Handy Tips For Exploring Victoria
Visit the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
Experience the heartbeat of Victoria at this bustling market, where you’ll find fresh seafood, exotic fruits, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs.
Admire the Victoria Clock Tower
This iconic landmark, also known as “Little Big Ben,” is a historic symbol of Seychelles, dating back to 1903.
Explore the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
A lush oasis featuring giant tortoises, rare orchids, and towering palm trees, perfect for a peaceful nature escape.
Take a Walk Along Albert Street
The main street of Victoria is home to shops, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant Creole culture, offering a glimpse into daily Seychellois life.
Discover the Hindu Temple (Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple)
The only Hindu temple in Seychelles, this colorful and intricately designed temple is a must-see cultural landmark.
Visit the Seychelles Natural History Museum
Learn about the unique biodiversity of Seychelles, including rare birds, giant tortoises, and marine life.
Try Authentic Creole Cuisine
Savor local dishes like grilled fish, coconut curry, breadfruit chips, and octopus salad at Creole restaurants in the city.
Explore the Victoria Art Galleries
Visit places like Kaz Zanana and Carrefour des Arts to admire Seychellois paintings, sculptures, and local crafts.
Take a Photo at the Bicentennial Monument
This striking three-winged structure symbolizes the diverse origins of the Seychellois people.
Visit the Seychelles People’s United Party Museum
A unique place to understand Seychelles’ political history and its path to independence.
Experience Local Festivals and Events
If you’re visiting at the right time, enjoy cultural festivals like Creole Festival (October) or Carnaval International de Victoria.
Visit the Bel Air Cemetery
One of the oldest historical sites in Seychelles, featuring ancient tombs and intriguing folklore stories.
Hike to Morne Seychellois National Park
Just outside Victoria, this park offers stunning trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints over Mahé Island.
Take a Boat Trip to Sainte Anne Marine Park
A short boat ride from Victoria, this marine park is perfect for snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and island hopping.
Explore Eden Island
A modern development with luxury yachts, high-end restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, just minutes from Victoria.
Enjoy a Sunset at Beau Vallon Beach
Just a short drive from Victoria, Beau Vallon is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and watching a stunning Seychelles sunset.
Visit the Seychelles Craft Village
Located near Victoria, this site showcases traditional Creole architecture, handmade crafts, and local art.
Rent a Car or Take a Bus
Victoria is small enough to explore on foot, but renting a car or using the affordable public buses allows you to see more of Mahé.
Visit the National Library and Archives
For history lovers, this library holds rare documents, maps, and literature on Seychelles’ heritage.
Take a Day Trip to Praslin or La Digue
Victoria’s port offers easy access to ferries heading to Praslin and La Digue, home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
A Day in Victoria, Seychelles: A Perfect Island Capital Experience
Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, may be one of the smallest capitals in the world, but it offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled on the island of Mahé, this charming city is the perfect place to explore Seychellois life, taste authentic Creole cuisine, and soak in breathtaking scenery. Whether you have just a day to spare or want to enjoy a relaxed city experience, here’s how to make the most of your time in Victoria.
Morning: Markets, Landmarks & Local Culture
Start your day with a visit to Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, the vibrant heart of Victoria. This bustling market is full of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, fragrant spices, and handcrafted souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere and pick up some unique gifts.
From the market, take a short walk to Victoria Clock Tower, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Known as “Little Big Ben,” this historical monument has stood in the heart of Victoria since 1903 and remains a symbol of Seychelles’ colonial past.
Next, make your way to the Hindu Temple – Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple. This colorful and intricately designed temple is the only Hindu temple in Seychelles, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
For a deeper dive into history, visit the Seychelles Natural History Museum. Here, you can learn about the islands’ rich biodiversity, conservation efforts, and fascinating geological past.
Midday: Nature & Creole Flavors
As the morning adventure winds down, step into the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, a peaceful oasis just outside the city center. Wander among towering palm trees, vibrant tropical flowers, and Aldabra giant tortoises—some of the oldest residents of Seychelles.
By now, it’s time for lunch. Head to a local Creole restaurant for an authentic taste of Seychellois cuisine. Try grilled fish with Creole sauce, octopus curry, or breadfruit chips, and pair your meal with a refreshing glass of fresh coconut water or tropical fruit juice.
Afternoon: Coastal Views & Island Adventures
After lunch, take a short drive (or a scenic walk) to Beau Vallon Beach, one of the most famous beaches on Mahé. This stretch of golden sand, with its clear blue waters and lush palm trees, is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a quick swim, or just soaking in the incredible views.
For a bit more adventure, consider taking a boat tour to Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Just a short ride from Victoria, this marine park offers some of the best snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours, where you can admire the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Evening: Sunset & Island Dining
As the day draws to a close, make your way to Eden Island, a luxurious waterfront development just outside Victoria. Here, you’ll find stylish restaurants, cafes, and bars with stunning views of the marina and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner or a tropical cocktail while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Before heading back, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying the warm sea breeze and the twinkling lights reflecting off the calm waters. It’s the perfect way to end a day in Victoria, Seychelles.
Final Thoughts
Victoria may be small, but it offers a rich and diverse experience. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, indulging in Creole flavors, or enjoying the island’s breathtaking natural beauty, this charming capital has something for every traveler.
