Victoria

Introducing Victoria

Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, is a port city nestled on the northeastern corner of Mahe Island. Victoria, the capital and port of Seychelles, is located on the northeast coast of Mahe Island. With a population of 25,000 (2009), it is the smallest capital city in Africa. It is a distribution center for coconuts, cinnamon, and vanilla. Small factories specialize in coconut oil, spice processing, tea making, and rice milling. The harbor is excellent, with 2.5 square kilometers of deep water suitable for berthing large vessels. The city exports copra, cinnamon bark, cinnamon oil, vanilla, and pickled fish. It is a key port and relay station for Indian Ocean shipping and a major fishing port. Submarine cables connect it to Zanzibar, Aden, Colombo, and other destinations. With its international airport, it serves as an air transport hub in the Indian Ocean. The city's botanical garden attracts visitors with its rare and exotic plants and animals. Victoria boasts clean streets and elegant buildings, creating a quiet and picturesque setting.

Climate and best time to travel

savanna climate

April to September is the best time to visit Seychelles. During this period, the dry season brings moderate temperatures and little rain, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the sun and beaches, though sun protection is advised. November to March, on the other hand, is the rainy season, significantly impacting travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Bird Watching Park

The Seychelles’ natural isolation has provided an environment for the evolution of a diverse range of unique flora and fauna, including the coco-de-mer palm and orchid, giant tortoises, geckos, chameleons, and unique species of flying fox, all of which are protected in national parks and reserves.

Seychelles is home to 12 unique bird species, including the Otus insularis and Zosterops modesta, which are found only on the largest island, Mahe. These two birds, in addition to their habitats in the mountains, often fly over to the hotels, often in pairs or small groups. Just watching them is enough to convince you that these birds are happy.

Occasionally, black bats would suddenly visit in broad daylight, but it was not scary at all. The whole feeling was like being in a bird park, refreshing and making me suddenly feel that there is still a reason to live.

Besides being a bird paradise, the Seychelles is also a fruit paradise. Lush tropical greenery abounds with fruits such as coconuts, bananas, mangoes, and breadfruit. Nature lovers can charter a boat to explore the more than 10 surrounding islands, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallede Mai, the birthplace of the coco de mer palm, or go birdwatching in Praslin.

Butchart Gardens

A trip to Victoria without exploring Butchart Gardens would be like visiting a treasure trove of treasures but returning empty-handed. This private garden, attracting millions of visitors from around the world, boasts not only seasonal blossoms but also breathtaking landscapes, creating a truly magical paradise. Located approximately 21 kilometers north of downtown Victoria, Butchart Gardens spans 50 acres. Owned by the Butchart family of Scottish descent, it is one of the largest and most internationally renowned historic gardens in North America.

The Butchart family originated in Scotland, England. In 1884, Robert Butchart married the talented Jennet Foster Kennedy. In 1902, the family relocated to Vancouver Island, Canada, where they established a cement business at what is now Butchart Gardens. Construction began on the cement plant in 1904, and Mrs. Butchart joined her husband from the East Coast. A lover of Chinese art, Mrs. Butchart planted numerous flowers and shrubs in the gardens, initially starting with a few pea bushes and roses. She gradually expanded to include the charming Ross Fountain, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and an Italian garden, ultimately creating one of Canada's most renowned gardens. As limestone, a raw material for cement, became depleted, Mrs. Butchart began converting the limestone pits into the sunken gardens of today in 1908, completing the entire garden in 1921.

Through the tireless efforts of his descendants, the gardens, including the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden, showcase a breathtaking display of horticultural mastery, attracting over a million visitors annually. In the summer, the gardens blaze with color, often hosting various entertainment and fireworks shows at night, and at Christmastime, a stunning light display.

Hatley Castle

Hatley Castle was built in 1908 by former Lieutenant Governor James Dunsmuir of British Columbia. Its elegant exterior, luxurious interiors, and exquisite gardens have attracted many visitors to explore the lives of wealthy Victorians in the early 20th century. James's father was Victorian coal magnate Robert Dunsmuir.

Hatley Castle is located on the Royal Roads campus, approximately 37 kilometers west of downtown Victoria. The castle sits on 650 acres of land overlooking Esquimalt Lagoon, with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains in Washington State.

No expense was spared in the castle's construction. Designed by Victorian architect Samuel Maclure, the castle also featured renowned landscape artists from Boston and Massachusetts, who designed the grounds and surroundings. The interiors are meticulously crafted with exquisite materials, including oak and mahogany paneling, grand yet cozy fireplaces, teak floors, and custom-made lighting, all embodying a sense of luxury.

The castle is 200 feet long and 86 feet wide, with a tower 82 feet high. The walls surrounding the castle are built of local stone. The castle also features a greenhouse, which provides a year-round supply of flowers. It is said that it was once filled with white orchids imported from India. A tall banana tree grows in the domed hall. The walls and greenhouses alone cost 75,000 yuan, an astronomical sum at the time.

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Most Popular FAQs for Victoria

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Victoria is the capital of Seychelles and one of the smallest capitals in the world. It is a cultural and economic hub, reflecting French and British colonial history, with a blend of Creole traditions.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Victoria is on the northeast coast of Mahé Island. From Seychelles International Airport, taxis or rental cars take about 20–30 minutes. Within the city, walking, taxis, or minibus services are convenient.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Markets: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM, closed on some public holidays.
• Museums: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Best time to visit: April to May or October to November for mild, dry weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Most museums and gardens have small fees (~SCR 50–100) payable at the entrance.
• Some sites, like markets and public gardens, are free to enter.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is usually not required. For guided tours or special exhibits, booking a day or two in advance is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Half a day to one full day covers major attractions, though 2 days allow a more relaxed experience including museums, markets, and viewpoints.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.
• Clock Tower and colonial buildings.
• Victoria Botanical Gardens.
• Seychelles Natural History Museum.
• Morne Seychellois viewpoint.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided city tours are available in English and French. Museums may offer audio guides in English.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Morne Seychellois for panoramic views of Victoria and surrounding islands.
• Clock Tower and harbor for iconic city shots.
• Botanical Gardens for lush landscapes and endemic plants.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market → Clock Tower → Victoria Botanical Gardens → Seychelles Natural History Museum → harbor walk → Morne Seychellois viewpoint for sunset.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits are limited, but restaurants and the harbor area are lively in the evening. Special cultural events are occasional and seasonally scheduled.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Markets and central areas are busiest in mornings and weekends. Visiting on weekdays mid-morning is less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public restrooms, small cafes, souvenir shops, and benches are available in main areas and markets.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most city attractions are accessible. Morne Seychellois requires moderate fitness. Public buildings, museums, and botanical gardens have wheelchair access.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and some shops. Small cash (Seychelles Rupee) is recommended for markets and taxis. Mobile payments are limited.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• La Plaine St. André – Creole cuisine.
• Marie Antoinette Restaurant – traditional Mauritian and Creole dishes.
• Harborfront cafes – casual dining and seafood options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. Some restaurants provide halal dishes, mainly at international or Indian cuisine eateries.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Le Récif Hotel – central location near harbor.
• Marie Antoinette Guest House – mid-range, near Victoria center.
• Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa – luxury option nearby.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Beau Vallon Beach – 20 min drive.
• Mission Lodge Viewpoint – 30 min drive.
• Local craft villages and Eden Island Marina – 15–20 min drive.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenirs include spices, vanilla, coconut oil, local jewelry, and handcrafted wood or fabric items. Found at markets and souvenir shops in the city.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxis, rental cars, or guided tours are recommended for exploring other parts of Mahé or taking ferries to nearby islands like Praslin and La Digue.