Top 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in Durban, South Africa

From the sun-kissed beaches of the Golden Mile and the wild beauty of the Valley of a Thousand Hills to the vibrant energy of Victoria Street Market, Durban offers an array of things to do that promise to make your trip truly unforgettable. 

South Africa is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cities. While popular cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg often top the list of sightseeing places in South Africa, one city that gets overlooked but truly deserves a top spot is Durban.  

Durban is a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, renowned for having the largest Indian population outside of India. With stunning landscapes, excellent food and an abundance of things to do, Durban is a treasure trove of experiences. The air of the city hums with ocean salt and spicy street foods, the streets thrum with music, and the views? Let’s say your camera will be full at the end of the trip. To put it simply, Durban is not the kind of city you simply visit; it’s the kind that you feel.

Best Things to Do in Durban, South Africa  

From vibrant beaches and bustling markets to incredible wildlife and cultural experiences, there’s so much stuff to do in Durban that you will fall short of days.

Here are some of the best things to do in Durban, South Africa:

• Walk Along the Golden Mile 
• Visit the 5th Largest Aquarium in the World 
• Ride the Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium 
• Explore the Valley of a Thousand Hills 
• Visit the Durban Botanical Gardens 
• Shop at Victoria Street Market 
• Spend a Day at Phezulu Safari Park 
• Go for Shark Cage Diving 
• Seek Blessings at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple 
• Experience the Nightlife of Durban at Florida Road

Walk Along the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is a 4-mile stretch along the coast between the uShaka Marine World and Suncoast Casino. Lined with high-rise hotels, entertainment complexes, shops, and restaurants, this bustling beachfront is among the top things to do in Durban. Home to some of the best beaches in Durban, the Golden Mile is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts who come here to surf, swim, fish, or just bask in the sunshine. Some highlights along the coast include uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and Mini Town.

Location: Beach Walk, Durban Central 

Timings: Open 24 hours  

Visit the 5th Largest Aquarium in the World

Visit uShaka Marine World and step into the world of the deep sea. With a massive aquarium, water park and several interesting exhibits, the uShaka Marine World is one of the best things to see in Durban. Spanning a massive 40 acres, the park is home to eight attractions, including the uShaka Sea World (the 5th largest aquarium in the world), Wet 'n Wild water park, uShaka Sea Animal Encounters Island, uShaka Beach, Village Walk, Kids World, Dangerous Creatures and Chimp & Zee. Whether you are seeking adventure, education, or relaxation, uShaka Marine World promises an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Location: 1 King Shaka Avenue, Point, Durban 

Timings: Hours: Sun - Sat 09:00 - 17:00 

Fees: Different charges for different attractions  

Ride the Big Swing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium

The Moses Mabhida Stadium is a world-class sporting and event venue situated along the iconic Golden Mile. It offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city and the Indian Ocean from the top of its 106-meter-high arch. However, the main highlight of the stadium is not just the view but the 220-meter Big Rush Big Swing, the tallest swing in the world, which provides an unparalleled experience as you soar over the stadium. So, if you are an adrenaline junkie, this ride is easily one of the best activities to do in Durban for you.

Location: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban 

Timings: Monday to Friday: 09:30 AM - 04:30 PM, Last jump is allowed at 03:00 PM 

Saturday to Sunday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Last jump is allowed at 04:00 PM 

Entry Fees: ZAR 695 

Children under the age of 10 are not allowed on the swing  

Explore the Valley of a Thousand Hills

The Valley of a Thousand Hills is the ideal place to visit if you want to escape the urban life of South Africa and experience nature at its purest form. The drive through the hills is breathtaking in itself, featuring towering green mountains and the gushing Umgeni River, cutting through the valley. The valley is well-equipped with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and other accommodations, making it a convenient destination. There are also many adventure activities to do in this Durban valley, including rock climbing, paragliding, and mountain biking.

 Location: Situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal  

Visit the Durban Botanical Gardens

The Durban Botanical Garden is a nature escape in the heart of the city. Established in 1849, the garden is the oldest surviving botanical garden in Africa, making it a must-include on your list of things to do in Durban. It offers a beautiful, diverse, and colourful collection of flora, including some exotic plants like various cycads, orchids, bromeliads and so on. The garden also hosts a range of musical concerts and many exhibitions throughout the year.

Location: Sydenham Road, Berea, Durban 

Fees: Free 

Timings: All days from 7:30 am to 5:45 pm (5:15 pm in Winter).  

Shop at Victoria Street Market

Situated on Bertha Mkhize Street in Durban Central, the Victoria Street market is a shopper’s paradise. It is one of the oldest markets in Durban, known for its unique blend of African and Indian cultures. With over 200 stalls and stores, the market offers everything from indigenous arts and crafts, Indian products, fragrant spices and fresh produce to textiles, jewellery, and souvenirs. There is also an extensive seafood and meat market with fresh meat, including crabs, poultry, prawns, mutton, and more.  

