Looking for the best things to do in Durban, Durban is a beautiful coastal city in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.
With its stunning tourist destinations like beaches, parks, cultural attractions, and regional cuisine, the city is a top vacation destination in both South Africa and all of Africa.
Durban has traditionally been a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. Durban is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages who want to revolve around its lush parks, beaches, and many more.
The top things to do in Durban are the list of things to keep anyone entertained for a week or more in the beautiful city.
Things to do in Durban
1 Visit Umhlanga Rocks
Umhlanga Rocks boasts one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, making it a global tourist destination.
It’s a well-known, posh resort town that’s 16 kilometers north of Durban.
Water sports lovers will have much to do in Umhlanga Rocks. Among the water sports available are surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale and dolphin watching, scuba diving, and kiteboarding.
The city is one of the biggest shopping centers in the southern hemisphere. Championship golf courses, the KZN Sharks Board, wildlife preserves, and museums are some of the area’s further attractions.
2 Golden Mile
If you’re looking for the greatest things to do in Durban, go to Golden Mile for a greater experience of joggers, bikers, surfers, sunbathers, bicyclists, and much more water sports.
A second draw of the Golden Mile is its bustling promenade, which is lined with various vendors selling traditional Zulu arts and crafts. Additional touristy goods and mementos are available here.
When visiting Durban, the Golden Mile should not be missed; it is a wonderful location that is full of activities that will make your day memorable.
3 uShaka Marine World
Travelers looking for anything shouldn’t automatically rule out Durban. When visiting Durban, uShaka Marine World is a fantastic destination to spend a day.
With four sections that make up the location: the Shaka Sea World, is the fifth-largest aquarium in the world and is built around five shipwrecks. You may go scuba diving and also take part in other pleasurable activities.
uShaka Wet & Wild which comprises the tallest water slide in the southern hemisphere. thirdly uShaka Beach is a sandy beach with a sizable pier that extends into the ocean. Finally, the uShaka Village Walk which is a recreation of an African village with eateries, coffee shops, and other stores.
4 Explore Valley of 1000 Hills & Phe-Zulu
Visit Valley of 1000 Hills & Phe-Zulu for an explorable landmark and a glimpse of the surrounding countryside in the city.
Visit PheZulu to discover the history, customs, and culture of the Zulu Nation. Visit adjacent crocodile parks, engage with locals in conversation, and buy crafts from communities. This thorough tour, which also includes transportation and a welcoming local guide, examines some of the most popular locations nearby the city.
The PheZulu Tour from Durban includes a visit to a Zulu village where you can learn about their customs and traditions, as well as a stop at a crocodile park where you can get a close encounter with nature.
5 Visit Durban Botanical Gardens
Dr. Charles Jonhston founded the Durban Botanical Gardens, which are located on the Berea Ridge’s border.
The 37-acre site houses the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa and the oldest public institution in Durban.
Today, guests can stroll around among the native and exotic subtropical plantings, which include imposing historic trees, some of which are more than a century old.
Cycads, orchids, bromeliads, and palms are among the principal plant collections. Visiting the garden is among the day-out things to do in Durban for Couples.
6 Visit Mitchell & Jameson Park
A picnic area and a day trip destination in Durban are Mitchell Park and Jameson Park.
The recreation area, which bears Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell’s name, was created in the middle of the century as an ostrich development.
Mitchell Park is one of Durban’s busiest parks, located in the upscale Morningside neighborhood.
There is no doubt that Mitchell Park and Jameson Park are well-liked tourist sites because of their lush, shaded lawns, a profusion of vibrant flowers, and broad, wheelchair-accessible pathways.
7 Visit Kwamuhle Museum
Visit the Kwamuhle Museum, which is one of the top things to do in Durban. This magnificent location is rich in architectural designs and was once the main headquarters of the city’s Native Administration Department.
Photos of township life and exhibits on the contributions of those responsible for the city’s growth are among the displays at the museum.
The Museum now serves as a symbol of optimism, a location where those who stood up to injustice are commemorated, and a place where variety is cherished.
8 Dine at The Cargo Hold
Visitors who might have spent time touring the city always branch at dinner at The Cargo Hold to have lunch or dinner.
Located aboard the iconic Phantom Ship, this restaurant offers upscale dining in one of Durban’s most breathtaking settings.
Visitors experience some of the spicy, creamier, and more exotic flavors available in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as expertly prepared meals while admiring the stunning ocean scenery and the sharks swimming in the tank.
9 Moses Mabhida Stadium Tours
Moses Mabhida’s stadium tour is one of the most romantic things to do in Durban for couples. The superb world cup stadium that was built to accommodate the 2010 competition also exalts the beauty of the city.
The stadium is the top sports and concert facility in the nation. It stands out on the Durban waterfront thanks to its contemporary construction and large arch. Push your way to the top of the arch to an observation deck where you can capture the whole city’s beauty.
10 Explore the Indian Quarter
Durban has the highest concentration of Indians outside of India, which has a significant impact on Indian culture, customs, and food.
Going around the Indian Quarter from Victoria Street and the market there is like walking into the streets of Delhi; you will hear street vendors haggling over the costs of vibrant fabrics and the strong aromas of spices that will influence your nose.
Visiting the Indian quarter is one of the most thrilling things to do in Durban for couples.
11 Explore Florida Road
Florida Road is one of the major rushing areas in Durban that you can’t afford to miss out on.
Florida Road, which runs from Sandile Thusi Road to Innes Road, is famous for its well-preserved 100-year-old Edwardian buildings.
The area is stunning and filled with cafés, boutique shops, galleries, and eateries. After sunset, locals and visitors flock to the area to eat, shop, and take advantage of Durban’s perpetual summer.
12 Inanda Township and Heritage Trail
Durban, South Africa, has a rich historical past thanks to the Inanda Township and Heritage Trail.
Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of passive resistance while visiting the town in 1904, which is another reason to visit.
Secondly, Nelson Mandela voted in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994 from Inanda, which is also the birthplace of Dr. John Dube, the president of the African National Congress, and other notable figures.
You can drive to the Phoenix Settlement, where Gandhi once resided and still has his printing press today. and also cruise to the Inanda Seminary, one of the first girls’ schools in South Africa, which was established in 1869 by American missionaries.
Dube’s home, which is now a national monument, as well as his burial at the Ohlange Institute are also on your trip.
A brief story about Durban
The city, a significant industrial hub and port owe its appearance of cosmopolitanism to the rich ethnic diversity it has developed over the course of its violent past.
Conflicts between the British traders who arrived in Durban in 1823, the Zulus, in whose tribal area Durban is located, and the Boers influenced the city’s personality.
Also, Contract workers from India who arrived in 1860 to work on the sugar plantations continued to live there after their agreements ended, making Durban the city with the highest concentration of Indians in South Africa.