Did you know that Victoria in Seychelles is one of the smallest capital cities in the world? You might be wondering if such a small place is even worth your time.
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Victoria Seychelles, let me tell you — I wasn’t expecting much at first either, but this little capital quickly proved me wrong.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEYCHELLES:
• Hilltop Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Victoria on Mahé)
• Sun Properties & Resort Hotel (I stayed here in Beau Vallon on Mahé)
• Marie Laure Suites (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Bambous River Lodge (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Palm Beach Hotel (I stayed here in Grand Anse on Praslin)
• Chez Bea (I stayed here in Cote’Or on Praslin)
• Cote D’Or Footprints (upscale stay in Cote D’Or on Praslin)
• La Digue Self Catering Apartments (I stayed here in La Passe on La Digue)
• Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel (perfect beachfront location on La Digue)
• Chalets d’Anse Reunion (perfect paradise stay on La Digue)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN SEYCHELLES:
• Mahé: Anse Major hike (I did this fun hike!)
• Mahé: Private Tour on Mahé (I did this)
• Mahé: St. Anne Marine Park with Lunch (I did this!)
• Mahé: Rock pool hike (on my wishlist)
• Mahé: Day trip to Praslin and La Digue (great if you are short on time)
• Praslin: Vallé de Mai and Anse Lazio (I did this!)
• Praslin: cruise to Curieuse and St. Pierre Island (top-rated tour)
• La Digue: Anse Marron (hike to an isolated beach)
• La Digue: Crystal Water Kayaks tour (my favorite!)
With just around 25,000 residents (less than my hometown), it’s easy to underestimate this walkable city named after Queen Victoria.
But beyond its size, you’ll find delicious places to eat, botanical gardens, colorful temples, and local markets. I’ve explored it myself, and there’s far more here than you’d expect.
No matter if you’re visiting as a quick stop or exploring it as part of your Seychelles itinerary, this small capital is absolutely worth your time.
Keep reading to discover the top things to do in Victoria and what you definitely shouldn’t miss in the cultural and historical heart of Seychelles.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Things to see in Victoria Seychelles
TL;DR / KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Explore the main Victoria attractions on foot in half a day, before heading out on a day trip, visiting other Seychelles islands, or exploring more of Mahé.
● Learn about Seychelles’ history at the National Museum of History or visit the abandoned Bel Air Cemetery to see colonial-era graves. Take photos at landmarks like the Clock Tower and Bicentenary Monument.
● Try local Creole dishes at Marie Antoinette Restaurant, or wander Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market for spices, fresh produce, and some of the best Seychelles souvenirs.
● Visit the city’s religious sites like the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, and the Hindu Temple, which show the islands’ diverse religions.
● Don’t miss the Botanical Gardens, where you can spot giant Aldabra tortoises and the famous coco de mer palms, if this is your only stop in the Seychelles.
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List of the best things to do in Victoria Seychelles
Take a photo at the Victoria Clock Tower
Victoria Clock Tower, or “Lorloz”, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Seychelles and one of the most iconic things to see in Victoria, Seychelles.
This silver tower in the center of Victoria is a miniature replica of London’s Big Ben. It was built in 1903 as a gift from the British to mark Queen Victoria’s reign and celebrate Seychelles’ new status as a Crown Colony after separating from Mauritius. Standing 7.5 m (24.6 ft) tall, it was originally painted black before being restored to silver.
You’ll spot “Little Ben” or “Mini Big Ben” while walking from the market to the National Museum, or driving toward Beau Vallon. It’s near the post office, in front of which are statues of a Coco de Mer and an Aldabra tortoise, adding a uniquely Seychellois touch.
Visit the Seychelles National Museum of History
The National Museum of History highlights the history and cultural heritage of the Seychellois people, despite the fact that Seychelles is one of the few countries with no native population.
VISITING NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Opening hours: Monday 9:30 – 12, Tuesday – Friday 9:30 – 12 and 13 – 16:45, Saturday 9:30 – 13:30
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
Time needed: 0.5 – 1 hour
Entrance fee: 150 SCR (10€ | $11)
Here you can learn about the human history, Creole culture and colonial past. Like how the population, on originally uninhabited islands, developed through a mix of African slaves, European settlers, Indian laborers, and Chinese merchants, and its development from early settlements to a Crown Colony under the British.
