Victoria is the gateway to the Seychelles Islands’ paradise. As the capital city, it holds a special charm filled with culture and natural beauty. It’s well worth giving it a day to explore. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and love sharing travel tips. So, read on to discover top Victoria, Seychelles attractions for planning or virtual travel.
About Victoria, Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago, consisting of 115 islands about 1,500 km east of mainland Africa. It is the smallest country in Africa, however, Seychelles has the highest per capita GDP of any African nation. Its multi-cultural nation comprises of French, British and African influences. Likewise, its official languages are French, British and Seychellois Creole. After being occupied by the French and British, Seychelles became an independent republic in 1976.
Spread over the Indian Ocean, Seychelles Islands are known for pristine beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving. Victoria is the capital and largest city of the Seychelles on the northeast side of Mahé island, the archipelago’s main island. Seychelles International Airport is near Victoria on Mahe Island.
Related: Mahe, Seychelles Island Tour – Beach-hopping, Tortoises, Mountains & Shopping
Enjoy my YouTube Video!
Victoria, Seychelles
Top Attractions
& Walking Tour
Victoria Botanical Gardens
If you only do one thing in Victoria, go to the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens. This is a national monument and became established in 1901 by the Mauritian agronomist, P R Dupont.
Today, this city sanctuary showcases over 280 plant species and even the giant tortoises from Aldabra. Also, its educational kiosk provides a setting for yoga classes and private events. One of the main attractions of the gardens is seeing a Coco de mer, an endemic tree in the Seychelles with the largest nut in the world.
The garden offers themed sections:
Coco de mer Alley (Largest nut in world)
Exotic and endemic birds
Tortoises from Aldabra
Tarrapin Pond (turtles from Madagascar)
Exotic Flowers
Fruits and spices
Thai and Chinese Gardens
Tropical Rainforest
Walking Tour to Esplanade Attractions
From the Botanical Garden, walk along Mont Fleuri Drive past the Unity Monument. Take a left at the roundabout to Rue Pierre de Possession and follow the Esplanade. Walking along here, you go by the Kenwyn House, an art gallery featuring local artists. Continuing on past the library and Esplanade Craft Village, I stopped at the al fresco Lansiv Café. It’s a pleasant venue for lunch, wine or ice cream.
Next door to the café is the National Museum of History. This museum is open Mon. – Sat. and provides a great way to learn about the history of Seychelles.
In front of the museum is the colorful, standing Seychelles Sign and the roundabout with Little Ben Clock Tower. This replica reminds us of the British influence on Seychelles and the clock tower at Vauxhall Bridge in London. However, a unique attribute of this clock is that it strikes twice on the hour, instead of once. This inspired the words of the song “Going back to the Seychelles, where the clock strikes twice.”
Walk North to Cathedral, Temple and Market
Next, heading north on Albert Street is St. Paul’s Cathedral. Then, take a left on Royal and a right on Quincy Street to the only Hindu Temple in Seychelles. The vivid Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar stands out for photo ops. You may go inside with shoes off if no ceremonies are happening.
Then, heading north, go right on Market Street to the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market. Saturday mornings is the best time to visit when it has the most vendors. This market fills up with a cornucopia of exotic fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, clothing and handicrafts. Also, there’s a café here to ponder all the inspiration in the market. Afterwards, if you wish, head north on Albert Street to the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception.
Copolia Trail and Beau Vallon
(Need a Taxi or Car)
The 2.8 km Copolia Trail is near Victoria with stunning views. Moderately difficult, it gains about 488 meters and takes 1 -2 hours. Due to maintenance, the trail costs about 100 SCR.
Also, just a 15-minute drive from Victoria is the most popular beach on Mahe Island, Beau Vallon. With a white, sandy beach, palm trees and turquoise waters, Beau Vallon attracts many tourists and locals to enjoy its beachfront restaurant, bars and water sports. It is family-friendly offering numerous beach activities, such as, paddleboarding, jet-skiing, volleyball, snorkeling, and even parasailing. Bus 21 from the city center goes to the beach.
Most Popular Restaurant in Seychelles
Even though I didn’t go, I recommend the most famous restaurant in Seychelles, Marie Antoinette Restaurant. Many locals suggested it to me, and next time I will try it out. Its setting is a colonial Seychellois mansion among spice gardens, giant tortoises and the Livingstone Gallery. Named after Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, it offers outdoor seating with authentic Creole Seychellois food. The menu remains mostly unchanged since opening in 1972. Overall, it’s more than just a restaurant, it’s an experience.
Enjoy Victoria, Seychelles
As the gateway to the archipelago islands of Seychelles, Victoria is well worth a day for exploration. I thoroughly enjoyed my full day here. On my second day in Seychelles, a guide drove me around Mahe Island, so read on to discover more about this magical island. Please leave comments below with any suggestions on how most to enjoy Victoria!
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