Durban

Travel Guide
Durban showing jet skiing, surf and a marina
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-kilometer) 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 colorful 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 neighborhood 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 meters) 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 favorite.

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 harbor 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 kilometers) from the city center. 

Where to stay in Durban

North Beach which includes modern architecture, street scenes and a coastal town

Durban Beachfront

4/5(2 area reviews)

Durban Beachfront is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Durban Beachfront
South Beach showing surfing, waves and landscape views

South Beach

3.5/5(10 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 featuring a sunset and a beach

North Beach

4/5(37 area reviews)

North Beach is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

North Beach
Durban featuring heritage architecture and a mosque

Durban Central Business District

3.5/5(18 area reviews)

Durban Central Business District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Workshop Mall and Harbour while in the area.

Durban Central Business District
Default Image

Morningside

4.5/5(5 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 featuring signage and rides as well as a large group of people

Durban Point

3.5/5(5 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 ¥3,932 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥3,932
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
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 Oct 29, 2023

Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre
Belaire Suites
Belaire Suites
4 out of 5
151 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is ¥7,265 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥7,265
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
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 Mar 16, 2024

Belaire Suites
The Blue Waters Hotel
The Blue Waters Hotel
4 out of 5
175 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is ¥7,465 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥7,465
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
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 Mar 4, 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 Sep 19, 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 Nov 2, 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

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
15
" "5 - Excellent 26.31578947368421%
4 - Good
28
" "4 - Good 49.12280701754386%
3 - Okay
9
" "3 - Okay 15.789473684210526%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 7.017543859649122%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.7543859649122806%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 31, 2019

Really no time this first visit to see any tourist sites - did visit the Pavilion Shopping Centre. Return visit after the cruise will permit a bit of time for tourism.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 26, 2019

I went swimming in the Indian ocean, making it the 3rd ocean I've swam in. Victoria Street market was interesting, big culture shock to me, but was a memorable experience. Other than that, I don't think I'll ever go back to Durban.

3/5 - Okay

Don
Aug 11, 2019

Visited at the start of our trip to reset our body clocks. The hotel and amenities were fantastic! Highly recommend! Durban was a little dodgy (definitely no walking after dark).

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 24, 2019

We loved the beachfront but unfortunately the rest of the city is very run down. Stick to the Beachfront and it's a great environment.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Jun 18, 2019

The CBD is filthy and certainly not a safe place to be. The beaches needs a proper clean up.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 17, 2019

Another good thing about the hotel is that it had secure parking I didn’t see that with some other hotels I liked to stay at that are close to the beach it’s either to pay an extra fee for parking or parking is on the street