Inside this colonial-era building, you’ll also find exhibits on Seychelles’ geology and biodiversity, including fossils from the time of the dinosaurs and information about wildlife like crocodiles — which once lived in the swamps where Victoria stands today — and dugongs.
I like that the museum is small, so you have an easy, short stop while exploring nearby landmarks like the Clock Tower or the market. It gives you a clear, useful overview of how Seychelles evolved from empty islands into a multicultural society.
Eat at the Creole restaurant Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette Restaurant is one of the best places in Victoria to experience traditional Creole cuisine.
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Hindu Temple, it’s a well-known local spot, often compared to Chez Jules on La Digue for its authentic flavors and generous portions. The menu features classic Creole dishes such as grilled fish, octopus curry, chicken curry, lentils, chutneys, and breadfruit. For the adventurous, they occasionally serve fruit bat curry, a true Seychelles delicacy.
While it’s not the cheapest restaurant on Mahé, it’s one of the most reliable places to taste authentic Creole cuisine. It works well as a lunch or dinner stop while exploring Victoria, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel season.
ALSO READ:
• Where to eat on Mahe
Shop at Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market
No list of things to do in Victoria, Seychelles is complete without a visit to the local Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, also known as Victoria Market.
Here you can find fresh fish, exotic fruits, aromatic spices, colorful clothing, and pick up some of the best Seychelles souvenirs. It’s a great place to shop for spices, vanilla, cinnamon, coconut products, or handmade crafts that reflect the island’s culture.
First built in 1840 and later updated, the market remains a historic hub where traditional and modern Seychellois life come together. As with any market, it’s busiest in the morning, so that’s the best time to visit for the full experience.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
As of March 2025, the market is undergoing renovations. It has temporarily relocated to the former STC Supermarket in Victoria, so you can still visit while improvements are underway.
Take a photo of the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is the only Hindu temple in Seychelles.
The most colorful landmark in Victoria is a beautiful reflection of the island’s multicultural population. While the majority of Seychellois are Christian, around 2% of Seychellois follow Hinduism, largely due to Indian heritage within the population.
The temple was originally built in 1992 and later renovated in 2005, when its iconic brightly colored façade and intricate carvings were added. It was established to serve the local Hindu community and remains an active place of worship today. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the temple is especially lively during Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
You are welcome to visit, but dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
Visit Victoria’s two Cathedrals
Victoria’s two main cathedrals offer a quick insight into Seychelles’ cultural mix, where different religions and traditions coexist in such a small capital.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, or Immaculate Conception Cathedral or simply Cathedral of Victoria is the main Roman Catholic church in Seychelles, reflecting the fact that about 76% of Seychellois identify as Catholic, making it the dominant religion on the islands.
Just a short walk away, St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral represents the country’s British colonial past and Anglican heritage, followed by around 6% of the population.
You can have a look inside either cathedral but dress modestly and be respectful, especially during services.
See the Bicentenary Monument
The Bicentenary Monument is a modern, easy-to-spot landmark in Victoria that reflects Seychelles’ rich history.
Locally known as Moniman trwa lezel (“three‑winged monument”), it was erected in 1978 to mark the 200th anniversary of Victoria. The city was originally named L’Établissement du Roi in 1778 by the French settler Charles Routier de Romainville.
The monument has three pairs of striking fins rising from a circular base in the middle of the round-about in the city center. Each pair represents the African, European, and Asian origins of the Seychellois people, symbolizing the multicultural mix that shaped the islands’ Creole identity.
Learn about Seychelles unique flora and fauna in Victoria Botanical Gardens
The Victoria Botanical Gardens is a perfect stop to discover Seychelles’ unique plants and wildlife.
VISITING VICTORIA BOTANICAL GARDENS
Opening hours: seven days a week, Monday – Sunday 8:00 – 16:30
Time needed: 1 – 2 hours
Entrance fee: 250 SCR (15€ | $17,5)
Located on Mont Fleuri Road, the gardens were established in 1901 and cover around 10,000 sqm. Here you can find more than 280 plant species, an orchid garden with over 150 species, tropical trees, and the famous coco de mer palm, which produces the largest seed in the world.
