Shopping
Shopping in Mauritius
From luxury boutiques to vibrant local markets.
Retail
Shopping Malls
Mauritius has a modern mall infrastructure across the island. Most are open seven days a week, 10am–8pm. They house a mix of international and local fashion brands, jewellers, restaurants, cinemas, and supermarkets.
Bagatelle Mall
Largest mall on the island. Central Mauritius, near Moka.
Caudan Waterfront
Port Louis harbour. Mix of boutiques, restaurants and craft shops.
Grand Baie La Croisette
North coast. Popular with tourists. Fashion, jewellery, dining.
Trianon Shopping Park
Central west. Large hypermarket plus fashion and services.
Cascavelle Mall
West coast near Flic en Flac. Good mix of shops and restaurants.
Markets
Local Markets
Mauritius's markets are a highlight for most visitors — vibrant, colourful, and packed with local produce, spices, textiles, and crafts. Bargaining is expected and part of the experience.
Central Market
Monday–Saturday
The island's most famous market. Two floors: ground floor for fresh produce, spices, and food; upper floor for textiles, souvenirs, and crafts. Best visited in the morning.
Flacq Market
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Mauritius's largest open-air market. Clothes, food, household goods, and a great atmosphere. Sunday is the busiest and most vibrant day. Bargaining expected.
Mahebourg Waterfront Market
Monday only
A traditional Monday morning market beside the Mahebourg waterfront. Local produce, spices, and crafts. Compact but charming.
Souvenirs
What to buy
Mauritius specialty
Model Ships
Mauritius is world-famous for its intricately handcrafted wooden model ships. Using the same technical drawings as original shipbuilders, artisans create painstakingly detailed scale replicas of famous vessels — from the Bounty and Endeavour to Nelson's Victory.
The main workshops are clustered around Mahebourg in the south-east, where you can watch craftsmen at work. Standard models take 2–6 weeks to produce; custom builds can take months. Most workshops offer international shipping.
Daily shopping
Supermarkets
Winner
Mauritius-owned chain with stores islandwide
Intermart
Mid-size stores with a good range of local and imported goods
Jumbo / Champion
Large hypermarkets. Best range of international products.
Food Lover's Market
Premium produce and international speciality items
La Sablonnière
Quality chain popular with expats. Good deli and cheese sections.
At the airport
Duty Free
Duty free shopping is available at SSR Airport departures and at approved duty free shops in resort areas (look for the ‘Duty Free’ sign in the window). You will need to show your passport and flight ticket. Duty free is mainly spirits, tobacco, perfume, and luxury goods — not general retail.
Negotiation
Haggling tips
In markets
Haggling is normal and expected. A reasonable starting point is around 50% of the initial asking price. Be friendly and take your time — sellers respect a patient negotiator.
In shops & malls
Prices are fixed in formal retail environments. Attempting to haggle in malls or branded shops is not appropriate. Some independent boutiques may offer a small discount for cash.
General etiquette
Always be respectful and smile. Do not start negotiating if you have no intention of buying. Accepting a price you have agreed to and then walking away is considered rude.
Own a retail business in Mauritius?
List it free →