Sitting at the centre of the city of Victoria is the Sir Selwyn Selwin Clarke Market, a market known for its cultural and commercial importance. Built in the 1840s, this place was named after the English Governor of Seychelles, Sir Percy Selwyn Selwin Clarke. Lying in the centre of the city, this place is of significant importance to the inhabitants of Seychelles. The Selwyn market serves as the ‘bazaar’ of Victoria, and sees hundreds of people thronging it each day.
It is one of the most idyllic destinations to witness and explore the actual people and culture of Seychelles. Seafood, fruits and vegetables, spices, souvenirs, etc- are the items that fill the carts and shops of these markets. Apart from these, the market also has shops selling a myriad types of jewellery, artefacts, crafted items and apparels. All of these items are sold at affordable and nominal prices and offer excellent quality. Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is undoubtedly the most suitable destination for those who want to shop from the streets of Victoria or explore its culture. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market in Victoria is a vibrant spot for local goods and culture, featured in many Seychelles packages.
Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the bright and lively colours and bustling atmosphere of the traditional market.
• Explore an arrangement of fresh and locally extracted fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
• Take a stroll amidst the stalls offering a myriad of spices, herbs, and local products.
• Interact with the vendors and people of Seychelles to get a first-hand experience of their culture.
• Take home with you adorable and memorable souvenirs like sarongs, hats and other apparel.
How To Reach
1. On Foot: The attraction is about 400m from Victoria Clock Tower, and can be reached in around 5 mins.
2 By Car: Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is 1.5km away from the Victoria Botanical Garden and is a 5-minute drive.
Best Time To Visit
The Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is a year-round attraction, and welcomes its explorers and visitors daily.
1 Best Season to Visit: May to October is the best season to explore Victoria, as the weather is pleasant and suited for exploring.
2 Best Day of the Week: Weekends are the best time to explore the market, as it is teeming with people, making the market lively.
3 Best Time of the Day: Early morning (7 am or 8 am) is the best time of the day, as you’ll find the most fresh items for sale.
Other Essential Information
Visitor Tips:
- The market can be best explored and experienced in the early mornings and therefore it is advised to do the same.
- Ensure that you carry cash with you, since many vendors do not accept other modes of payment.
- It is advisable that you are well hydrated as you’ll be required to walk a fair bit under the sun.
- Remember to buy memorable and adorable souvenirs back home with you.
- You may talk to the vendors and other people as well, and get to know more about the life and culture of the island.
Explore Fresh Produce and Seafood
Explore the streets and corners of the Sir Selwyn Selwin Clarke Market, filled with the excitement of the vendors and buyers alike. As you enter the market, you will be welcomed with the most pleasant smells and sights of fresh agricultural produce and even seafood. You can find a wide array of fruits and vegetables including jackfruit, coconuts, custard apple, etc. Apart from that, take delight in the sizable sea food that is sold in this market, filling it with an oceanic and fishy smell. These fish are freshly caught by the fishmonger community, and directly sold in the market. Parrotfish, tuna, octopus, corals and red snapper are some of the most sought after varieties of fishes sold here.
Discover Local Spices and Herbs
Enter the Sir Selwyn Selwin Clarke Market and you will be blessed with a rich and luscious aroma of the spices and herbs of Seychelles. As you walk into the domes of the market, you’ll find carts and stalls filled with an assortment of spices, herbs and other ingredients. Powdered coriander, cinnamon stalks, aromatic vanilla pods and saffron are the rich spices and herbs sold here. These serve plenty of purpose in the local Creole cuisine of Seychelles.
Shop for Handcrafted Souvenirs
The Sir Selwyn Selwin Clarke Market is filled with stalls offering an assortment of artefacts, handmade crafts and other souvenirs. Explore the exquisite set of items sold here, especially pareos, sarongs, local hats and other accessories. Be amazed by the scintillating jewellery and clothing items that adorn the stalls in the market. If you want a piece of Seychelles to take home, these wooden artefacts and handcrafted souvenirs are perfect choices.
