Shop the Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market (Victoria Market)
Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market, commonly called Victoria Market, is the main public market in Victoria, Mahé. It's a bustling, colorful hub where locals buy and sell fresh fish, tropical fruit, spices, flowers and everyday goods. Visiting is a sensory cultural experience — vibrant stalls, calls of vendors, the smell of spices and the chance to taste Creole street food. The market is partly covered and sits in the heart of Victoria, making it an easy stop during a city walk.
Location
Sir Selwyn Selwyn‑Clarke Market (Victoria Market), Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Duration
1–2 hours typical (can spend half a day if sampling many foods and shopping)
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (06:00–09:00) for the freshest fish and produce. Market activity winds down after midday. Weekdays are generally calmer than weekends.
Pricing
Free to enter. Purchases vary by item — small souvenirs and handicrafts from modest prices, fresh fruit and spices sold per weight. Bring local currency (Seychelles Rupee, SCR) and small notes/coins for easier transactions.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Fresh seafood and the lively fish market — watch local fishermen sell their catch
Seasonal tropical fruits (pineapple, papaya, mango, breadfruit) and fresh vegetables
Aromatic spices, vanilla pods and local condiments
Creole snacks and street food stalls (try fresh coconut water and local fritters)
Handicrafts, woven baskets, shells and small souvenirs
Flower stalls with orchids, frangipani and bright blooms
Authentic local atmosphere and friendly vendor interactions
Itinerary
Arrive for the fish market and earliest produce stalls
Best time to see fishermen unloading and to buy the freshest catch. Fish stalls busiest very early; bring cash.
Walk through fruit, spice and flower sections
Smell and sample tropical fruits; inspect and buy spices or vanilla. Vendors may offer small tastes.
Browse crafts and souvenirs; shop textiles and woven goods
Compare prices across stalls and look for unique handmade items.
Enjoy street food or a light market lunch
Try local snacks, but prefer cooked items to reduce risk of stomach upset.
Safety Requirements
Keep valuables secure and discreet — urban markets can attract opportunistic petty theft
Carry small amounts of cash; use a money belt or zipped bag
Watch your step and be mindful of wet or fishy floors in the seafood area
Observe food hygiene: prefer cooked items if you have a sensitive stomach
Stay hydrated and use sun protection if exposed in open sections
Tips
Bring small change (SCR coins/notes) — vendors often don’t have change for large bills
Bargaining is acceptable for crafts but be respectful and friendly
Ask permission before photographing vendors or close-up portraits
Carry a reusable bag for purchases — many vendors don’t provide bags
If buying fruit or produce, ask to have items weighed in front of you
Try a tiny sample before buying larger amounts of spices or chutneys
Plan to visit early to avoid heat and crowds; many stalls close by early afternoon
