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Durban is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations thanks to its combination of golden coastline, cosmopolitan city center, and close proximity to the mountainous countryside and rugged savannahs. No matter if you’re looking for a peaceful beachfront vacation, an action-packed adventure, or a combination of relaxation and excitement, Durban can provide it all.
With so much variety on offer in the city of Durban, it can be difficult to know where to stay. In this travel guide, we outline some of the key neighborhoods in Durban that appeal to tourists and describe the unique benefits of each. Read on to discover which area of this vibrant city you should call home during your visit.
Durban City Centre for Sightseeing
Highlights: uShaka Marine World, Natural Science Museum, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Golden Mile
Durban’s City Centre is a popular area for visitors to stay in thanks to its reliable transport links and close proximity to many of the city’s biggest attractions. There are plenty of affordable accommodation options here, some of which are situated right on the promenade at North Beach and South Beach.Â
However, if you’re looking for luxurious hotels over affordable guest houses, Durban City Centre is not the best place, and you’re better off venturing further out of town.
A key attraction in Durban City Centre is the Golden Mile — a stretch of coastline that runs from uShaka Marine World theme park to the Suncoast casino. The wide, paved promenade is scattered with cafes, restaurants, and local vendors. If you want to be among the hustle and bustle of the city with easy access to the Indian Ocean, this is the best place to stay.
Durban North for Family Trips
Highlights: Umgeni River Bird Park, Japanese Gardens
Durban North is a popular residential area adjacent to Umhlanga Rocks. It’s an unpretentious and affordable neighborhood with reasonable proximity to central Durban. Plenty of amenities are on offer, and the area offers easy access to nature since it borders the Umgeni River. The Umgeni River Bird Park is an incredibly popular attraction here and shouldn’t be missed.
There are very few hotels in Durban North since this is predominantly a residential area, but you can find a limited number of guesthouses and vacation rentals here. Families looking for quiet self-catering accommodation are well-suited to Durban North vacation rentals.
Musgrave for Peace and Quiet
Highlights: The Musgrave Centre, Durban Botanic Gardens
Just west of Durban city center lies Musgrave, a charming suburb filled with historic properties. There are many large Victorian and Edwardian homes in Musgrave, as well as chic Art Deco and Cubist designs.Â
Lovers of architecture will appreciate wandering through the streets of this area. Look out for the monthly Night Market, where you can buy handmade crafts, sample artisan food, and watch a variety of live performances.
Other than Durban Botanic Gardens, there are few sights in Musgrave itself. Luckily, the suburb is very close to the city center with good transport links so you can easily get around the key sights. Accommodation is fairly cheap, with bed and breakfasts and intimate guesthouses being more common than hotels.Â
If you want to be close to the center of Durban but appreciate peace and quiet, Musgrave is a great neighborhood to stay in.
Morningside for Fun Nightlife
Highlights: Florida Road, Mitchell Park Zoo, Jameson Park
Morningside is a trendy area best known for its hippest street, Florida Road. This leafy stretch of the city is lined with coffee shops, cafes, boutique stores, restaurants, and art galleries. Beautiful Edwardian and Victorian architecture gives the area historic charm, but the eclectic nature of the businesses here makes it a cool, cosmopolitan area.
Nightlife in Morningside is excellent, so if you’re looking for somewhere with good restaurants, bars, and pubs, base yourself here. It’s one of Durban’s most affluent suburbs, so expect accommodation to be on the pricey side.
The main options are guesthouses and lodges, but on the outskirts of the suburbs, towards Windemere and Essenwood, you’ll find some boutique hotels.
North Beach for Golden Sands
Highlights: Mini Town, Snake Park Pier, Rachel Finlayson Outdoor Pool
If you want to be right on the beach at the heart of Durban, book a hotel on North Beach. You might even be lucky enough to get stunning Indian Ocean views from your hotel room window.Â
Plus, you’ll be within walking distance of golden sandy beaches and plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. You’re in the heart of Durban here, so you can easily get around the city’s sights.
Accommodation in North Beach can be on the expensive side due to its convenient location, but there are some very affordable spots for those on a budget. You can also find holiday apartments here if you’re looking for self-catered accommodation.
Keep in mind that the beachfront area gets very busy with locals during South African school holidays and the festive season, so be prepared for crowds.
Glenwood for Art Lovers
Highlights: Bulwer Park, Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve, the KZNSA Gallery
Glenwood is a leafy suburb that overlooks Durban Harbor. It’s a casual yet trendy area packed full of high-quality and eclectic eateries. There’s lots of street art to enjoy, so much so that you can take several graffiti tours to see the best of it. The area is home to multiple art galleries, antique stores, yoga studios, and several pretty parks that serve as peaceful destinations for a picnic.
Holiday accommodation options are relatively limited in Glenwood. Guesthouses are the primary choice, so if you’re looking for rooms with en-suite bathrooms, this neighborhood is probably not right for you. Even if you don’t choose to stay in this area, be sure to visit anyway to soak in its cool and understated atmosphere.
