Best things to do in Victoria, Seychelles

Best things to do in Victoria, Seychelles

Victoria is the capital city of the Seychelles and it is located on the main island of Mahe. Despite being the busiest commercial area on the island, Victoria—like most places in the Seychelles, has a slow-paced, charming way of life. The joix-de-vivre of the Seychellois people is palpable in everyday pleasantries through deep, hearty laughs and animated conversations. Even with modern developments, the fascinating history of the Seychelles can be witnessed through Victoria’s monuments and its few colonial-style architectures. Green spaces and colourful Bougainvilleas add to its idyllic scenery, complemented by warm smiles and friendly faces.

Victoria can be covered by foot in less than an hour. If you prefer, you can opt for a guided tour or you can discover the capital of the Seychelles at your own leisure. However, it is important to remember that most places close at 4.30 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays, with Sunday being a holiday.

This article contains everything you need to know on the best things to do in Victoria, Seychelles for the most memorable holiday.

Traveling time:

If you’re traveling to Victoria from the North, it will take approximately 10 minutes by car and 25 minutes by bus. From the South, one will reach in approximately 20 minutes by car and up to an hour by bus (depending on the flow of traffic).

For a relaxing trip, choose from a range of affordable, high-quality rental cars here. (link this to booking page)

What you will need:

• Light clothing (preferably cotton or linen)
• Comfortable footwear
• A cap or wide-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Bottle of water
• Camera
• A map (optional)
• A small umbrella (optional)

For an exciting experience, here are the best things to do in Victoria, Seychelles:

1. A trip to the Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market

Bustling with life and colours, the Selwyn Selwyn Clarke market was built in 1840. Here, one can find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, spices, local honey, flowers and souvenirs. For a bird’s eye view, why not take a pause on the balcony of its upstairs restaurant? You can enjoy creole delicacies or sip on lemongrass tea and freshly made local juices.

2. The National History Museum

Housed in a magnificent colonial-style building that used to be the Supreme Court, the National History Museum showcases an array of interesting artefacts that tell the rich history of the Seychelles. After an immersive, knowledge-packed experience, savour a delicious meal from the café on the museum’s premise and purchase souvenirs at its on-site shop.

 

3. Eat like a local

Victoria has a number of take-away outlets and food vans to choose from. Feast on authentic creole dishes like octopus coconut curry, grilled fish, bouyon bred (a delicious soup of fried fish, bok-choy and mild spices) and ladob (a typical Seychelles dessert of plantains/ yams/ sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla). They are served with either rice or boiled cassava and complementary salad or local chutney. For some heat, don’t forget to add some crushed chillies! A meal usually costs around Rs. 60 to 100. For something that’s a bit fancier, one can opt for lunch at a café or restaurant. Most eateries serve a variety of cuisines ranging from Creole, Italian, Chinese and Indian.

 

4. Purchase beautiful souvenirs

Remember your trip in the Creole capital by bringing home souvenirs made by local artisans. Souvenir shops are studded throughout the small city, where you will be truly spoiled for choice. If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious, Camion Hall on Albert Street is the place to visit. Here, you can find shops that sell authentic gold and silver jewellery pieces inspired by the Seychelles, locally-made skin care products and a wide range

of curios.

 

 

 

5. Admire street art

The city’s vibrant culture can be witnessed through various forms of art that are also centred on themes of nature, climate change and good values. These are the perfect backdrops for your Instagram photos. All you have to do is take out your camera and strike a pose!

 

6. Visit art galleries

Looking for some beautiful works of art to take home? Carrefour des Arts and Kenwyn House, both located on Rue de La Possession, have impressive collections from a variety of well-known Seychellois artists.

 

7. Catch a movie at the Deepam Cinema

Are you a movie enthusiast who likes to be up-to-date with the latest releases? Take a break from the beach and head to the cinema for date night. Located on Albert Street, the Deepam Cinema has all the facilities of a modern movie theatre. During weekdays, shows start airing from 6 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.

 

8. Send a post card to your loved ones

Share your holiday with your loved ones and let them know you are thinking of them. Seychelles’ main post office is located right next to the Clock Tower, offering a vast selection of post cards and stamps. Post cards are also on sale at the various souvenir shops. It costs about Rs. 18 to send a post card anywhere in the world from Seychelles.

 

Top attractions:

• The Clock Tower

Located in the heart of Victoria, the Clock Tower is a striking landmark and the symbol of the capital. Built in commemoration of the British rule during the reign of Queen Victoria, the Clock Tower has an exact replica in London, England. Interestingly, it is considered as the most photographed monument in Victoria.

 

 

 

• The Bicentenary Monument

Located at the round-about of Constitution Avenue, the Bicentenary monument is a white structure showing three pairs of extended wings. The wings represent the African, European and Asian ancestry of the Seychellois people.

 

• The Hindu Temple

Located on Quincy Street, just a few steps away from Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke market, the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar is the first Hindu temple in Seychelles. It was built by the Indian community who has been residing in Seychelles for more than 200 years. The temple has an eye-catching exterior with a multitude of colourful structures, making it one of the most popular touristic attractions in Victoria.

 

• The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Located on the Olivier Maradan Street, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the mother church of the Catholic diocese. With an impressive, towering façade and stained glass windows, the cathedral has a French colonial-style architecture. For a 180 degree view of Victoria, one can hike up the short trail behind the Domus next door.

 

Key events to watch out for:

 

The majority of national and cultural events take place in Victoria. During certain times of the year, the Creole Capital becomes more lively and vibrant with celebrations and street parties. Here are some of the events to watch out for the best time in Victoria:

 

Bazar Victoria

This night bazar is held on the last weekend of every month. With a variety of food stalls, you can eat to your heart’s content. Seize this opportunity to dance to the traditional moutya around a bonfire under the moonlight.

 

 

National Day

Celebrated on the 29^th of June each year, Seychellois from all corners of the island flock to the capital to commemorate the country’s Independence Day. Amongst many activities, is an impressive military parade followed by cultural and musical shows. The ceremony closes with a brilliant fireworks display but the street party continues well into the night.

 

 

 

Creole Festival

The Creole festival is a celebration of the Creole culture. The week-long festival takes place annually in the last seven days of October. During this time, food stalls line the streets of Victoria with live bands playing popular Creole tunes. Activities include a colourful parade also known as “La Serenade”, plays at the National Theatre, musical shows, dance competitions, art exhibitions, and the “Bal Bobes”—an eventful evening of dancing and singing until the crack of dawn.

 

Christmas and New Year

Every year, the Office of the Mayor organises a Christmas lighting ceremony during the month of December. This luminous attraction is popular with locals and visitors alike. Carol singing adds to the festive cheer along with Christmas bazars. While most people spend Christmas Day with family, on New Year’s Eve, there is a street party where everyone meet for the New Year countdown, followed by fireworks.