Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Port Louis

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food stalls, local markets, dholl puri vendors, basic local restaurants

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional shared taxis for longer distances

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free beaches, public markets, occasional museum entry, self-guided walking tours

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants for 60-80% savings on meals

Use public buses for transportation which typically costs 90% less than taxis for similar routes

Stay in Port Louis city center to walk to many attractions rather than paying for transport from distant hotels

Shop at local supermarkets for snacks and drinks instead of hotel shops which typically charge 200-300% markup

Visit free attractions like Caudan Waterfront, public beaches, and Central Market before paying for tours

Book accommodation directly with properties rather than through booking sites to potentially save 10-20% on commission fees

Travel during shoulder season months for 25-40% lower accommodation rates compared to peak season

Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public buses, which can increase transport costs by 500-800%

Eating only in waterfront tourist areas where meals typically cost 100-150% more than local neighborhoods

Not comparing accommodation prices across different areas - staying in premium zones when budget areas offer 40-60% savings

Booking last-minute tours and activities which often cost 30-50% more than advance bookings

Exchanging money at airports or hotels instead of local banks, losing 5-15% to poor exchange rates