Umhlanga for a Luxury Experience
Highlights: Umhlanga Rocks Nature Reserve, Umhlanga Promenade, Umhlanga Lighthouse, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Pearl Sky
Umhlanga is one of Durban’s most expensive and exclusive neighborhoods, so if you’re looking for the best hotels in the city for luxury, start here. There’s a beautiful beach promenade with a charming lighthouse and plenty of high-quality restaurants, bars, and stores. There are incredible views of the coastline and ocean to be had here, and you’re within close proximity to the stunning landscapes of the Umhlanga Rocks Nature Reserve.
One of the best-known accommodations in the area is The Oyster Box. This five-star hotel has luxurious rooms and serves world-class food. Be sure to dine here if you get the opportunity, even if you don’t stay in the hotel. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can find some upmarket guesthouses that are a little more affordable than hotels.
La Lucia for Relaxation
Highlights: La Lucia Mall
La Lucia is a popular residential area for young professionals and families. Its position just north of Durban city makes it a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. It has plenty of amenities, including La Lucia Mall, which houses pubs, restaurants, cinemas, and a gym in addition to a huge range of shops. There are also calm, clean beaches to enjoy in La Lucia for when you want a lazy day on the sand.
Another big benefit of La Lucia is its close proximity to Umhlanga, which is just an 8-minute drive away. Accommodation in La Lucia is a little more affordable than in Umhlanga, but there aren’t as many options available. You can find boutique hotels, beach cabins, and bed and breakfasts here, but you won’t get quite as much luxury as in Umhlanga.
King Shaka International Airport Area for Short Stays
Highlights: Tongaat Beach, Westbrook Beach, Dolphin Coast
Durban often serves as a stopover destination for people traveling to other popular regions of South Africa, such as Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Those staying in the city for just a night or two often benefit from booking accommodation close to King Shaka Airport. There are several hotels and chalets dotted along the coast here which offer scenic sea views.
The King Shaka Airport area is close to several attractive beaches and a stretch of coastline known as the Dolphin Coast, where dolphins can regularly be sighted in the Indian Ocean. Public transport links are minimal, so renting a car when staying here is a good idea.
Westville for Shopping and Entertainment
Highlights: Pavilion Shopping Centre, Westwood Mall, Westville Mall, Bergtheil Museum, Westville Swimming Pool, Westville Country Club, Palmiet Nature Reserve
Westville is a popular suburb to the west of Durban City. It has a diverse population and a safe, friendly atmosphere that suits families, couples, and solo travelers alike. With three shopping malls, Westville is a popular spot to enjoy retail therapy. The area is also great for getting out in nature since it’s home to the Palmiet Nature Reserve.
Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are the most common types of accommodation in Westville. This is a safe and relatively affordable neighborhood, but it’s not the most convenient base if you want to see Durban’s most popular sights. It’s tough to reach the city center without your own car, so be sure to rent a vehicle if you plan to stay here.
The Bluff for Spectacular Ocean Views
Highlights: Bluff Nature Reserve, Bluff National Park Golf Club, Bluff Whaling Museum, Merebank Mall, Anstey’s Beach, Brighton Beach, Garvie’s Beach, Bluff Lighthouse, Cave Rock surf spot
Bluff, or The Bluff as it’s known by locals, is a coastal suburb situated on the south side of Durban Harbor. It’s a popular resort for both locals and tourists who want to hit the beach. There’s no shortage of accommodation options with guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and lodges available.
When you make The Bluff your base, you have good access to several beaches, which make for excellent surfing, kitesurfing, and body boarding. The neighborhood is also great for spotting wildlife and marine life. The nature reserve here is a brilliant place to enjoy walking and bird-watching. Bluff National Park Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course surrounded by wetlands so that you can catch sight of South African wildlife during your game.
Station Drive Precinct for Creatives and Foodies
Highlights: The Maker Space, Artisan Studio, Distillery 031
Station Drive Precinct is a small area of Morningside that was once home to aging industrial buildings before being revitalized. It now hosts a series of businesses and creative spaces that have given the area a hip, trendy atmosphere.
Coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, boutique stores, art galleries, exhibition spaces, workshops, studios, and craft breweries are all situated on Station Drive Precinct.
As for accommodation, there’s nothing on Station Drive Precinct itself, but there are plenty of options within walking distance. Even if you don’t stay in this area, visit Station Drive to take in the trendy, creative atmosphere and meet some of the many talented artisans who have set up shop here.
Ballito for Sunny Beach Holidays
Highlights: Thompson’s Bay, MonkeyLand KZN, Ballito Sky Park, Willard Beach
Ballito is a quintessential beach holiday destination popular with South African and international tourists. There’s a great selection of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts here, including high-end and luxury options for those who want to push the boat out. The area has several beautiful beaches, and the rugged coastline offers spectacular views.
Since Ballito is 34 miles from central Durban, it’s not a good base if you plan to spend lots of time in the city. Public transport is poor here, so you’ll need to rent a car to get around. If you want a relaxing holiday with occasional day trips out, Ballito is the perfect neighborhood to stay in.
Book Your Favorite Durban Neighborhood
Now you know what each neighborhood in Durban has to offer; you can choose an area that suits your unique needs and get started finding accommodation for your upcoming visit to Kwazulu-Natal’s biggest city.
