Centre and craft market
Browse boutiques and the craft market for handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs. Practice polite bargaining at market stalls.
Walk to Umbrella Street for photos
Short pedestrian lanes near the waterfront feature the colorful umbrella installation — ideal for quick photo stops.
Lunch at waterfront restaurant
Try Creole seafood, Mauritian specialties or international cuisine. Reserve if visiting on weekends or holidays.
Optional short visit to nearby attractions (Blue Penny Museum, Aapravasi Ghat) or a harbour boat ride
Check opening hours in advance; museums may charge entry. Combine with a walk through the Central Market for local produce and spices.
Return to the waterfront for sunset and evening lights
The area becomes lively in the evening with dining and some live entertainment. Good time for relaxed photos with illuminated harbour views.
Safety Requirements
Watch for pickpockets in crowded market areas — keep valuables secure
Beware of traffic when crossing nearby roads; many streets are narrow and busy
Stay hydrated and use sun protection — the sun can be strong year-round
Observe local COVID or health advisories (if any) and follow venue-specific rules
Supervise children around the quay and marina edges
Tips
Carry Mauritian rupees (MUR) for small purchases at the craft market; many stalls are cash-preferred
Bargain politely at market stalls; fixed-price shops in the mall are not typically negotiable
Wear comfortable shoes for walking cobbled lanes and mall areas
Bring a light layer for evening breezes near the harbour
If visiting on a weekend or public holiday, expect larger crowds — consider early arrival
Combine the visit with Central Market, Chinatown and nearby museums for a fuller Port Louis experience
Public transport (buses, taxis) and rideshare services access the waterfront; allow extra time in traffic during peak hours
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious or heritage sites nearby
