Must-see attractions in Durban

  • Durban skyline including Moses Mabhida stadium, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

    Moses Mabhida Stadium

    Durban

    Durbanites are proud of their state-of-the-art stadium, constructed for the 2010 World Cup. Resembling a giant basket, it seats 56,000 people, and its…

  • Toddler and mother looking at fish in a large aquarium, Ushaka, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

    uShaka Marine World

    Durban

    Divided into areas including Sea World and Wet’n’Wild, uShaka Marine World boasts one of the largest aquariums in the world, the biggest collection of…

  • Campbell Collections

    Durban

    These collections are well worth seeing. Muckleneuk, a superb house designed by Sir Herbert Baker, holds the documents and artefacts collected by Dr…

  • Durban Botanic Gardens

    Durban

    A 2000-sq-metre garden featuring one of the rarest cycads (Encephalartos woodii), as well as many species of bromeliad, this is a lovely place to wander…

  • Phansi Museum

    Durban

    Found southwest of the city centre, this museum features a private collection of Southern African tribal artefacts, displayed in Roberts House, a…

  • Juma Mosque, Indian area.

    Juma Mosque

    Durban

    The largest mosque in the southern hemisphere; call ahead for a guided tour.

  • Temple of Understanding

    Durban

    Situated in Durban’s west, this is the biggest Hare Krishna temple in the southern hemisphere. The unusual building is designed in the shape of a lotus…

  • Gandhi Settlement

    Durban

    An often forgotten gem of Durban's historic past lies just outside the city in the Phoenix township. Here you can visit the house where Mahatma Gandhi…

  • Vasco da Gama Clock

    Durban

    This florid Victorian monument on the embankment, just east of Stalwart Simelane St, was presented by the Portuguese government in 1897 to mark the 400th…

  • Wilson’s Wharf

    Durban

    This once-hip waterside development is now a little tired, but it’s the best place to get a view of Durban’s harbour and its activities. The harbour is…

  • KwaMuhle Museum

    Durban

    This was formerly the Native Administration headquarters, where Durban’s colonial authorities formulated the structures of urban racial segregation (the …

  • Old Courthouse Museum

    Durban

    Found in the beautiful 1866 courthouse behind City Hall, this museum offers a worthwhile insight into the highs and lows of colonial living. There's also…

  • Umgeni River Bird Park

    Durban

    Found on the Umgeni River, north of the centre, this bird park makes for a relaxing escape from the throng. You can see many African bird species in lush…

  • Madressa Arcade

    Durban

    The shops of Madressa Arcade are a flurry of colourful fabrics and piles of spices. Even if you don't find anything to buy, the architecture makes for a…

  • Natural Science Museum

    Durban

    This museum at City Hall boasts an impressive, if pleasantly retro, display of stuffed birds and insects, plus African animals. Check out the cockroach…

  • Sugar Terminal

    Durban

    Maydon Wharf, which runs along the southwestern side of the harbour and south of Margaret Mncadi Ave, is home to the Sugar Terminal, which offers an…

  • Kwazulu Natal Society of Arts

    Durban

    This not-for-profit gallery has temporary exhibitions of modern South African art. Once you’ve perused the gallery, its outdoor cafe, set under shady…

  • Art Gallery

    Durban

    Under City Hall's impressive dome is this gallery with a small but interesting collection of South African artworks, including paintings, mixed media and…

  • Blue Lagoon Beach

    Durban

    This playful beach once had a reputation for being dangerous, but after an extensive revamp it's now a haven for families. There are playgrounds, food…

  • Port Natal Maritime Museum

    Durban

    In the midst of Durban's busy southern seafront you can explore two former steam tugs and see the huge wicker basket once used for hoisting passengers…

  • City Hall

    Durban

    Dominating the city centre is the opulent 1910 Edwardian neo-baroque City Hall. In front of the hall is Francis Farewell Square.

  • Francis Farewell Square

    Durban

    This palm-lined square outside City Hall is named after the founder of the Port Natal colony and is where Fynn and Farewell made their camp in 1824.

  • Church Square

    Durban

    On the eastern side of the main post office on Dr Pixley KaSeme St (West St) is Church Sq, with its old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.

  • Tekweni Beach

    Durban

    The windy location makes surfing less popular here than at other beaches on the Golden Mile. It has a very hairy shorebreak.

  • St Paul’s Church

    Durban

    On the eastern side of the main post office you’ll find a square with an old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.

  • Dick King Statue

    Durban

    A statue commemorating Dick King (Richard Philip King), who brought reinforcements during the 1842 siege of Durban.

  • Bay of Plenty Beach

    Durban

    At the heart of the beachfront along Durban's Golden Mile. Popular with sunbathers and beach-sports enthusiasts.

  • Addington Beach

    Durban

    This popular beach is located beside uShaka Marine World. It's good for swimming and popular with families.

  • Dairy Beach

    Durban

    Consistent waves due to a good beach break make this a hot surfing spot on Durban's Golden Mile.

  • uShaka Beach

    Durban

    The somewhat sheltered beach at uShaka Marine World marks the southern end of the Golden Mile.

  • Emmanuel Cathedral

    Durban

    Built in 1903; parts of the old St Joseph's church (1852) were incorporated into the building.

  • North Beach

    Durban

    A popular and often crowded swimming beach north of the harbour on Durban's Golden Mile.

  • Laguna Beach

    Durban

    A popular beach for water-sport activities such as jet skiing.

  • New Beach

    Durban

    Popular outdoor venue for parties and concerts.

  • South Beach

    Durban

    Popular swimming beach on Durban's waterfront.

  • Battery Beach

    Durban

    A beach known for its fairly consistent surf.