What to do in Victoria, Seychelles: a complete guide to the must-sees

Hello again! This time, I’ve put together a complete guide to everything you need to know about the capital. So, what can you do in Victoria, Seychelles? Judging by the number of questions I receive, the Seychelles archipelago is clearly a destination that inspires plenty of dreams and curiosity. In this article, I’ll be focusing on the capital, Victoria. When you travel to the Seychelles, you’ll arrive at the international airport on the main island of Mahé, just outside Victoria.

Many travelers wonder whether the capital of the Seychelles is worth visiting. Based on feedback from people I know, spending a few days in Victoria is well worth it. Starting your trip in the capital is a great way to ease into your Seychelles vacation. It is a town with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of charm. You’ll be right in the heart of local culture, close to shops, activities and monuments to explore. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Victoria. I wrote this article so that the capital of the Seychelles will hold no secrets for you!

First, I’d like to share a few words about the town and its history. Although Victoria is the capital of the archipelago, it remains quite small, with a population of just under 25,000. It is located in the center of Mahé and serves as a hub for much of the island’s cultural and economic activity. It really is an important town for the Seychelles. In the 18th century, Victoria and Mahé as a whole were successively controlled by French and British colonists. The town was named Victoria in honor of the Queen of England at the time. This explains why you’ll see old colonial houses and architecture with both French and British influences throughout the capital. It all starts to make sense! Economically, Victoria was—and still is—a major port connecting Mahé with the other islands of the Seychelles.

I hope this short introduction to Victoria gives you some useful context. In my opinion, it’s always interesting to understand an area’s history and how it has shaped the place you see today.

Head to Sir Selwyn Clarke Market in central Victoria for an authentic glimpse into local life. Pretty appealing, isn’t it? As you wander through the market, you’ll discover tropical fruit and colorful local produce that will make you want to try everything. Since Victoria is likely to be one of the first stops on your trip, the market is also a good place to pick up handmade souvenirs for your loved ones.

As you can see, the market has a friendly atmosphere and places you right at the heart of local life. If you’re spending some time in Victoria, Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is definitely worth a visit.

The Seychelles Botanical Gardens are an ideal place to reconnect with nature. Located just outside Victoria, this lush garden is filled with tropical plants, local fruit trees and beautiful palms—as you might expect, haha. To give you an idea, you can see the famous coco de mer, Seychellois vanilla, cinnamon trees and much more. Nature lovers are in for a real treat!

There is also plenty of wildlife to observe. Along the way, you may spot the distinctive Seychelles bulbul and the Aldabra giant tortoise. If you’re looking for an activity away from the city center, the botanical gardens offer a welcome breath of fresh air.

The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple takes you straight into the heart of Hindu culture. Hinduism is the second most widely practiced religion in the Seychelles after Christianity. The temple’s architecture and bright colors are striking and immediately catch the eye. In fact, it is one of the most visited monuments in the country. It is generally open every day, although I recommend checking before you go.

If you’re looking for something unusual and slightly mysterious, the Bel Air Cemetery is an interesting option. Although the cemetery has been abandoned and is now surrounded by tropical vegetation, several stone tombs remain. The site offers a glimpse into the Seychelles’ colonial past and is associated with several local legends. If you’re curious and have an adventurous streak, you may enjoy exploring this unusual place.

Near Victoria Market, pictured above, you’ll find the Clock Tower, one of the Seychelles’ best-known landmarks. It is a replica of Little Ben in London and was built in 1903 in honor of Queen Victoria. The Clock Tower stands in the heart of the capital, where you can also soak up the city’s friendly atmosphere. As you can see, the Seychelles are not only about heavenly landscapes; the archipelago also has a rich history. In my opinion, this makes the destination even more interesting to explore, and I’m sure history lovers will agree.

We’re still in the heart of Victoria with the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, located close to the Clock Tower. This monument reflects part of the history and culture of the Seychelles archipelago. The cathedral’s architecture and decorative details are well worth admiring, and you can also step inside to discover an equally impressive interior. The cathedral attracts both locals and travelers, and you should enjoy the visit.

Reconnect with nature by exploring Morne Seychellois National Park. The park is home to an impressive variety of vegetation. As you follow its different trails, you’ll be surrounded by palm trees, colorful orchids and much more, all in a peaceful setting. A quick tip: climb toward the summit of Morne Seychellois for beautiful views over Mahé and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

What’s more, the national park plays an important role in the conservation of the Seychelles’ environment. In short, exploring Morne Seychellois National Park is a must if you’re visiting the area.

