Mauritius

Cost of living

What a month costs

Imported goods and cars run pricey, but local food and produce are cheap.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Port Louis

1. Aapravasi GhatThe UNESCO immigration depot where indentured labourers first landed.
2. Caudan WaterfrontThe revamped harbour front with shops, cinema and casino by the water.
3. Central MarketA buzzing covered bazaar for spices, fruit, textiles and street snacks.
4. Le Champ de MarsOne of the oldest horse racing tracks in the world, running since 1812.
5. Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle)A hilltop British fort with sweeping views over the city and port.
6. Jummah MosqueA serene 19th-century mosque blending Indian, Creole and Mughal styles.
7. Blue Penny MuseumHome of the famous Mauritian postage stamps and maritime history.
8. Marie Reine de la PaixTerraced gardens climbing to a shrine with panoramic city views.
9. Company GardensA shady downtown park with banyan trees and colonial statues.
10. Natural History MuseumSmall but famous for its reconstructed dodo skeleton.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Le Morne BrabantHike the dramatic UNESCO peak and lounge on the lagoon beaches below.
2. ChamarelThe Seven Coloured Earths and a tall waterfall tucked in the southwest hills.
3. Île aux CerfsA postcard islet off the east coast for snorkelling and a boat lunch.
4. Black River Gorges National ParkRainforest trails, endemic birds and viewpoints over the whole island.
5. RodriguesA short flight to a slower, greener sister island with empty beaches.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Le Cafe du Vieux ConseilA courtyard cafe in a historic lane serving strong coffee and light lunches.
2. Cafe LUX CaudanLocal single-origin Chamarel coffee roasted on the island.
3. The Flying DodoA brewpub and cafe at Bagatelle with island craft beer and coffee.
4. Bon AmiA long-running downtown spot for pastries, tea and a quick bite.
5. Pique Nique at LabourdonnaisA relaxed cafe inside the Labourdonnais hotel near the waterfront.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Le CapitaineWaterfront seafood at Caudan with fresh fish and lagoon views.
2. Black SteerA dependable grill for steaks and burgers on the harbour front.
3. First RestaurantA well-known Chinatown institution for dim sum and Cantonese classics.
4. LambicA gastropub famous for its beer list and hearty Mauritian-European plates.
5. NamasteReliable North Indian curries and tandoor a short hop from downtown.
6. Le CourtyardRefined French-Mauritian dining in a leafy colonial courtyard.
7. Star of IndiaA city favourite for generous thalis and biryani.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Central Market food stallsGrab dholl puri and hot tea where locals start the day.
2. Bon AmiFresh croissants and gateaux with a morning coffee downtown.
3. Pique Nique at LabourdonnaisA proper sit-down breakfast buffet near the waterfront.
4. The Flying DodoWeekend brunch plates with island coffee at Bagatelle.
5. Le Cafe du Vieux ConseilQuiet courtyard breakfast of eggs, pastries and juice.
6. MunchiesA local bakery chain for pain maison, samosas and morning treats.
7. King DumplingSteamed buns and noodle soup for an early Chinatown breakfast.
8. Cafe LUX CaudanCoffee and light morning bites by the harbour.
9. Dessert de MokaA hillside patisserie near Moka for weekend brunch and cakes.