Mauritius, having such a vibrant and cosmopolitan population, has an interesting mix of local produce and shopping opportunities. Visitors always like to take some souvenirs home of their travels and the choice here is huge from colourful cloths and saris through spices and sugars to jewellery and paintings.
Models of old ships, vintage planes or colonial houses are found here. Many local crafts include traditionally woven baskets, embroidery, pottery and recycled glass products. Mauritius also has a good reputation for textiles including knitwear. Some exotic fruits and spices are popular and locally made rum from the sugar cane.
Many items on Mauritius are duty free including leatherwear and jewellery.
In the north the main shopping centre is Grand Bay. Goodlands market is a vibrant location on Tuesdays or Fridays which are the textile garment days or on Wednesdays and Saturdays for vegetables and fruits. There are also many art galleries in the north.
In the East of the island Flaq market is the best open air market, a colourful event where you need to haggle for a bargain! In the West and South West the main shopping areas can be found around Tamarin and Flic en Flac. Mahebourg, near the airport, has an interesting local veggie and spice market and in the capital of Port Louis there is a huge two story produce and curio market. Also there are lovely shops at the Caudan Waterfront.
Mauritius Glass Gallery, centrally located at Phoenix is an interesting place to stop off. It is next to the bottling centre and brewery and uses recycled glass to promote environmental awareness and produces a variety of products which you can purchase from their shop. Many of the hotels on the island commission them to produce their tableware products. There is an interesting museum abou the history of glass and a viewing area where you can see the glass being blown and moulded.
