Mahébourg

Built on the site where the Dutch settlers first landed back in 1598 on the island, Mahebourg is Mauritius' ancient capital that most tourists are oblivious of. If you really want to absorb the vibe of the island, this is the perfect place to do it. The main street is lined with old, rustic restaurants, where you can perch yourself at a table on the terrace and watch the locals go about their daily chores. The waterfront—which is paved in pink—leads you all the way to the bay, and holds historic significance as the spot where the British fought the French to capture the island. Another must-visit in the locale, is the National History Museum. Packed with curios including the bell from the Le Saint-Géran shipwreck (the romantic legend of the star-crossed lovers in Paul et Virginie came from here), the museum is housed within a beautiful blue-and-white 18th century colonial building.