Seychelles Shopping and nightlife

Shopping in Seychelles

Shopping in Seychelles centres on locally made crafts, artwork and products reflecting the islands' Creole culture and natural environment. Victoria offers the widest choice, particularly around Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market and small shops and galleries in the capital, while craft outlets and boutiques are also found on Praslin and La Digue.

Popular souvenirs include locally produced spices, vanilla, tea, essential oils, jewellery, textiles, paintings and crafts made from coconut and other natural materials. Coco de mer nuts are a distinctive Seychellois souvenir, but their sale and export are strictly controlled; buy only from authorised sellers and ensure the nut carries the required official label and documentation.

Markets are good places to buy spices and local produce, while galleries and studios sell paintings, sculpture and contemporary crafts by Seychellois artists. Prices in established shops are generally fixed, and bargaining is not a significant part of the shopping culture.

Shopping hours

Shops generally open Monday to Friday 0800-1700 and Saturday 0800-1200 or 1300. Some supermarkets, shopping centres and tourist-oriented shops remain open later and may also open on Sundays, particularly on Mahé.

Nightlife in Seychelles

Nightlife in Seychelles is relatively low-key, with most activity concentrated on Mahé. Victoria, Beau Vallon and the larger resorts have bars, restaurants and occasional live music, while several hotels host Creole music, dancing and themed evenings. A small number of nightclubs and casinos provide later entertainment.

Praslin has a smaller selection of bars and hotel entertainment, while evenings on La Digue tend to revolve around restaurants, beach bars and guesthouses. Seychellois music draws strongly on Creole traditions, with moutya – a rhythmic form of music and dance historically associated with enslaved Africans and now recognised by UNESCO – sometimes performed at cultural events and hotels.