Mauritius on a budget

Street food, buses and free beaches

Written by Valerie, born in Mauritius · Updated 27 October 2026

Mauritius is not only for big resorts. All beaches are public and free, street food is cheap and delicious, and buses go almost everywhere. Stay in guesthouses or apartments, travel outside school holidays, and choose one or two paid trips you really want.

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Tours we would book

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Port Louis and the Champ de Mars below the mountains

Capital

Port Louis city & market tour

The Central Market, the Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO) and the Caudan Waterfront, with street food on the way.

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Clear shallow water at Blue Bay, Mauritius

Southeast

Blue Bay glass-bottom boat & snorkelling

Blue Bay is a protected marine park with shallow coral gardens, easy for beginners and children.

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Where to stay

White sand beach with palm trees and loungers in Mauritius

North: Grand Baie, Pereybère, Trou aux Biches

First trip, nightlife, restaurants, budget to mid-range

Where to stay in Mauritius

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Sunny beach and green islet at Blue Bay, Mauritius

Southeast: Blue Bay, Mahébourg

Snorkelling, local life, close to the airport