A trip to Durban is a trip to a tropical paradise within the borders of South Africa. While the beaches are a top attraction, the museums, shopping, water sports, and wildlife adventures are equally worthwhile.

Durban doesn’t just play hard, it works hard too as it is built around the busiest container port in Africa. This wonderful contrast means that Durban has a interesting culture, urban lifestyle and unique experiences for visitors.

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Durban is most certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to activities and things to do outdoors.

With its luscious coastline and warm golden beaches, your Durban bucket list is sure to be overflowing. Some activities include:

• The Big Rush Swing
• Shark Cage Diving
• Snorkeling
• Helicopter Rides

For a full list of activities and attractions, take a look at our comprehensive guide:

• Activities in Durban | Your Ultimate Guide to Adventures & Experiences

With so many top Durban attractions to tick off, your city sightseeing checklist could get very long.

So to help you get the best out of Durban, we've put together a guide to some of the most memorable places of interest and things to see in Durban. Some of these include:

• Umgeni Steam Train
• Khangela Brewery
• Rivertown Precinct
• Umhlanga Lighthouse

For a full list of the most memorable places to visit and things to do in Durban, click on the link below:

• Places to Visit in Durban | Go Beyond Tourist Attractions

Durban’s subtropical climate and year-round beach weather is ideal for a beach holiday.

Some of these spots include:

• Umhlanga Beach
• North Beach
• Cave Rock Bluff

And because there are so many more to choose from, we've made the only guide to beaches you'll ever need:

• Beaches in Durban | Top 8 Spots for Swimming, Bodyboarding & Surfing

Are you a keen scientist, avid nature lover or history fan? Then you definitely want to visit one or more of the museums in Durban.

Some of the museums featured on our guide are:

• Durban Natural Science Museum
• KZN Science Centre
• Whaling Museum

For a more at our comprehensive look at the museums including prices, themes and location. Click on the link below.

• Museums in Durban | Location, Prices, Themes etc

The cultural scene in Durban is extremely rich. Whether you're a avid lover of ballet, or you prefer the art of storytelling, there's something for everyone.

Our guide features some of the best theatres and playhouses in Durban, including:

• Catalina Theatre
• The Playhouse Company
• The BAT Centre

Click on the link below for our comprehensive guide to theatres in Durban.

• Theatres in Durban | Your Guide to Shows, Musicals & Plays

Find the latest movies and showtimes in Durban. See Trailers, Reviews, Ratings, Release Dates & More -(2D, 3D, Scene XTREME & VIP, IMAX 3D, PRESTIGE, 4DX)

• NuMetro Galleria (Amanzimtoti)
• Ster Kinekor Musgrave (Berea)
• NuMetro Ballito Junction (Ballito)
• Ster Kinekor Shellybeach (Margate)
• Cinecentre Midlands (Pietermaritzburg)
• Ster Kinekor Boardwalk (Richards Bay)
• Cinecentre Suncoast (Stamford Hill)
• Ster Kinekor Gateway Commercial (Umhlanga)
• Ster Kinekor Watercrest (Waterfall)
• NuMetro The Pavilion (Westville)

Looking to experience the Big Five or adventure on some of South Africa's most beautiful trails? Then this guide was made for you!

Our guide includes the following and so much more:

• Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve
• Umhlanga Nature Reserve
• Tala Collection Private Game Reserve
• Safari Tours

For a full list of over 14 nature reserves and game farms near Durban. Click on the link below:

• Game Reserves in Durban | 16 Serene Safaris & Wildlife Scenes

Because Durban hosts an impressive amount of monthly and weekly markets, we decided to give them all their very own feature.

Our guide includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Shongweni Farmers Market
• I Heart Market
• The Morning Trade
• Smarket

Click on the link below to take a look our comprehensive guide:

• Markets in Durban | Crafts, Antiques, Artisan Foods etc

Durban is a playground of family-friendly activities that promise to keep the whole family entertained for the whole day.

Our list includes things like:

• Mini-golfing
• Ice Skating
• Hillcrest Paintball
• And so much more

To take a look at this guide, click on the link below.

• Fun Things to do in Durban with Kids | Family-Friendly Activities

Pavilion Shopping Mall

Pavilion Shopping Mall is one of Durban’s biggest shopping centres. Easily accessible just off the highway, the unique architecture will catch your eye. It’s a comprehensive shopping experience and you can spend the entire day shopping until you drop. They have a large food court and a full cinema for the avid moviegoer. Some of the facilities in the mall include:

• Ten pin bowling
• Big name grocery stores
• Upmarket clothing shops
• ATM facilities
• Restaurants
• A large food court for takeaways
• Ster Kinekor (Cinema)

With secure parking, you can rest assured that your belongings are safe.

• Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 9am-7pm
• Contact Number: (031) 275 9818
• Address: Jack Martens Drive, Westville
• More Info: Website

Chatsworth Shopping Centre

Found on the hills of Chatsworth, 15kms from the city centre, the Chatsworth Shopping Centre prides themselves on providing exactly the right services to their patrons.

It offers more than just shopping — this venue houses a post office, police station, fire station, Hare Krishna Temple of Understanding and the beautiful Mahatma Gandhi Gardens. Approximately 41,5 square meters in size, the mall offers 150 different shops. It even boasts the R.K. Khan Hospital.

Providing patrons with free and secure undercover parking, it’s a shopper’s dream whether you’re buying gifts to take home or just groceries for dinner.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm
• Contact Number: (031) 403 5451
• Address: Main Street, Chatsworth
• More Info: Website

Durban African Art Centre

The Durban African Art Centre provides self-employment for thousands of local artists and craftsmen and for many of them, it is their only income.

Some of the crafts and artwork available include:

• Traditional Zulu Baskets
• Antique Crafts and Artefacts
• Fine Art
• Bead Work
• Textiles
• Necklaces

Thanks to this centre, many artists have gained exposure and receive international acclaim for their work. They pride themselves on teaching township residents suffering from HIV and AIDS how to make jewellery and create artwork to become self-sufficient and independent.

If you make any purchases here, you can be assured that your money is going to a good cause and to someone who needs it.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8:30am-5pm
• Contact Number: (031) 312 3804
• Address: 94 Florida Road, Durban
• More Info: Website

Granada Square

The hottest spot on the Umhlanga strip is the Granada Square. Their carefully selected stores and deep-rooted customer understanding, –along with nightlife entertainments and various restaurants that are open till late, makes for a hub of excellent service and well-fed socialising.

• Hours: Open 24hrs
• Contact Number: (031) 575 9360
• Address: 16 Chartwell Dr, Durban
• More Info: Website

One of the most famous landmarks in Durban is the Golden Mile, stretching from Ushaka Marine World to Moses Mabhida Stadium. The beach is covered by golden beach sand that is gently caressed by the warm Indian Ocean.

The Golden Mile promenade runs around the beach and is frequented by visitors all year round. An ideal location for a sunset beach stroll or an afternoon bike ride along the ocean.

If cycling appeals to you then why not rent a bike or better yet join a guided bicycle tour of the city, the Bike And Saddle offers just that.

• Contact Number: 031 813 5633
• Address: 63 Snell Parade, Snell Parade, Durban
• More Info: Website

Temple Of Understanding - Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

The temple is situated approximately 20km south of the city of Durban, in the bustling suburb of Chatsworth. Built in 1980, its three domes of white and gold rises above a dazzling octagonal roof, it is an architectural masterpiece. A well-known landmark, tourists and pilgrims visit the temple all year round.

It is a cultural and religious hub with activities occurring throughout the year.

Tip: When visiting religious buildings be mindful and respectful to their customs and beliefs

• Contact Number: 031 403 3328
• Address: 50 Bhaktivendanta Swami Circle, Durban
• More Info: Website

Spas in Durban

Riverside Day Spa

Riverside Day Spa aims to eliminate your tensions and relieve stress so you may feel uplifted again. Professional and friendly staff await your arrival, the in-house reflexologist provides alternative treatments to tired muscles.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Massages start at R380
• Operating Hours:
  • Tue-Sat, 8am - 5pm
  • Mon, 11am - 5pm
  • Sun, 10am - 4pm
• Contact Number: 031 564 6006
• Address: 10 Kenneth Kaunda Rd, Broadway, Durban
• More Info: Website

Suncoast Towers Spa

Located on the 9th floor of the Suncoast Towers, the spa provides breathtaking views while your stress melts away. Everything at the Suncoast Spa is aimed at the patron, guests can choose their own music for the various treatments they have on offer.

Boasting 7 treatments rooms, two of which are couples treatment rooms which cater for groups who would like to be pampered together.

• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Sun, 8am - 9pm
• Contact Number: 031 314 7878
• Address: 20 Battery Beach Road, Durban
• More Info: Website

Durban Spa

Durban Spa offers a family-friendly holiday and spa experience. They have both an indoor heated pool and a cold pool, a sundeck equipped with braai facilities, a sauna, jacuzzi and game room for all its patrons.

This award winning spa offers professional spa treatments at affordable prices.

• Contact Number: 031 332 9366
• Address: 57 O R Tambo Parade, Durban
• More Info: Website

Golfing in Durban

Durban’s tropical climate and sunny days provide a perfect golfing holiday. With lush green lawns just a stone's throw from the city, you can enjoy a day on the course without being too far from amenities, not that you will need them.

Below are a few recommended courses to visit while you enjoy your stay in Durban.

Royal Durban Golf Club

The Royal Durban Golf Club provides you with all your golfing needs. One of the few golf courses set on a horse race track, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.

The club hosts over 100 international golf tournaments and the course provides a stimulating challenge. Established in 1892 by John Watt, the course has become known worldwide.

Famous names like Gavin Levison and Sandy Lyle played at this very course. Come along and walk in their footsteps at the Royal Durban Golf Club.

• Cost:
  • R275 for visitors
• Contact Number: (031) 309 1373
• Address: 7 Mitchell Cresent, Greyville
• More Info: Website

Durban Country Club

The Durban Country Club is situated only 1km from the Golden Mile, so you can enjoy sea views from the green. In the heart of Durban’s sporting centre, the club can be found between the Madiba Stadium and the Kings Park Stadium.

One of the top 100 golf rated in the world, it is the only one featured from South Africa. They even offer a child-friendly swimming area and play equipment so that your little ones can also have some fun while you play.

Easily accessible, traveling to the range won’t be difficult. As with any outdoor activity, remember to bring the right equipment and protect your skin from the African sun.

• Cost:
  • R600 for visitors
• Contact Number: (031) 313 1777
• Address: 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban
• More Info: Website

Cathedral Peak Golf Course

Want something a little more secluded? Visit the Cathedral Peak Golf Course. This 9-hole course is situated high up in the Drakensburg Mountains.

Babbling rivers and holes meandering through the valleys make for a very picturesque game, surrounded by a 360-degree scenic mountain view with changing altitudes to keep you challenged on the greens.

Can’t get enough? Overnight accommodation is also available right at the club, making it a dream golfing holiday for any enthusiast.

• Contact Number: 0860 774 625
• Address: Cathedral Peak, Durban
• More Info: Website

The most happening street in Durban is Florida Street. A buzz of small cafes, clubs, niche bars and local businesses, it’s Durban’s very own Long Street.

We've made a complete guide that features over 20 clubs and pubs, including:

• Absolute Florida
• Taco Zulu
• Lighthouse Bar
• Dropkick Murphy's

Take a look at our complete guide by clicking on the link below.

• Durban's Nightlife | Clubs, Bars & Lounges

Weather

Summers in Durban are hot and extremely humid with an average temperature of about 25°C (75 F). Winter months don’t differ much and are warm and dry with temperatures averaging about 18°C (63 F).

For detailed 7-day forecasts of the wind, waves and temperatures (perfect for water sport enthusiasts), visit Winguru.

For the regular Joe who just wants a 3-day overview of the weather in Durban visit Accuweather

Transport around Durban

Here are a few options to help you make your way around the sprawling city.

Rickshaws

Rickshaws are iconic and have been in Durban since the early 1900s. They are essentially people-drawn carts that transport visitors around the city just like a taxi would, but at a slower pace of course.

Approximately 25 rickshaws remain today, but they are well worth a ride as the rickshaw pullers are incredibly vibrant people famous for their giant characters and over the top costumes.

Car Hire

If you want to have your own transport, you can always rent a car, especially for longer trips or larger groups. Renting a car can also work out as a cheaper alternative to taxis and shuttle services.

To find a car rental in Durban, visit car rental service.

Mini-Bus Taxis

This is the cheapest and most reliable public transportation system in Durban, frequented by locals.

It can be intimidating to use public transport when you don’t know how the system works, so here are a few tips.

• Never get into an empty taxi.
• Use the busy routes and try not to travel alone.
• Ask questions — your taxi driver will have a wealth of knowledge to share about the layout of the land. When travelling somewhere new, ask him/her where it’s best to get off and get on, or where to hop onto the right taxi for your route.
• Be vigilant. Don't display valuables and keep your bags close.

As the cheapest and most popular form of transportation for locals and tourists alike, mini-bus taxis are often cramped and loud. Short journeys in these are quite bearable as the price tag suits any pocket.

Durban is a city where anyone can feel at home, whether you’re visiting for business or a summer getaway.

Our vision at Vibescout is to provide the most relevant, current and comprehensive information.

If you feel we've missed something amazing or have any suggestions regarding our system, we would love to hear from you! Contact: info (at) vibescout.com