A holiday in Seychelles would not be complete without a tour of its capital, Victoria. Even though it’s quite a small town, there is so much to see and do.
Victoria itself is located on the north-eastern side of Mahé and has an area of less than 8 sq miles. Being the capital, most businesses are located here and during the day it’s a bustling community with people going about their day to day activities.
The typical working day in Seychelles is from 08:00 to 16:00. Most places start to shut at around this time, although there may be some that stay open until 17:00. After this time though, the town empties out pretty quickly and the only places remaining open are restaurants, bars and a few corner shops.
Despite its size, it’s very easy to lose track of time as you walk around Victoria, so it’s best to plan your day and make sure you’re able to get to the places you really want to visit.
Below is a list of all the main attractions in Victoria so you can make the most of your visit and take in all this little town has to show you.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market (Creole - bazar)
Located in the heart of Victoria is the local market. With its bright colours and lively atmosphere, it’s a must-see for any visitor. Originally built in 1840, it was renovated in 1999. Locals visit the market to buy their own goods, such as fish, fruits, vegetables and spices. In addition to food items, the market also has a number of souvenir shops and stalls where visitors can purchase clothing, trinkets and other keepsakes from their trip.
Victoria Clock Tower (Creole - Lorloz)
The Victoria Clock Tower is probably Seychelles’ most prominent landmark. Ordered by the then governor of Seychelles, Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott, it was erected in 1903 to commemorate Seychelles’ newly achieved crown colony status of that same year. It is a replica of London’s Vauxhall Bridge clock tower, Little Ben, so admired by Sir Sweet-Escott.
Victoria Clock Tower, Mahé, Seychelles
Little Ben, Brian Teutsch, CC BY 2.0, Flickr
Hindu Temple – Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar
Built in 1992, this is the only Hindu temple in Seychelles. It is named after the Hindu god Vinayagar. It is a truly impressive, intricate and colourful piece of architecture.
Liberty Monument
The Liberty Monument, as its name suggests, is a representation of Seychelles’ independence from Britain. The bronze statue depicts a man and woman proudly holding the national flag above their heads. It was erected in June of 2014 and stands on 5th June Avenue. In that same spot, the original liberation monument, ‘Zomn Lib’ (free man in English), use to stand. This was a metal statue of a man breaking the chains binding him. It has since been relocated to the Maison Du Peuple building not too far away.
The Liberty Monument, Seychelles, Joe Laurence for Seychelles News Agency, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bicentennial Monument
This remarkable monument was erected in 1978 in order to commemorate Victoria’s 200th birthday. It stands in the middle of the roundabout located at the intersection of 5th June Avenue and Liberation Avenue. There are three pairs of wings depicted in this structure and the significance of this is two-fold. Firstly, it symbolises the mixture of ethnic groups that call Seychelles home – a mixture of Africans, Asians and Europeans. Secondly, the wings are a representation of the creatures who first discovered these beautiful islands – the birds.
Natural History Museum
The Seychelles Natural History Museum displays a collection of flora, fauna and history of the islands. Although a relatively small museum, it offers much insight into the unique habitat of Seychelles. Through the exhibits, the museum also provides enlightenment and educates on the various aspects of conservation. Unfortunately, it is currently closed and due to undergo renovations. It is hoped that some of the more popular exhibits will be put on display in the National Museum of History (opposite) but this has not yet been confirmed.
Natural History Museum
National Museum of History
The National Museum of History is a place to discover historical artefacts of the Seychelles. It showcases a number of relics from the times of the discovery of the islands, to the crown colony and later, its independence. Here you will find a number of displays illustrating the traditional ways of Seychelles life, from the old style of kitchens to the traditional Creole weddings.
National History Museum
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
This magnificent cathedral is one of the first churches that was built in Seychelles. It is the resting place of the first and only Seychellois Bishop, Felix Paul. His tomb lies inside the Cathedral’s flooring, marked by a plaque.
Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate Conception, Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency, CC BY 4.0
La Domus
The original residence of the Roman Catholic priests, La Domus, was built in 1934. It is located next door to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and today is home to only a few priests. The majority of the rooms of this large residence are now used for administrative purposes.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
This church serves as both Cathedral of the Diocese and the Anglican Parish Church. Vincent William Ryan, the first Bishop of Mauritius, consecrated St. Paul’s Cathedral in May of 1859. Since this time, it has undergone a number of renovations, mostly in an effort to accommodate its growing congregation.
SENPA Esplanade Craft Kiosks
SENPA is an organisation that helps promote local small and medium sized craft businesses in Seychelles. These colourful kiosks, which line a large stretch of Francis Rachel Street, provide a rich blend of all types of souvenirs and crafts made in Seychelles. It is definitely worth taking a stroll and having a browse.
Seychelles, Schmitt.stelle, CC BY 2.0, Flickr
Carrefour Des Arts
Carrefour Des Arts is located not too far from the Esplanade Craft Kiosks. It consists of a number of small shops which sell Seychelles hand-made crafts as well as music by local artists. These crafts are inspired by the tradition, culture and folklore of Seychelles and is another great place to find souvenirs of your visit. There is a small café located there as well where you can enjoy some refreshments.
Grand Kaz/Kenwyn House
This is a true example of colonial architecture. It was built in 1850 and was home to the chief medical officer of the old colony, Dr. Brooks. This traditional building is now a public art gallery. It has the first ever Coco De Mer wall which has become increasingly popular with visitors.
Grand Kaz/Kenwyn House, Gerard Larose, Seychelles News Agency, CC BY 4.0
Kreolor
Kreolor is a unique array of gold jewellery hand crafted in Seychelles. The company was founded in 1990 and offers one-of-a-kind jewellery items made using Seychelles’ natural materials. It is located in the Camion Hall Building on Albert Street.
Botanical Gardens
The Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, although technically not in Victoria itself, is located just on the outskirts. It is only a few minutes’ walk from central Victoria and home to a number of exotic and endemic species of plants. The garden itself is over 100 years old and one of Seychelles’ oldest national sites. You will find the endemic Coco De Mer palm here as well as giant tortoises. The Botanical Gardens are open daily until 17:00.
Botanical Gardens, Salifa Karapetyan, Seychelles News Agency, CC BY 4.0
Bel Air Cemetary
The Bel Air Cemetary is also located just outside of Victoria. It was the first official burial ground in Seychelles, having been built towards the end of the 18th century. Many of Seychelles’ historical figures are buried here, including the son-in-law of Queau de Quincy, who was a prominent figure and leader of the first independent Seychelles colony (see History of Seychelles). The ‘Seychelles giant’ as he is known is also buried here. This was Charles Savy, a 9ft, 14 year old boy who was poisoned by his neighbours who were fearful of his height. The cemetery is an interesting place of Creole folklore and definitely worth a visit.
Seychelles, Flowcomm, CC BY 2.0, Flickr
Seychelles, Flowcomm, CC BY 2.0, Flickr
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As I never visited Seychelles, I believed that everything was azure waters and gorgeous beaches. I see now there’s a lot more. What a great virtual tour of a destination on my bucket list! Thank you!!
Thank you. Hopefully you can make it over soon.
This is a great list of things to see and do in Victoria! I’ve never been before but it looks like a lovely place to visit. Thankyou for sharing!
Thank you Danielle.
Just added this to my list of places to visit!
Good choice! 😊