
Caudan Craft Market Port Louis
Discover authentic Mauritian crafts, from model ships to woven baskets, at this vibrant market by the waterfront.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing

Caudan Craft Market Port Louis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover authentic Mauritian crafts, from model ships to woven baskets, at this vibrant market by the waterfront.
"A must-visit for genuine, handmade treasures and a peaceful, artistic atmosphere."

🎯 Bargain Politely
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices politely. It's part of the experience and expected by vendors. :moneybag:
🛍️ Explore All Stalls
Take your time to browse. Similar items can vary in price and quality across different vendors. :shopping_bags:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 266 reviews
Type
Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Handmade Model Ships
Various stalls
Intricately crafted miniature ships, a testament to Mauritius's maritime heritage.

Vibrant Woven Baskets
Various stalls
Colorful and durable baskets, perfect for home decor or practical use.

Artisanal Soaps & Cosmetics
Various stalls
Locally made soaps and beauty products infused with island scents.

Musical Instruments
Specific stalls
Discover unique rhythm instruments, some with influences from Madagascar and Eastern regions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Souvenir Shopping Strategy
Beyond the Market
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Politely
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices politely. It's part of the experience and expected by vendors. :moneybag:
🛍️ Explore All Stalls
Take your time to browse. Similar items can vary in price and quality across different vendors. :shopping_bags:
💬 Chat with Artisans
Engage with the craftspeople; they often share fascinating stories about their work. :speech_balloon:
🚢 Waterfront Views
Enjoy the scenic waterfront views just outside the market. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Politely
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices politely. It's part of the experience and expected by vendors. :moneybag:
🛍️ Explore All Stalls
Take your time to browse. Similar items can vary in price and quality across different vendors. :shopping_bags:
💬 Chat with Artisans
Engage with the craftspeople; they often share fascinating stories about their work. :speech_balloon:
🚢 Waterfront Views
Enjoy the scenic waterfront views just outside the market. Great for photos! :camerawithflash:
📍 Compare Prices
Some items might be cheaper at the Central Market or other parts of the Waterfront. :price_check:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Caudan Craft Market for its authentic Mauritian handicrafts and the opportunity to connect with artisans. The waterfront location adds to its charm, offering beautiful views. However, some find prices to be quite high, and advise comparing them with other markets.
"A Must-Visit for Authentic Mauritian Handicrafts!
The Caudan Craft Market is a beautiful and well-organized space filled with genuine, handmade treasures. From intricately carved model ships to vibrant woven baskets and locally made soaps, every stall has something unique to offer. I especially loved chatting with some of the artisans—it adds so much meaning to each piece. The atmosphere is peaceful and artistic, with stunning waterfront views just outside. Prices are fair if you browse around a bit and politely bargain. Perfect spot for souvenirs that are actually made in Mauritius. Highly recommended!"
Anujay Akash Shukla
"This cheerful lady brightened our day by playing and teaching us rhythm instruments, especially those from Madagascar and the Eastern region, with the authentic energy of her culture. The market is definitely worth exploring, and you can find lovely little souvenirs to take home."
Gülce Tosun Işık
"Extremely overpriced. There is a store upstairs selling clothes and shawls. The lady claimed she designed them herself and gave us very high prices then we found the exact same merchandise at the other side of Waterfront for less.
Price aside, why lie to us about the origin?!
Prices are actually better at Central Market (despite a shopkeeper selling spices trying to scam us there)."
Ismahane Ch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Caudan Craft Market is located within the Caudan Waterfront complex in Port Louis. It's easily accessible by taxi or public bus. If you're driving, there is parking available at the Waterfront. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when exploring the capital city.
Yes, the market is part of the larger Caudan Waterfront, which is a popular area for strolling. It's within walking distance of other attractions like the Blue Penny Museum and the Port Louis Theatre.
From Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), the most convenient way to reach Caudan Waterfront is by taxi, which takes about 45-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can arrange a private transfer or take a bus, though this will be longer.
Several bus routes serve Port Louis and stop near the Caudan Waterfront. It's advisable to check with your accommodation or local transport information for the most current routes and schedules, as they can change.
Yes, the Caudan Waterfront offers ample parking facilities, making it convenient for those arriving by car. There are multi-story car parks within the complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Caudan Craft Market is free. You can wander through the stalls and browse without any admission fee.
The market generally operates during the standard business hours of the Caudan Waterfront, typically from around 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. It's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit.
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience. Evenings can also be pleasant as the waterfront lights up.
While not always advertised, keep an eye out for local festivals or seasonal events that might bring special offerings to the market.
While some larger stalls might accept credit cards, it's highly recommended to carry cash, especially for smaller purchases and for bargaining.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of authentic Mauritian handicrafts, including model ships, woven baskets, textiles, local spices, handmade jewelry, wood carvings, and artisanal soaps.
Yes, bargaining is common and expected at the craft market. Polite negotiation can often lead to a better price.
It's wise to compare prices across different stalls for similar items. Some reviews suggest that prices can be higher here compared to the Central Market.
The market is known for its genuine, handmade Mauritian treasures. However, as with any market, it's good to ask vendors about the origin of their products.
Look for intricately carved model ships, vibrant hand-woven textiles, and unique rhythm instruments. Artisanal soaps and local beauty products are also popular.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up shots of their products or them.
The waterfront itself offers beautiful views, especially during sunset. The colorful stalls and the architecture of the Caudan Waterfront complex also make for great photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and tourist hotspots like Caudan Waterfront due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors of the crafts and the waterfront scenery.
It's respectful to ask permission before photographing artisans, especially if they are actively working. Some may be happy to oblige, while others may prefer not to be photographed.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit