Sir Selwyn Clarke Market
Bustling central market in Victoria, Mahé, offering fresh local produce, spices, seafood, and souvenirs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak local activity & best selection
Sir Selwyn Clarke Market
Best Time
Peak local activity & best selection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Bustling central market in Victoria, Mahé, offering fresh local produce, spices, seafood, and souvenirs.
"A vibrant glimpse into Seychellois life, especially in the morning, with fresh produce and local crafts."
🎯 Arrive Early for Freshness
The market is busiest and best in the morning. Vendors start closing by 4 PM.
🛍️ Souvenirs Upstairs
Find local crafts and mementos on the second floor.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Morning Market
Ground Floor
Experience the bustling heart of Victoria with locals buying fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. A true taste of Seychellois daily life.

Local Crafts & Souvenirs
Second Floor
Browse unique hand-crafted wooden items, shells, and other mementos to take a piece of Seychelles home with you.

Aromatic Spice Stalls
Ground Floor
Discover a variety of local spices, offering a fragrant and colorful sensory experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Morning Buzz is Key
Souvenirs on the Second Floor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Freshness
The market is busiest and best in the morning. Vendors start closing by 4 PM.
🛍️ Souvenirs Upstairs
Find local crafts and mementos on the second floor.
🐟 Taste of Local Catch
See and potentially buy incredibly fresh fish, like bonito tuna.
📸 Colorful Photo Ops
The vibrant produce and stalls make for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Freshness
The market is busiest and best in the morning. Vendors start closing by 4 PM.
🛍️ Souvenirs Upstairs
Find local crafts and mementos on the second floor.
🐟 Taste of Local Catch
See and potentially buy incredibly fresh fish, like bonito tuna.
📸 Colorful Photo Ops
The vibrant produce and stalls make for great photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market to be a vibrant hub for fresh local produce and seafood, offering a genuine glimpse into daily Seychellois life, especially in the morning. While the souvenir selection on the second floor is appreciated for small mementos, some feel it's not a primary destination on its own. The market's historical architecture also adds to its charm.
"This is the central market for fruits, vegetables, and fish in Victoria. It is bustling in the morning with the people doing their daily shopping. The second floor is the souvenir shops. Visit it in the morning. By 4pm, they behin closing down snd at 5, the market finishes."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
"Small stalls and shops. Great for little souvenirs such as shells, hand crafted wooden items magnets etc but other than that not much to see or do. Local fruit & veg as well as large fish. Don’t go to Victoria just for the market you’d be disappointed."
Oliver Rogers
"This is the local wet market for Mahe. It has fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other daily "things" for sale here. The market building is typical French style and reflects the colonial period of French occupation."
C Neon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The market is centrally located in Victoria, Mahé. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the city center, or you can take a local bus or taxi.
Parking in Victoria can be challenging. It's best to use public transport or walk if possible. Limited street parking might be available but can be difficult to find.
The market is typically open 6 days a week, from Monday to Saturday, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. It's most active in the morning and starts closing down around 4 PM.
The ground floor is generally accessible, but the second floor with souvenir shops might have limited accessibility. It's advisable to check on-site for specific details.
Yes, local buses are a very common and affordable way to get around Mahé and reach the market in Victoria.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is free. You only pay for any goods or souvenirs you wish to purchase.
For the most vibrant atmosphere and the widest selection of fresh produce and fish, aim to visit in the early morning, ideally between 8 AM and 11 AM.
There are no entrance fees for the souvenir shops on the second floor. You can browse freely and purchase items if you find something you like.
The market is closed on Sundays and public holidays. It's always a good idea to check local listings or ask your accommodation if you're unsure about a specific day.
While some vendors might be open to negotiation, especially for souvenirs, it's less common for fresh produce and fish. Be polite and respectful when inquiring.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a variety of local handicrafts, including carved wooden items, shell jewelry, magnets, and other small mementos.
Prices for souvenirs can sometimes be negotiated, especially if you're buying multiple items. It's worth a polite attempt, but don't expect significant discounts.
The ground floor is packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and an impressive array of fresh fish and seafood. You'll also find local spices.
Yes, the market offers a selection of local spices. They make for fragrant and authentic souvenirs or gifts.
While you can buy fresh ingredients to prepare your own meals, the market is more about raw produce and fish rather than ready-to-eat snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially for the colorful produce and general market scenes. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls.
The vibrant displays of fruits, vegetables, and the fresh fish section on the ground floor offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The colorful stalls on the second floor also make for interesting shots.
It's best to avoid using flash, especially when photographing people, as it can be intrusive. Natural light is often best for capturing the market's atmosphere.
While not explicitly stated, common courtesy dictates asking permission before photographing individuals, especially if they are the main subject.
Early morning offers the best light and the most dynamic activity, making it ideal for capturing the market's essence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families:
* Go early: Beat the crowds and the heat.
* Keep it short: Focus on the ground floor's vibrant displays if time is limited.
* Snack opportunity: Buy some fresh, local fruit for a healthy snack.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget Tips:
* Buy local produce: Stock up on fruits and veggies for snacks and meals.
* Compare souvenir prices: Browse multiple shops before making a purchase.
* Use local transport: Buses are the most economical way to reach the market.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Victoria: A Local's Market
The market's architecture itself hints at its history, with a style reminiscent of the colonial period. While it's a hub for daily necessities, it also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness authentic Seychellois life. The bustling energy, the friendly chatter of vendors, and the sheer abundance of local goods create an unforgettable experience. Remember that the market winds down significantly by late afternoon, so an early morning visit is highly recommended to soak in the full atmosphere.
Key Takeaway: For an authentic taste of local life and the freshest produce, the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is a must-visit, especially in the morning. It's a place to observe, engage, and appreciate the daily rhythm of Seychelles.
Navigating the Souvenir Scene
These stalls provide a convenient place to pick up gifts for friends and family back home or a personal memento of your island getaway. While the selection might not be as extensive as dedicated souvenir shops, the market offers a more integrated shopping experience, allowing you to combine your visit with the local market buzz. Don't hesitate to browse around and compare prices, and remember that a little polite negotiation might be possible, especially if you're purchasing multiple items.
Pro Tip: Look for items made from local materials like wood and shells for a truly authentic Seychellois souvenir.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit