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Durban is a popular coastal city in eastern South Africa known for its scenic beach-lined coast and rich culture. African, Indian, and colonial influences combine in this metropolitan city, which is an important hub for business, industry, and trade. Durban is South Africa’s third largest city after Johannesburg and Cape Town, and it’s the biggest city in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Thanks to its proximity to various game and nature reserves, Durban is also a vibrant tourist destination. It has plenty of popular attractions to keep visitors busy, but with so many places to explore, it can be tough to know where to start. Here are 15 popular things to do in Durban City to help you plan your sightseeing itinerary on your next trip.
1. Go River Rafting on the Tugela River
The Tugela River (known as Thukela in Zulu) is one of the most important rivers in South Africa. It begins in Mont-aux-Sources in the Drakensberg Mountains, and it runs all the way through KwaZulu-Natal until it reaches the Indian Ocean. Locals and tourists can enjoy water sports at various points along the Tugela, but river rafting is a particularly popular and thrilling activity at Tugela Falls.
Rapids on Tugela range from grades 1 to 5, so there’s something for all experience levels. Look for guided rafting trips to make sure you’re tackling the rapids safely. You’re also bound to love the beautiful rugged scenery of the Tugela Falls along the way. If rafting isn’t for you, consider hiking in the region to enjoy the incredible views without getting wet.
2. Explore the Beauty of Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks is a beautiful coastal village with various attractions and activities on offer. You can lounge on the golden beaches, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, take a boat trip to watch whales and dolphins or enjoy surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding, and other fun watersports.
Umhlanga is also home to the Gateway Shopping Center and the Sibaya Casino, both of which are popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. Plus, you can find incredible scenic golf courses just a 15-minute drive away. If you’re looking for a peaceful beachside resort with gorgeous landscapes and plenty of facilities, Umhlanga is it.
3. Walk Durban’s Golden Mile
Stretching between uShaka Marine World and the Suncoast Casino lies a stretch of sandy coastline known as the Golden Mile. There’s a wealth of attractions along the seafront promenade here, including Moses Mabhida Stadium, Mini Town, and Blue Lagoon. There are also plenty of cafes, ice cream stalls, and shops to check out.
A slow walk along the Golden Mile is a great way to take in the atmosphere. If you’re feeling lively, join the North Beach run along the Golden Mile which takes place every Saturday morning. You could also easily spend a full day here lounging on the beach or enjoying the waves when renting a surfboard from one of the many local vendors. Shark nets and lifeguards help to keep the waters safe along this stretch of coastline.
4. Check Out Durban’s Biggest Sporting Venues
Durban is home to two of South Africa’s most popular sporting venues, which are fantastic attractions for sport enthusiasts.
Kings Park Stadium
- Website: sharksrugby.co.za
- Address: Jacko Jackson Dr, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4025
- Opening hours: Variable in line with events
Kings Park is home to the Sharks, one of the best South African rugby teams. It has an impressive 52,000-seat capacity and is often used for Premier Soccer League games and musical events. In the past, it has hosted the likes of Michael Jackson and Celine Dion.
Moses Mabhida Stadium
- Website: mmstadium.com
- Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4023
- Opening hours: Variable in line with events
Moses Mabhida Stadium is an enormous, multi-use venue that was built to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It has a 62,760-person capacity. You don’t have to attend an event to experience it. Take a segway tour to learn more about the stadium, or complete the Adventure Walk to the top of the stadium’s 344-foot arch, where you can take a ride on the Big Rush Swing to be suspended above the stadium’s huge pitch.
5. Soak Up the Culture of Florida Road
Florida Road is considered the beating heart of Durban. It’s lined with boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. A wander along the street is a brilliant way to soak up Durban’s lively, cosmopolitan culture.
The African Art Center, the Artisan Contemporary Gallery, and the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery are all located down Florida Road. Plus, the road is home to several incredibly well-preserved Edwardian buildings that give an idea of what Durban was like 100 years ago.
6. Try the Indian-Durban Dish Bunny Chow
Bunny Chow is a traditional Indian-Durban dish beloved by locals. It consists of a hollowed-out bread leaf filled with rich, flavorful curry and served with zingy pickles and carrot salad on the side.
A visit to Durban isn’t complete without tasting Bunny Chow. For an authentic experience, eat with your hands, and don’t worry about getting messy.
7. Learn About Zulu Culture
Zulu people are the largest ethnic group in South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal is home to the majority of them. During apartheid, the Zulu people faced severe discrimination. A visit to Durban is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Zulu culture and the injustices the Zulu people bravely stood up against.
Indlondlo Cultural Village
- Website: https://indlondloculturalvillage.co.za/
- Address: Number 8 Ophokweni, Cato Ridge, 3680
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily
Indlondlo is a homestead of Zulu people who promote peace and unity by performing traditional songs, dance routines, and stage plays. You can also watch craft demonstrations and sample traditional Zulu cuisine during your visit here.
Phezulu Safari Park
- Website: phezulusafaripark.co.za
- Address: 190 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, 3610
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 8 am – 4.30 pm / Monday: closed
Phezulu Cultural Village is part of the Phezulu Safari Park in the Valley of 1000 Hills. You can witness South African wildlife on 4×4 game drives, and experience a cultural show presented by Zulu residents. A particular highlight is the Reptile Park where you can see a variety of snakes and watch crocodiles soak up the sun.
8. Learn About Local Sealife and Wildlife
Durban’s coastal waters are home to a variety of marine life, and the countryside surrounding the city is rich with fauna and flora. Nature lovers should be sure to check out these two attractions to learn more.
uShaka Marine World
- Website: ushakamarine.com
- Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily
uShaka Marine World is a fantastic theme park attraction for families. Across 40 acres it houses uShaka Sea World, the fifth largest aquarium in the world, as well as a Wet ‘n Wild water park. You can play in the park, check out sharks, fish, and rays in the aquarium, catch dolphin shows, and even try snorkeling and scuba diving.
Durban Natural Science Museum
- Website: durban.org.za/artculture/museums/natural
- Address: 1, City Hall, 234 Smith St, Durban Central, 4000
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 3 pm / Saturday: 9 am –12 pm / Sunday: closed
Situated in the stately Durban City Hall, the Natural Science Museum is a popular free attraction where you can learn about the world’s natural history. Highlights include a life-size T-Rex reconstruction, one of the world’s best-preserved dodo skeletons, and Africa’s third-largest collection of birds.
9. Understand Durban’s Complex History
Durban has a complicated and fascinating history, so be sure to check out these two popular museums to learn more.
KwaMuhle Museum
- Website: durban.org.za/artculture/museums/kwamuhle
- Address: 130 Bram Fischer Rd, Durban Central, Durban, 4001
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 4 pm / Saturday: 8.30 am – 12.30 pm / Sunday: closed
Housed in the building that once served as the Department of Native Affairs, the KwaMuhle Museum preserves the details of the apartheid. It serves to educate about the injustices faced by non-white South African people prior to Nelson Mandela’s release and election as president.
Old Court House Museum
- Address: 77 Samora Machel/Aliwal St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 8.30 am – 4 pm / Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
The Old Court House is one of Durban’s oldest and most distinctive buildings, recognizable by its cream-yellow windowsills and ironwork veranda. It dates back to the 1860s and today it documents the story of the building and the local area. It was once frequented by Mahatma Gandhi when he worked as a lawyer in Durban before taking up the role of freedom fighter in 1904.
Be sure to also check out the Phoenix Settlement which is a few miles north of central Durban and part of the Inanda Heritage Trail. This is where Gandhi set up a communal living settlement.
11. See Durban From Unique Perspectives
Mini Town is a unique, retro attraction situated at Snell Parade beachfront. It’s a miniature recreation of the city and features all of Durban’s most notable buildings. It also has an impressive functioning railway and a harbor with a moving tug and ship. It’s a fun way to get to know Durban’s key sights.
Another great way for first-time visitors to get to know the city is with a guided tour with a local. There are plenty of walking tours to choose from and many of them cover key sights and landmarks such as Mitchell Park, Victoria Street Market, and Durban Botanic Gardens.
12. Explore Durban’s Art Scene
Durban has a vibrant art scene and a huge variety of galleries and exhibition spaces to explore.
- The Artisan Gallery houses handmade jewelry, fabrics, prints, glassware, and wood in a converted 1920s house in the Morningside District.
- The Dodds Gallery showcases the work of South African artists within a large plant nursery
- The KZNSA Gallery displays contemporary art and hosts a range of performance art events and educational programs
- The Elizabeth Gordon Gallery houses fine art from South African artists and specializes in art conservation and restoration
- artSPACE Durban hosts contemporary art exhibitions and performances in its studio space
- The BAT Centre champions art created by young, emerging black artists, and it frequently hosts music and poetry events
- The African Art Centre supports the work of young, Black, and disadvantaged artists, and celebrates traditional South African craft
- The Durban Art Gallery houses over 3,500 artworks from British, French, Dutch, Chinese, and South African artists
- Etchings Art Gallery specializes in prints, framing, and mirrors, and it prioritizes works by inventive artists
- Fat Tuesday Gallery showcases both traditional and new media art with photography being its specialization
13. Witness the Wild at Durban’s Game Reserves and Parks
Durban is surrounded by countryside with many game reserves and national parks within driving distance of the city center. Take a day tour or spend a few days at any of these reserves to catch sightings of native wildlife and go on safaris with knowledgeable guides.
- Giants Castle – 110 miles from Durban
- Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park – 110 miles from Durban
- Thula Thula – 124 miles from Durban
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park – 145 miles from Durban
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi – 150 miles from Durban
- Zulu Nyala – 186 miles from Durban
- Phinda – 190 miles from Durban
- Mkhuze – 232 miles from Durban
- Ithala – 240 miles from Durban
- Tembe – 250 miles from Durban
14. Relax on the Water at Durban Point Waterfront Canal
Durban Point Waterfront Canals are protected reserves that are home to more than 30 species of fish. The scenery here is beautiful and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful. Hire a pedal boat to enjoy the canals at your own pace, particularly if you have kids.
For a more luxurious experience, book a canal cruise instead. These include a guided tour of the sights along the canal and give fantastic insights into the area’s history. For a more intimate and romantic experience, couples can take a private gondola ride.
15. Take a Day Trip to Pietermaritzburg
Despite being smaller than Durban, Pietermaritzburg is the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal province. It’s dotted with impressive colonial buildings such as the City Hall, the old Supreme Court, and Pietermaritzburg Railway Station. Situated 48 miles inland from Durban, you can get there within an hour by car.
There are lots of historical sights to enjoy in Pietermaritzburg, but the city is also an incredibly scenic place to spend a day. It has a slightly warmer climate than the coastal city of Durban and enjoys close proximity to rolling grasslands that become carpeted with wildflowers in spring and summer.
Plan Your Durban Itinerary
There’s no shortage of fun things to do when visiting Durban, with activities and sights to suit all ages and interests. Now you’re clued up on the very best things to do in this vibrant region; you can get started planning your city tour for your upcoming trip.