The museum introduces visitors to the biodiversity of the Seychelles archipelago. During your visit, you can learn about colorful birds, tropical plants and the islands’ geological history. Each exhibit takes you from the formation of the archipelago to the biodiversity found there today. There are also interactive displays, which always make the visit a little more engaging. In my opinion, it’s a worthwhile stop and a great way to learn more about this beautiful archipelago. I know I would definitely visit—you know me, geology is one of my favorite subjects!

When I say “shopping,” I mainly mean browsing for souvenirs, local products, clothing and similar items. Victoria is still a small capital, but you can visit the stores along the waterfront, where you’ll find seashells and handmade souvenirs. For a more local experience, head back to Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, as mentioned earlier.

For everything else, visit the Eden Plaza shopping mall, where you’ll find clothing stores, jewelry shops and even a supermarket. If you’re interested in art, several galleries in the capital showcase work by Seychellois artists. As you can see, Victoria may not offer a huge shopping circuit, but you should still find something you like.

I couldn’t talk about Victoria without mentioning water sports. From the capital, you can easily take a boat trip to Sainte-Anne Marine National Park or even travel to Praslin. And that’s not all. Beau Vallon, a beautiful beach just 4 km from Victoria, is an excellent place for diving and exploring the underwater world of the Seychelles. If you’ve never tried scuba diving before, I highly recommend taking the plunge. I personally love it!

If you prefer to remain near the surface, snorkeling is a great way to catch a glimpse of marine life. More active travelers can also try surfing, kayaking or canoeing at Beau Vallon. Whether you enjoy snorkeling or other water sports, you certainly won’t be bored.

By this stage of the article, I hope you already have a clearer idea of what to do during a few days in Victoria. The capital offers plenty for visitors to discover. To learn more about tourism in the Seychelles, take a look at the regularly updated Tourism Seychelles website.

When talking about the Victoria area, I also had to mention the beautiful hikes nearby. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, the trails around Victoria offer magnificent ocean views surrounded by tropical vegetation. You can always alternate between a day of hiking and a day of relaxing, haha. Here are a few trails you won’t want to miss:

• Copolia Trail: an accessible hike that consistently receives excellent feedback. The route takes you through tropical forest before opening onto a beautiful view across Mahé. This trail is part of the famous Morne Seychellois National Park.
• Sentier du Morne Seychellois: as its name suggests, this trail is also located in Morne Seychellois National Park. At the end of the hike, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views over Victoria and Sainte-Anne Marine National Park.
• Sentier des 3 frères (Three Brothers Trail): a pleasant and fairly short hike, taking around 1 hour 30 minutes round trip, with beautiful views over Victoria, Sainte-Anne Marine National Park and even Praslin and La Digue.

That gives you an overview of some of the hikes and trails around Victoria. Whatever your fitness level or appetite for adventure, you should find at least one route that suits you.

Mahé has plenty to offer, but it would be a shame not to explore some of the other islands in the Seychelles archipelago. There are 115 islands in total, so naturally, you won’t be able to visit them all in a single trip—or even two, haha. Praslin is the second-largest island in the Seychelles and offers plenty to see and do, including the Vallée de Mai. Then there is La Digue, which is smaller but every bit as beautiful. It is a more unspoiled island, ideal for discovering magnificent scenery and experiencing local culture. I recommend reading Aurélie’s article linked above, as she was lucky enough to stay there. So, are you ready to add these two islands to your itinerary? Let me know how you get on.

Now that we’ve covered biodiversity, history and even sports, let’s turn to Victoria’s cultural events. If you particularly enjoy this type of experience and have some flexibility with your travel dates, this section should interest you.

I’ve heard that the atmosphere at the Victoria International Carnival is incredible. The streets come alive with colorful parades, decorated floats, dancers and performances by both local and international artists. Although it may not be the Rio Carnival, the event attracts visitors from around the world. And that’s not all. During the carnival, you can also enjoy dance performances, art exhibitions and, for food lovers, tastings of Creole dishes. If you enjoy lively events or are looking for a cultural experience, check the dates of the Victoria Carnival, which usually takes place in April.

Fet Afrik is held in Victoria every year on May 25. This cultural festival celebrates African unity and diversity. The program includes concerts by well-known Seychellois and African artists, parades, local crafts, dance performances and Creole food, all in a festive atmosphere.

This festival is considered the largest cultural event in the Seychelles. You can enjoy a lively program featuring music, dance, local food, jazz concerts and much more. Everything is in place for an enjoyable time. Imagine experiencing all of this beside the beach. The festival usually takes place at the end of October on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, although it is always worth checking the exact dates.

As its name suggests, the festival celebrates the underwater world through photography and video competitions, with prizes for categories such as best underwater photograph and best video. It is a great way to promote activities such as snorkeling and diving in the Seychelles. Naturally, the festival also has a lively atmosphere. It is generally held on Mahé in late November or early December, although you should check the dates before planning your trip.

I know that food is an important part of a successful trip. In Victoria, you can sample Creole cuisine, which combines spices with fresh and exotic ingredients. To learn more about typical dishes, take a look at our page containing practical information about the Seychelles. In the meantime, here is a selection of restaurants in Victoria that receive very positive feedback:

• Le Marie-Antoinette: a historic restaurant full of flavor, ideal for taking your taste buds on a journey. The restaurant has been famous throughout the archipelago since it opened in 1972. Here, you can sample fresh local dishes such as fish and chicken curry.
• Del Place Restaurant: head toward Victoria Harbor for this charming waterfront restaurant. Specialties include seafood and cocktails, all at reasonable prices. It sounds like a great place to stop.
• Le Moloko: if you’re looking for a traditional Creole restaurant, this is a good option. Reviews consistently praise both the food and the warm, friendly welcome.
• La Scala Restaurant: this restaurant brings a taste of Italy to the Seychelles. The menu includes pasta and freshly caught fish. Tempted to try it?
• The Maharajas: an Indian restaurant serving authentic, spicy cuisine in a beautiful setting on Eden Island, near Victoria. The quality of the food and the sea views make it an excellent place for a meal, especially around sunset.

I hope this selection gives you a good idea of the variety of cuisines available in the Seychelles capital. I’m sure you’ll find something you enjoy.

Just like with food, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options in Victoria. Here are a few ideas:

For a more upscale stay:

• The Ridge Residence: a beautiful four-star hotel located in Victoria. Guests can enjoy high-quality amenities, including an outdoor pool and rooms with sea views.
• Hilltop Boutique Hotel: a family-run property offering beautiful ocean views and modern, fully equipped rooms. It is easy to see why travelers enjoy staying here.

For a comfortable and affordable stay:

• Phoenix Apartments: family-friendly apartments with an infinity pool, comfortable rooms and beautiful mountain views.
• Beau séjour Hotel: a charming mid-range hotel located close to both the center of the capital and the beach. It offers a good balance for a comfortable stay in Victoria.
• Blue Hill: an attractive hillside property with beautiful views over Victoria and good-quality amenities. It is a pleasant option for a successful vacation in the Seychelles.

Although Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles, it is not necessarily the most expensive place to stay, and you can usually find a good middle ground. If you prefer somewhere quieter, read our guide to accommodation on Mahé Island.

There are several ways to get around Victoria:

• On foot: let’s start with the easiest option. If you enjoy walking, exploring the city center on foot is a pleasant way to discover Victoria and perhaps stumble across a few unexpected places. The capital is relatively small, so getting around on foot is easy.
• By bus: the local bus network allows you to travel around Victoria and the surrounding area. Although the network is limited, it is practical enough for reaching the city center and the main monuments mentioned above.
• By car: you won’t need a car in central Victoria. However, if you want to leave the city and explore the rest of Mahé freely, renting a car is the most convenient option. I recommend DiscoverCars, the car rental comparison service I have used for years to find good deals.

Personally, I prefer renting a car when I travel so that I can remain completely independent. However, in a city such as Victoria, there is nothing better than exploring the center on foot and enjoying the atmosphere. Believe me, I’ve made some wonderful unexpected discoveries that way.

That brings me to the end of this comprehensive guide to things to do in Victoria, Seychelles. I hope the article has inspired you to visit the capital during your trip. You now have a good overview of the main things to do in Victoria, so you should be able to make the most of your time there. Are you convinced that Victoria deserves a place on your itinerary?

For your sunny getaway, you may also be planning to spend a few days exploring Praslin. Take a look at our article to discover what you can do on Praslin.

Feel free to share your opinions and experiences in the comments.

See you soon for more activities in the sun,

Written by Sylvain PONS

In this article, I'd like to introduce you to the wonders of the Seychelles archipelago, a paradise lost in the middle of the Indian Ocean, perfect for relaxing, having a good time and simply enjoying yourself!

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