Top Things to Do in Durban

About the City

Dubbed a coastal gem, Durban beckons with its warm subtropical climate and inviting Indian Ocean waters. Leisure seekers revel on golden beaches like the bustling Umhlanga or the surfers' paradise, North Beach. Cultural enthusiasts can meander through the vibrant markets, savoring spicy street foods that tell of the city's rich Indian heritage. The iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium stands as a proud symbol of modern architecture, offering panoramic city views from its SkyCar. However, Durban isn't without its blemishes. City-goers grapple with the humidity, an all-too-familiar sticky embrace. Urban areas occasionally suffer from litter, while some travelers express concern over safety, particularly at night. Yet, Durban's charms often eclipse its faults, with its warm-hearted locals, known as Durbanites, always ready with a smile and a story. From the ecological haven of the Botanic Gardens to the bustling harbor, Africa's busiest port, the city is a tapestry of natural beauty, commercial vitality, and cultural mosaic. Whether it's the thrill of a rickshaw ride along the promenade or the tranquility of a sunset cruise, Durban is a city that can both exhilarate and soothe, making it a unique South African adventure.

Things to Do in Durban

Devour the Classic Durban Roti Roll

Food & Drink

Get your hands dirty with the Durban roti roll, a perfect street food experience. It's a scrumptious wrap filled with curried goodness, ready to take your taste buds on a little adventure!

Disc Golf Aficionado

Outdoors

Embrace your inner frisbee champ and take a whirl at disc golf! This chill sport is all about precision and having a blast with buds. No caddies needed here, just a disc and your can-do attitude!

Salsa Dancing at Cuba Lounge

The Unexpected

Sashay your way to the Cuba Lounge and let loose with some saucy salsa moves. Whether you're a seasoned pro or have two left feet, you're guaranteed a night of energetic rhythms, unforgettable Latin b...

Vintage Finds at the Essenwood Market

The Unexpected

Get ready to rummage! This is where treasure hunting gets real and bargain lovers swoon. Essenwood Market is brimming with unique finds – think quirky antiques, retro chic clothes, and enough handcraf...

Explore Urban Art in the BaT Tunnel

The Unexpected

Ready for an underground adventure? We're not talking subways, but rather an incredible art-covered pedestrian passage that is shouting colour with a capital C! Be dazzled by the graffiti as you conne...

Picnic Perfection at the Japanese Gardens

The Unexpected

Forget the usual sandwich-on-a-bench routine. Pack your fanciest snack selection and sprawl out amidst tranquil Japanese aesthetics, right in the heart of Durban. Quirky bridges, coy koi ponds, and bl...

Go on a Photographic Safari at the Durban Botanic Gardens

Outdoors

Grab your camera and play 'I-spy' with exotic plant species! The Durban Botanic Gardens are practically an outdoor studio filled with nature's masterpieces. Snapshots of rare cycads or a perfect orchi...

Botanical Sketch Crawl

Outdoors

Unleash your inner artist with a peaceful day of sketching Durban's diverse flora. Plop down under a shady tree or beside a vibrant flowerbed and let your pencil do the talking. Perfect for the nature...

Jungle Gym Buff

Outdoors

Swing from ropes and tackle obstacles at an outdoor jungle gym. Prove your mettle on the monkey bars and get an al fresco muscle pump that'll leave you feeling like a superhero - cape not required!

Glide Along in a Sea Kayak

Outdoors

Hit the open water and paddle your heart out while you soak up the sun and maybe even spot a dolphin or two. Sea kayaking is the perfect blend of workout and wow-that's-pretty, suitable for anyone who...

Relish in the flavors of Durban Samoosas

Food & Drink

Take a bite into a crispy triangle of pure joy! Whether you choose mince, cheese and corn or sweetcorn, Durban samoosas are a flavor bomb worth detonating.

Stroll Around the Scenic Durban Point Waterfront

Sights

Promenade in style by the sea, marveling at the mix of modern vibes and natural beauty. It's the perfect spot for a sunset walk or a cheeky scoop of gelato.

Meet the Locals at Mitchell Park Zoo

Sights

Who doesn't love a day at the zoo? Mitchell Park Zoo might be small, but it's big on charm. Come say howdy to the meerkats, tortoises, and other friendly critters.

Paddle Along Durban's Canals

Sights

Ready to get your paddle on? Durban's canals are waiting for you to explore them by kayak or SUP. It's like Venice, but with a Durban twist!

Get Cultured at the Phansi Museum

Sights

If quirky, cool and cultural artifacts are your thing, then you've gotta check out the Phansi Museum. It's like a treasure chest of African art, craft, and history!

Conquer the SkyCar at Moses Mabhida Stadium

Sights

Ride the futuristic Skycar to the top of the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium for a panoramic view of the city. Nope, you don't need jet boots, just hop on and enjoy the glide!

Taste the Magic of Mealie Bread

Food & Drink

Corn to the Zulus is like pasta to the Italians – a staple! Mealie bread is a traditional South African corn bread, sweet, moist, and ridiculously moreish, sort of like if a cake and bread had a delic...

Sample the Iconic 'Surf Riders' Milkshake

Food & Drink

Hang ten on a wave of delightful flavors with Surf Riders' legendary milkshakes! These thick, creamy concoctions come in a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate to the wild and whimsical. It's a ...

Taste the Terrific Quarter Mutton Bunny

Food & Drink

In Durban, do as the Durbanners do: tackle a Quarter Mutton Bunny, arguably the city's crowning culinary delight. It's a loaf of bread hollowed out and crammed with delicious curry, and it'll challeng...

Jazz Up Your Journey with Rickshaw Rides

The Unexpected

Get ready to sit back like royalty while a Durbanite Raja pulls you along the beachfront. Feel the wind in your hair as you journey in style, local vibes included!