The Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean are one of the world’s most incredible tropical island destinations, with stunning beaches and a consistently warm climate. The nature on these islands is astounding, making it a perfect destination for beach-lovers as well as nature-lovers. (Trust me; there are some seriously beautiful hikes in the Seychelles). But the capital is well worth a visit too, and as one of the world’s smallest capital cities, it’s easily explored in one day. Here are the best things to do in Port Victoria, Seychelles.
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Where is Port Victoria?
The city of Victoria is located on the north eastern side of Mahé Island, which is the largest of all the islands that make up the Seychelles. This is also where Mahé International Airport is located, so all visitors to the Seychelles will pass through this island at some point.
Victoria Botanical Gardens
The number one thing to do in Port Victoria Seychelles is definitely to pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens, which are within easy walking distance of the city centre. The gardens are a peaceful oasis of calm in the hubbub of Victoria, and I loved going there for its beauty as well as the relaxing atmosphere.
Seychelles is famous for the Coco de Mer tree, which grows the biggest nuts in the world (they also look kind of like butts, so make of that what you will.) The botanical gardens are home to a beautiful Coco de Mer, as well as several different gardens and an enclosure of giant tortoises. You can pay a small extra fee (in cash) for a handful of leaves to feed these gentle giants, or just admire them from a distance.
Giant bats can be seen all over the Seychelles- whether in the daytime or at night- but look up in the densely forested area at one end of the botanical gardens, and you’re likely to see hundreds at once.
Adult entry to the Victoria Botanical Gardens is 100SCR (around €7.40), and you can pay in cash or card.
Little Ben
The city of Victoria was named after Queen Victoria of England; because back in the day this was a British colonial territory. The Seychelles is now a fully independent nation, but there are still reminders of its colonial past to be found.
Smack bang in the middle of Victoria is a miniature ‘Big Ben,’ modelled on the original (much taller) version in London. The clock tower was erected in 1903 in memory of Queen Victoria, and is considered to be one of Victoria’s most important landmarks.
The Hindu temple
You can’t miss this stunning temple, known as Tempio Hindu, in the middle of the city; mainly because it’s just so darn tootin’ colourful.
Like the nearby island nation of Mauritius, Indians were first brought to the Seychelles as slaves or indentured servants. Many more Indian nationals arrived here as construction workers, traders and professionals after slavery was abolished. So these days abut 7% of the population of Seychelles are of Indian origin, with Hinduism being the main religion.
The temple is on Quincy Street, just behind the market, and is open from 6am until midnight each day.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market
This chaotic and characterful market was built in 1840 but has been renovated since then, and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The smell of fish can’t be avoided upon entering, and sometimes herons and seagulls are as attracted to this place as the humans are. It’s quite a sight to behold, pals, but I love it.
Browse all the tropical fruits and vegetables and spices, and prepare to be accosted upstairs by all the souvenir sellers wanting to sell you oils, fabric and t-shirts. The market is busiest on Saturdays, and in general it’s best to arrive (whichever day of the week you plan to visit), before lunchtime.
What to eat in Victoria Seychelles
My first choice when in Victoria is to head to one of the food trucks near the water; there are plenty to choose from. Takeaway creole food is kind of a big deal in the Seychelles, and many families eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner. Chicken or fish coconut curries were my personal favourites, served with rice. Either that or some delicious grilled fish.
However, if you’re after a unique restaurant experience in Victoria, check out Marie-Antoinette which is in an old colonial house on the road from the city to Beau Vallon beach. I was recommended this restaurant by several people, but alas, never made it! There’re a tonne of authentic Seychellois dishes on the menu, including bat curry, if that kind of thing floats your boat.
Mont Fleuri Cemetery
Not everyone’s cup of tea, but the Mont Fleuri Cemetery is the most colourful cemetery I’ve ever visited. Seychellois graves stretch into the distance as far as the eye can see, laden with neon silk flowers, against a backdrop of green mountains in the distance. The cemetery is further along the road from the Botanical Gardens, although in the heat it can definitely feel like a greater distance than it actually is.
Wifi isn’t great: buy a book
I found wifi in the Seychelles to be sketchy at best. Avoid disappointment and buy a book for the beach days! (Also, who wants to spend their entire time in paradise with their head bowed over a phone screen?)
The Chanterelle Bookshop is almost directly opposite the Hindu Temple and has an awesome selection of books; this was my go-to place when visiting docking in Victoria.
Where is the closest beach to Port Victoria Seychelles?
Beau Vallon is the closest beach to Victoria, and is also probably the biggest tourist spot on the island of Mahé. (In fact it can sometimes get almost as busy as the capital city.) There are plenty of big hotels here, as well as beachfront restaurants and bars.
For beach snacks, I recommend heading to one of the barbecues and buying some freshly grilled fish and rice and a bottle or two of SeyBrew– the local beer.
To get from Victoria to Beau Vallon you can catch local bus number 21 from the main bus terminal in the city, which will take you over the mountains to the beach on the other side. Using public transport in the Seychelles is super easy and super cheap; a single bus fare costs 7SCR (about €0.50).
Tips for exploring Port Victoria
- Be prepared for rain! Typically rainy season is December, January and February, and the rain can be seriously torrential. I’ve been caught in many a rainstorm, however the temperature remains hot and humid so it can take some adjusting to.
- Port Victoria is Mahé Island’s transport hub. Buses leave from the main bus station, and are cheap, easy to use, and travel across the whole island. 10/10 would recommend.
- Having said that- getting out (or back in) to the city by road, can be a slow process. Traffic jams are common here.
- Currency is the Seychelles Rupee. €1 is about 13.25 SCR. (2022)
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