Victoria is the charming capital city of the Seychelles, where life moves in the slow-and-steady lane as locals cruise from botanical gardens to bustling street markets and shopping plazas. This harbour city sits on the Arabian Sea overlooking offshore islands, while historical landmarks dot the streets from the fishing port to the modern centre.

Things to do

If you love walking among verdant nature, head to the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, where you can see exotic plants from around the world, along with giant tortoises. Chill out by the waterside at Jardin Des Enfants, a central park with walking paths and picnic space.

Immerse yourself in the local shopping culture at Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, where you can haggle with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade clothing and jewellery. You can also enjoy some retail therapy at Sham Peng Tong Plaza, where you can purchase brand-name clothing. It’s surrounded by a diverse range of restaurants, from Italian and Creole to French and seafood.

Get your fix of local history and architectural achievements by admiring the towering Bicentennial Monument, which was built in 1978 to commemorate the city. The nearby Immaculate Conception Cathedral was built back in 1874 and displays a bright-white facade and Gothic-style architecture.

Watch the local fishermen at Victoria Fishing Port, before ducking into the Amusement Centre casino to test your luck on slot machines and table games. You can embrace the local nightlife at Barrel Night Club or Happy Youth Club, where you can dance to live music and drink local beer.

Getting around

Victoria is about 10 kilometres from Seychelles International Airport, which has flights from numerous international cities. You can walk around most of the city or use local buses and taxis for longer distances. Bike rentals are also available from shops in the city.