Location: 151 Bertha Mkhize Street, Durban Central 

Timings: Monday to Friday: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM, Saturday: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM, and Sunday: 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM  

Spend a Day at Phezulu Safari Park

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, visiting the Phsezulu safari park is among the top things to do in Durban for both couples and families. The park offers a reptile park and a tour of the cultural village belonging to the Zulu tribe. You can also go for a Segway tour of the park, sunset drives of the beautiful grounds and bird spotting tours. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can choose to go on hourly guided game drives, offering a chance to spot bushbucks, wildebeests, zebras, impalas, giraffes, and blesboks, along with a variety of bird species.

Location: Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban 

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM. Closed on Monday 

Entry Fees: Free entry  

Additional charges for activities inside the park 

Go for Shark Cage Diving

Shark cage diving is an exhilarating adventure and one of the top things to do and see in Durban. Located at Aliwal Shoal, this experience includes donning a swimsuit and getting in a steel cage that will give you a front-row seat to observe between 5 and 20 sharks, including Blacktip Sharks and Raggedtooth Sharks, gliding effortlessly past the cage. It’s suitable for all experience levels and offers a unique chance to get close to these incredible predators in their natural habitat.

Location: Aliwal Shoal, Umkomaas 

Timings: Monday to Sunday 

Fees: Approximately R1000 per adult 

Seek Blessings at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple is one of the largest Hare Krishna temples in Africa and a must-visit attraction in Durban. Surrounded by a stunning lotus-shaped garden, the temple is a visual masterpiece, featuring gold-tinted domes, gilded statues, elegant chandeliers, marble flooring, and intricate ceiling frescoes. Its spiritual ambience and architectural grandeur make it one of the best things to see in Durban.

Location: 50 Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle, Unit 5, Chatsworth, Durban 

Timings: 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Mangala Arati (First Worship of the Day): 4:30 AM 

Sandhya Arati (Evening Worship): 6:30 PM 

Fees: No entry fee  

Experience the Nightlife of Durban at Florida Road

Florida Road is one of the most vibrant nightlife hubs in Durban, perfect for those seeking fun things to do in Durban. The buzz of Florida Road starts early morning when sidewalk cafes become a meeting point for friends and colleagues. However, the road truly comes alive at night when the street’s clubs and bars open up, earning its reputation as one of Durban’s top night spots. The restaurants on this street are also among the best in Durban, with some well-known establishments being the Mexican-inspired Taco Zulu, Europa Food Emporium and House of Curries.

Location: Located in the heart of Berea, Durban 

Timings: Vary based on the establishment.  

Fees: No specific entry fees   

As we conclude our exploration of the best things to do in Durban, South Africa, it is clear that the city has so much to offer. From the sun-kissed beaches of the Golden Mile and the breathtaking beauty of the Valley of a Thousand Hills to the heart-pounding thrill of the Big Rush Big Swing, Durban offers something for everyone. So next time you plan a trip to South Africa, don’t forget to add this enchanting city to your South Africa packages.

At Veena World, we offer a range of packages to South Africa, including South Africa tour packages from Mumbai, tailored to suit every kind of traveller. Whether you're looking for adventure, wildlife, or cultural experiences, our curated itineraries have you covered!  

 

FAQs  

Q1. What are the top must-do activities in Durban?  

Some of the most iconic and rewarding activities include:  

• Walking or cycling the Golden Mile - a scenic beachfront promenade.

• Visiting uShaka Marine World, an ocean-themed water park and aquarium.

• Exploring Zulu cultural villages or the KwaMuhle Museum for historical context

• Trying a bunny chow, Durban’s signature street food (a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry).

• Take a short trip to Valley of a Thousand Hills or Durban Botanic Gardens for nature and local crafts

Q2. Is Durban a good beach destination, and are the beaches safe? 

Yes! Durban is home to some of South Africa’s best urban beaches — sandy, sunny, and swimmable. Beaches like North Beach, South Beach, and Umhlanga Rocks are popular for surfing, bodyboarding, and swimming. Lifeguards and shark nets are in place at major beaches. As always, avoid isolated stretches and follow safety advice, especially after dark.  

Q3. What local foods or experiences should I not miss in Durban?  

Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India, making it a food lover’s paradise. Must-tries include:  

- Bunny chow (curried meat or beans in bread) 

- Durban curry (spicier and richer than most Indian curries) 

- Samoosas and sugarcane juice from street vendors  

Pair this with a visit to the Victoria Street Market to sample spices, crafts, and Indian-African fusion culture.  

Q4. Is Durban a good destination for cultural and historical experiences?  

Yes! Durban has a rich mix of Zulu, Indian, and colonial history. For cultural insight:  

• Visit the KwaMuhle Museum to understand apartheid-era Durban.
• Explore the Inanda Heritage Route, featuring Gandhi’s Phoenix Settlement and early African leadership.
• Attend a Zulu dance performance or cultural tour in the surrounding hills. This cultural fusion is visible in architecture, temples, mosques, and street markets across the city.

Q5. What’s the vibe of Durban’s nightlife and entertainment scene?  

Durban’s nightlife is casual, coastal, and eclectic. Here you’ll find:  

• Beachfront bars with live music and cocktails.
• Florida Road – the city’s go-to strip for trendy restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs.
• Live jazz, reggae, and Afrobeat gigs at local venues. 
• Unique experiences like night markets, shisa nyama (BBQ) hangouts, and township tours with traditional food and music.