Caudan Waterfront
Port Louis's iconic waterfront with its hanging umbrellas, shops, craft market and harbourside restaurants. The ideal starting point for exploring the capital on foot.
Tip: Handy covered car park for the whole capital; the umbrella alley is the obligatory photo spot.
360° view
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Why stop at Caudan
Opened in November 1996 on old harbour quays, Caudan Waterfront turns 30 in 2026. It is the most pleasant part of Port Louis for a stroll: waterside walkways, boats in the basin and the mountain range that rings the city as a backdrop.
People come for the much-photographed alley of floating umbrellas, independent design and homeware shops, and terraces facing the harbour. It also makes a practical base: park here and explore the historic centre on foot.
Craft market, museum and shops
The craft market on the ground floor of the main building has around thirty stalls: model ships, basketry, candles, spices, linen and jewellery. Prices are more often marked than at the bazaar, though some stallholders will still discuss them politely.
The Blue Penny Museum, on site, covers the island's history and the famous 1847 "Post Office" stamps. Shops open every day, with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays, and the restaurants keep things going in the evening.
Parking: prices and tips
Caudan runs several car parks (Marina Quay, Dias Pier, Caudan Arts Centre), open 5am to midnight. Expect Rs 80 for the first 4 hours outdoors or Rs 100 under cover, then the same amount for each extra hour (checked October 2026).
Good news for visitors: parking is free from 5pm on weekdays, from 12:30pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays and public holidays. It is ticketless: your number plate is read on entry and you pay by scanning a QR code on the way out.
Getting there without a car
The Metro Express, running from Curepipe through Quatre Bornes and Rose Hill, currently terminates at Place d'Armes station near the Caudan flyover, just a few minutes' walk away. Buy tickets from station machines with rupees in cash or by bank card.
From Grand Baie, buses arrive at Immigration bus station, about ten minutes on foot; from Flic en Flac and the south, at Victoria station. By car, allow roughly 40 minutes from Grand Baie outside rush hour, much longer at peak times.
Best time to visit and nearby sights
On weekdays, late afternoon is ideal: golden light over the harbour, free parking from 5pm and terraces filling up. On Sundays the city centre is almost deserted, and Caudan is one of the few lively spots left.
On foot, carry on to Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis Central Market and the Company Gardens. With children, Odysseo Oceanarium at Les Salines is just a few minutes' drive away.
Frequently asked questions
How much is parking at Caudan Waterfront?
Rs 80 for the first 4 hours outdoors or Rs 100 covered, then the same per extra hour. It is free after 5pm on weekdays, after 12:30pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays and public holidays.
Is there an entrance fee for Caudan Waterfront?
No, the promenade, shops and craft market are free to wander. Only parking and some venues such as the Blue Penny Museum charge.
How do I get to Caudan Waterfront by public transport?
Take the Metro Express to Place d'Armes station, a few minutes' walk away. Northern buses use Immigration bus station, southern and western buses Victoria station.
Is Caudan Waterfront open on Sundays?
Yes, shops open with shorter hours on Sundays and public holidays, and parking is free all day.
