Durban

Travel Guide
Durban which includes a marina, surf and jet skiing
The third-largest city in South Africa is an inviting coastal playground famous for its beaches, surfing and cosmopolitan vibe. 

With warm weather year-round and the Indian Ocean lapping on their doorstep, Durbanites enjoy a relaxed lifestyle focused around the city’s fabulous beaches. Durban is a culturally diverse city with a lively Indian Quarter, cosmopolitan nightlife, and plenty of adventure options.

The city’s most popular beachfront area is The Golden Mile, a 3.7-mile (6-kilometre) stretch of coastline revitalized for the 2010 FIFA World Cup football competition. Join joggers, cyclists and walkers on the expansive promenade. Go surfing, bodyboarding and kayaking in the ocean, or take a ride on one of the colourful Zulu Rickshaws. Spend a few hours at uShaka Marine World, an oceanarium and water park at the southern end of the Golden Mile.

While you’re in the neighbourhood stop by the Moses Mabhida Stadium, a legacy of the 2010 World Cup. Climb the 500 steps of the stadium’s roof arch for lofty views of the city, or take the sky car to the viewing platform. Then dive 350 feet (106 metres) back to earth on the stadium’s bungee jump.

Durban is a culturally rich city with African, European and Asian influences. It was once home to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of Indian Independence, and has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India. Pay a visit to the Indian Quarter on the western edge of the downtown area. Browse the markets for saris, spices and fresh produce, and search for electronic bargains in the old art deco stores. Visit the Juma Masjid Mosque, said to be the largest mosque in the Southern hemisphere. Don’t miss the Bunny Chow! This curry-filled bread roll is a Durban fast-food favourite.

Live it up when the sun goes down by experiencing Durban’s nightlife. Mingle with trendy locals in the bars of Morningside, a cosmopolitan suburb. Dine in a waterside restaurant at Wilson’s Wharf in the harbour area. Then dance until dawn in the nightclubs along the Golden Mile. 

Durban is situated on the east coast of South Africa. The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport, just over 20 miles (32 kilometres) from the city centre. 

Where to stay in Durban

North Beach showing a city, a hotel and a coastal town

Durban Beachfront

4/5(2 area reviews)

Durban Beachfront is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Blue Lagoon or Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Durban Beachfront
South Beach showing a sunset, surfing and landscape views

South Beach

3/5(5 area reviews)

South Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Harbour and Golden Mile.

South Beach
North Beach which includes a sandy beach and a sunset

North Beach

3.5/5(4 area reviews)

North Beach is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Blue Lagoon or Golden Mile while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

North Beach
Durban featuring heritage architecture and a mosque

Durban Central Business District

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers come to Durban Central Business District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Workshop Mall and Harbour while you're in town.

Durban Central Business District
Default Image

Morningside

4/5(4 area reviews)

Morningside is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Florida Road and Mitchell Park Zoo.

Morningside
uShaka Marine World showing signage and rides as well as a large group of people

Durban Point

3/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Durban Point, you might make a stop by sights like uShaka Marine World and Harbour.

Durban Point
Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre
Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre
3.5 out of 5
1 Durban Club Place, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is S$40 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
S$40
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Durban Beach are located ...
6.2/10 (30 reviews)
Too many steps
"Comfortable bed"

Reviewed on 29 Oct,2023

Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre
Belaire Suites
Belaire Suites
4 out of 5
151 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is S$73 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
S$73
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Durban Beach and uShaka Marine World are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (800 reviews)
Perfect Location
"Had a great stay. The bile and the other staff are always so helpful which is why we bring our tours here every year. They helped with restaurant choices, rooming changes and even a van to the airport one time. And, um, THEY'RE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE BEACH!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2024

Belaire Suites
The Blue Waters Hotel
The Blue Waters Hotel
4 out of 5
175 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is S$77 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$77
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and room service. Popular attractions Durban Beach and uShaka Marine World are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (896 reviews)
"Great view, staff, facilities an so on and so forth"

Reviewed on 4 Mar,2024

The Blue Waters Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Point Waterfront Apartments
Point Waterfront Apartments
4 out of 5
5 Signal Rd, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Addington Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (62 reviews)
"We were kept up all night by noisy neighbors (residents) who had a part next to our bedroom. Although staff tried to help things did not improve. Not wanting to risk this happening again we felt forced to move to a different location, despite having only used 1 of our 5 nights rental. We were not ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sep,2023

Point Waterfront Apartments
Durban Spa
Durban Spa
3 out of 5
57 Oliver Tambo Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3-star spa apartment in Durban. Enjoy 2 indoor pools, a full-service spa, and onsite parking. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Durban ...
7.2/10 Good! (8 reviews)
Terrible bad experience,won't recommend the resort
"I had a terrible experience It was the first time I wanted to try out the resort, but I was not welcomed from the time I entered. I was not greeted, but was sent around to fill out forms, after standing in the queue to check in. I requested a room with availability at a high floor, but was told they ..."

Reviewed on 2 Nov,2021

Durban Spa
Silver Sands Self Catering
Silver Sands Self Catering
3.5 out of 5
13 Erskine Terrace, Point, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and ...
Silver Sands Self Catering
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Durban

3.5
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 9.090909090909092%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 54.54545454545455%
3 - Okay
3
" "3 - Okay 27.272727272727273%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 9.090909090909092%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Oct 2019

Durban central itself is not very interesting and we were advised to avoid it but there is so much to do. Great beaches. Safari 3 hours away. Shark cage diving 30 mins away. Loads of great restaurants and lovely vibe. Florida Road worth a visit

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
5 Jul 2019

I didn't feel safe walking around Durban by myself. Butcher Bros on Florida Road is a fantastic restaurant, which I'd highly recommend. Victoria Market is ideal for picking up keepsakes or nik nak souvenirs.