Things To Do
in Durban
Durban is a vibrant coastal city on South Africa's eastern shore, famed for its sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters. It blends Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences into a relaxed, sun-loving culture along the Golden Mile and the lively Indian Quarter. The city is renowned for fresh seafood, fiery Durban curries, and lush inland scenery just a short drive away.
With a subtropical climate and a welcoming vibe, Durban offers beach days, cultural discoveries, and outdoor adventures year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the KwaMuhle Museum, where you can delve into the rich history of Durban and its struggles against apartheid. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets of the city center, admiring the stunning colonial architecture and bustling markets. Stop by the famous Victoria Street Market to soak in the sights and smells of local spices and crafts.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby café offering authentic South African dishes, then head to the Durban City Hall and the adjacent Old Courthouse for a peek at their impressive interiors. Next, visit the Durban Art Gallery, which showcases a fantastic collection of local and international art. Conclude your afternoon with a stroll along the Palmiet Nature Reserve, taking in the lush surroundings and possibly spotting some local wildlife.
As the sun sets, find a restaurant near the beachfront to indulge in a seafood dinner, sampling the fresh catch of the day. After dinner, take a relaxing walk along the Golden Mile, where you can enjoy the sound of waves and the vibrant atmosphere. Finally, consider catching a live performance at the Playhouse Company, featuring local talent and diverse genres.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at a beachfront café, enjoying the morning sun and ocean views. After breakfast, head to the famous Umhlanga Rocks for a variety of water sports, from jet skiing to paddleboarding. Spend the morning soaking up the sun while learning to surf on the gentle waves.
Grab a light lunch at a beachfront restaurant, then take a stroll along the scenic promenade, stopping to dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean. Afterward, visit the uShaka Marine World, where you can explore the aquarium and witness thrilling marine shows. Don’t forget to check out the water park for some afternoon fun and relaxation.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at one of the many eateries at uShaka, offering a range of local and international cuisine. After your meal, consider taking a sunset cruise along the Durban coastline, where you can see the city skyline light up as night falls. Cap off your day with a visit to the vibrant nightlife scene in the area, perhaps catching a live music performance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️3-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚗Taxi ride (short trip, within city) | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastline with long beaches and warm waters
- Rich Indian and Zulu cultural influence, vibrant food scene
- Strong seafood and curry traditions, great markets and street food
- Numerous outdoor activities and easy access to nature and parks
- Some areas can have safety concerns typical of large cities
- Traffic and parking can be challenging near beaches and CBD
- Seasonal weather can bring heavy afternoon storms in summer
- Public transport coverage is improving but not as comprehensive as some other cities
- "Sawubona" - Hello
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Ngiyacela" - Please
- "Uxolo" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Indlu yangasese iphi?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Linganani lokhu?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Durban
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, wide sandy promenade with early-morning light, gentle sea colors, and silhouettes of palm trees.
Iconic arch with panoramic city and sea views from the SkyWalk or adjacent viewpoints.
Colorful visual contrast of marine life, aquariums, and playful water features for underwater and candid photography.
Historic trees, winding paths, and botanical specimens offering peaceful nature shots in the city.
Coastal scenery, rugged rocks, and a bright lighthouse against the ocean horizon just north of the city.
Food in Durban
Durban Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hollowed-out loaf filled with curry (traditionally mutton or bean). A Durban staple found in Indian Quarter eateries and streetfood stalls.
Must-Try!
A robust, spicy curry served with rice, roti, or bread; a cornerstone of the local Indian-influenced menu.
Fragrant spiced rice with meat (often chicken or mutton) and aromatics, common in Indian restaurants and markets.
A tomato-based vegetable relish (chakalaka) served with maize meal pap; a popular accompaniment across homes and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market in the central business district offering spices, textiles, crafts, and Indian street foods to sample.
Weekend market with fresh produce, prepared foods, and local crafts—great for a quick bite and people-watching.
Seasonal stalls along the Golden Mile offering grilled corn, boerewors rolls, and seafood bites with ocean views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Durban is multicultural; greet with a smile, use polite forms, and respect local customs, religious sites, and markets.
Casual, comfortable clothing by the beach is fine; modest dress when visiting religious sites is recommended.
Politely queue in lines, speak calmly, and avoid loud behavior in residential areas and markets.
Safety
Tipping in Durban
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service charge is not included. Taxis and guides appreciate small tips for good service.
Cash, debit/credit cards, and contactless payments are widely accepted; e-wallets and mobile pay are common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with high humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are common; water is generally calm and swimmable; pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Pleasant days with cooler comfortable evenings; humidity declines; ideal for outdoor exploration and coastal walks.
Milder temperatures by the coast; daytime warmth with cooler evenings; rainfall is generally lower, but coastal breezes can be strong.
Comfortable temperatures with coastal winds; festival and market activity increases; great for hiking and outdoor dining.
Durban at Night
Hiking in Durban
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest-lined gorge hike with streams and viewpoints, located in the Kloof area just outside central Durban.
Coastal walks and hillside paths offering ocean views and city scenery near Umhlanga.
Several modest nature trails and reserves close to the city center, suitable for easy day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Durban by plane.
Major international gateway serving Durban, located near La Mercy, about 30-40 minutes from central Durban depending on traffic; connects to domestic and international destinations with easy road access to the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Durban’s population comes from Zulu-speaking groups, contributing to local language and culture.
Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside India, deeply influencing cuisine, markets, and cultural life.
A diverse mix including Black African, White, and multicultural communities contributing to the city’s variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Kingsmead Cricket Stadium hosts domestic and international matches and is a prominent sports venue in the region.
Rugby union enjoys strong support in Durban, with matches and training grounds in and around the city.
Local teams and matches draw crowds, with several stadiums and surrounding facilities for fans.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Durban.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Durban benefits from strong Indian influence with dhal, chana masala, aloo bhaji, bhaji, and other veggie curries; most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests, and many offer Jain or vegan options on request.