My journeys in South Africa have extended over a decade. Consequently, I am well-positioned to showcase the outstanding attributes of South African destinations, including Durban, through the lens of travelers like you.

Regarding its geographical setting, Durban is exceptionally situated. Located on the east coast of South Africa, this port city developed around an array of long, captivating sandy beaches accompanied by the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean.

The area surrounding Durban has been occupied for at least 100,000 years. European awareness of the region began in 1497 when the notable Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama encountered it en route to India. The area subsequently transitioned through various dominions before becoming part of the British Empire in 1844.

Presently, Durban is recognized as South Africa’s third-largest city. In addition to its beaches, it presents a combination of natural and artificial attractions ranging from delightful cuisine to intriguing museums. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand while also immersing themselves in the local culture.

To assist you in your exploration, here are my recommendations for the 15 top attractions in Durban.

1. The Golden Mile

Durban is a favored escape for South Africans for valid reasons. The city’s Golden Mile unequivocally stands out as the premier destination. This remarkable stretch extends from the Central Business District (CBD) and features several beaches complemented by a charming promenade lined with cafes and restaurants.

Most beaches along the Golden Mile, including South Beach, are supervised by lifeguards throughout the year and are safeguarded by shark nets. Its relatively tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal location for families seeking to enjoy the sand or water, which typically maintains a temperature of 22°C. In contrast, neighboring North Beach is renowned for its waves, attracting surfers and bodyboarders from around the globe.

2. uShaka Marine World

When seeking a diversion from the beaches of the Golden Mile, consider visiting uShaka Marine World. Although it is primarily recognized as a water park, many contend that its aquatic exhibits far overshadow its slides, totaling 4.6 million gallons and featuring 10,000 distinct species of marine life.

Surpassing competitors, the aquaria at uShaka Marine World house the largest single tank in the Southern Hemisphere. With viewing windows stretching 500 meters through four unique ‘shipwrecks,’ each offers a glimpse into diverse marine ecosystems. Expect to encounter species such as sharks, manta rays, turtles, seals, and even penguins.

3. Port Natal Maritime Museum

Just across the bay from uShaka Marine World lies the Port Natal Maritime Museum. Retaining the former name of the city, which was changed in 1835, the museum boasts Durban’s picturesque harbor as a backdrop. Its exhibitions encompass centuries, if not millennia, of maritime history in the region.

Visitors can explore the various boats and ships on site, which serve as highlights of any visit. It is not only young children who will enjoy pretending to command the minesweeper SAS Durban or NCS Challenger while discovering the various small compartments that operate these vessels.

4. Umgeni River Bird Park

Once a water-filled quarry, Umgeni River Bird Park now features tropical vegetation across 3.5 hectares on the river’s opposite bank. This sanctuary is home to approximately 800 birds representing 200 species, including unique varieties in Africa.

Notable birds include owls, hornbills, vultures, and macaws. Many of these birds participate in daily shows at the outdoor amphitheater, while others are nurtured by the park team, including increasingly rare wattled cranes.

5. The BAT Centre

The BAT Centre is not related to flight; instead, it is a community arts initiative located on Durban’s Victoria Embankment. This space consists of a series of standalone brick buildings housing independent art galleries, a performance venue, eateries, and shops offering both traditional and contemporary art from KwaZulu-Natal province.

This not-for-profit establishment is dedicated to promoting the artistic heritage of the city, making it an outstanding venue to discover the diverse range of arts and crafts available.

6. Durban Botanic Gardens

The Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest formally established botanic garden in South Africa, with its inception dating back to 1849. The garden features a combination of indigenous South African flora and exotic plants from around the world, showcasing specimens from various floral kingdoms.

Among the diverse collections are orchids, palms, and cycads (ferns). Spanning 15 hectares, it also includes a sunken garden designed in the English style, featuring an array of vibrant flowers, a butterfly habitat garden, and a naturally-fed lake—ideal for picnicking on one of Durban’s many sunny days.

7. Mini Town

A miniature representation of the city, Mini Town is a nostalgic attraction situated near the beachfront at Snell Parade. This charming site replicates Durban in miniaturized form, featuring scaled-down versions of all the city’s prominent buildings.

What sets Mini Town apart is the intricate working railway and harbor, which includes its own operational tugboat and ship, combined with over 200,000 liters of water.