You can meet giant Aldabra tortoises, and you can spot native birds in the trees, making it an easy wildlife experience without leaving the capital.
The gardens are a great introduction to Seychelles’ biodiversity, especially if you’re not visiting places like Vallée de Mai on Praslin or islands such as Île Moyenne, Curieuse Island, or La Digue, where you can also see coco de mer and tortoises.
Explore the abandoned Bel Air Cemetery
The abandoned Bel Air Cemetery is one of the more unusual things to do in Victoria, Seychelles.
Located in Bel Air, just a short distance from the city center, this historic site dates back to the 18th century and is considered the first official burial ground in Seychelles.
It was once the main cemetery during the French and early British periods, with tombs belonging to settlers, soldiers, and freed slaves. One of the more interesting graves is that of Charles Dorothée Savy, a man said to have been over 9 feet tall.
You can easily combine the visit with the nearby Botanical Gardens. However, the site is abandoned, and many tombstones are overgrown. It’s an interesting stop if you enjoy history, and in that case, I would also recommend visiting the cemetery inside the L’Union Estate on La Digue.
Plan other activities on Mahé
Victoria is just the starting point for exploring Mahé and nearby islands.
From Victoria, you can easily book boat trips and day tours to Sainte Anne Marine National Park for snorkeling, or island-hop to Praslin,and La Digue, where you’ll find some of the best beaches and nature in Seychelles. Expect different island vibes, more coral reefs, and a good chance of spotting sea turtles.
Outside of the capital, some of the top things to do on Mahé include hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park, visiting viewpoints like Mission Lodge Lookout, and stopping at waterfalls such as Sauzier Waterfall. You can also explore some of the best Mahé beaches — Beau Vallon is the most popular for swimming, Anse Royale is calmer and great for picnics and photography, while Anse Intendance is more scenic.
Victoria Seychelles things to do on a MAP
This map shows a small selection of things to do in Victoria to help you get started.
My full Seychelles Google Map includes all pins from across my Seychelles blog — beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, hikes, and more — everything mentioned in my Seychelles travel guides in one place.
It’s all organized in Google Maps, so you don’t have to piece everything together yourself.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP
Use your mouse or fingers to ZOOM in and ZOOM out. For more info about the place, click the icons on the map.
If you wish to SAVE this map for later use, click the small grey star ‘⭐’ next to the map title. Map will be automatically added to your Google Maps account. To view it, go to ‘Saved’, then select ‘Maps’, find a map or click ‘Open My Maps’. You can also find it in your Google My Maps Account under ‘All’ or ‘Not Owned’ or ‘Recent’.
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Victoria, Seychelles
I hope this guide helped you to find an answer to what to do in Victoria, Seychelles.
Victoria may be small, but it is packed with history, culture, and authentic Seychellois experiences — and it’s definitely worth your visit. It’s my favorite starting point on Mahé because you can see a little bit of everything in one walkable area.
In half a day you can wander through the market, learn about the island’s colonial past at the National Museum of History, or admire the city’s religious diversity at the cathedrals and Hindu temple.
You can also stop at local restaurants like Marie Antoinette to taste traditional Creole cuisine, or take photos at landmarks like the Clock Tower and Bicentenary Monument.
If you want to explore beyond the capital city, Victoria is the perfect base for discovering the rest of Mahé or taking day trips to nearby islands like Praslin and La Digue.
Now that you know what to do in Victoria, Seychelles, have a look at other Seychelles guides and find out how to get to Seychelles, things to do in Mahé, the best beaches in Mahe, what to pack for Seychelles, and other Seychelles info you might need.
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• 15 Top things to do in Mahe, Seychelles (+ Map!)
• Where to stay in Mahe Island, Seychelles: Areas and 15 best Mahé hotels
• How to spend 10 days in Seychelles Itinerary
• Best time to visit Seychelles for weather and activities
• eSIM Seychelles: My experience using Airalo eSIM for Seychelles
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