8. KwaMuhle Museum

In my opinion, the KwaMuhle Museum is the most significant and captivating of all exhibition spaces in Durban.

This museum, dedicated to the history of apartheid and the preceding ‘Durban system,’ is thoughtfully housed in a building previously reviled by non-white South Africans—the Department of Native Affairs. It was within these walls that passes, required for entry into the city, were issued.

The museum chronicles this painful history through its extensive collection of documents, photographs, videos, and artifacts belonging to ordinary South Africans. By confronting the grim realities of the apartheid system, the KwaMuhle Museum serves an essential role in educating subsequent generations born after the historic election of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first black president.

9. Culinary Delights

Characterized by its ethnic diversity, Durban is home to a population of Zulu people, as well as a significant demographic with British and Indian heritage. This melting pot of cultures has resulted in a culinary landscape that is unparalleled in South Africa. Fortunately, one can indulge in its offerings without overspending.

The city’s coastal location ensures that seafood remains a popular choice, whether it is prepared in the British deep-fried style or infused with aromatic spices from the Indian subcontinent. When seeking local specialties, one should try Bunny Chow—a curried vegetable stew served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.

10. Moses Mabhida Stadium

Constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and named in honor of a prominent anti-apartheid figure, this stadium in Durban caters not only to sports enthusiasts but also to adventure seekers. Apart from hosting soccer, cricket, and rugby matches, the stadium doubles as a venue for various adventure sports.

The iconic arch that extends over the 55,000-seat arena features a ‘skywalk’ consisting of 550 steps, leading to a viewpoint situated 106 meters above the ground. For those preferring not to ascend by foot, a funicular is available. Apart from providing breathtaking views of Durban and the Indian Ocean, the platform serves as an ideal vantage point to witness thrill-seekers leaping from the arch on a bungee swing that catapults them 220 meters across the pitch.

11. Dick King Statue

The Dick King Statue represents another aspect of Durban’s historical narrative and is located along Victoria Embankment. This bronze equestrian statue commemorates Richard Phillip King, who raised the alarm concerning a potential Boer attack on the city during the 1840s.

King undertook an arduous journey over 10 days, traversing between Durban and Grahamstown—averaging approximately 125 kilometers daily, despite enduring illness. Having reached Grahamstown, he successfully rallied a British force that thwarted the city’s siege, thus securing his place in Durban’s legacy.

12. Durban Natural Science Museum

The grand columned facade of the Durban Natural Science Museum stands as an attraction in itself—part of the Durban City Hall. Visitors are welcomed by a wide stone staircase adorned with an opulent red carpet, leading into equally impressive exhibits.

Devoted to the planet’s biodiversity, the museum houses an extensive collection of mounted animals, including birds, mammals, insects, and reptiles. Its displays extend into ancient Egypt, showcasing the mummy known as Peter Amen, along with one of the most well-preserved dodo skeletons in existence.

13. Sports Events

A familiarity with South Africa will indicate the nation’s passion for sports. Durban exemplifies this enthusiasm, and attending one of its significant sporting events is a rewarding way to immerse oneself in the local culture.

Kings Park Stadium serves as the home ground for the Sharks rugby union team, with most domestic league matches occurring during the winter months (June to September). At other times, cricket can be enjoyed at Kingsmead Ground, or soccer at Moses Madhiba Stadium.

14. Old Court House Museum

This museum occupies one of the oldest standing structures in central Durban, characterized by its ironwork veranda and cream-yellow stone windowsills that add intrigue to the surrounding office buildings.

Constructed in the 1860s, it houses a collection of approximately 10,000 individual items that coalesce to narrate the area’s history and its people during both prosperous and challenging times. Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi often frequented this building when he practiced law in Durban.

15. Phoenix Settlement

Durban’s ties to one of the 20th century’s most influential figures extend to the Phoenix Settlement, located a few miles north of the CBD, purchased by Gandhi in 1904. It served as the initial setting for his transformation from lawyer to freedom fighter.

The settlement became a testing ground for various ideas related to communal living and the philosophy of non-violence, which led to Gandhi’s multiple nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. The residence where Gandhi lived during this period has been fully restored and is accessible as part of the Inanda Heritage Trail.