Durban at a glance
Durban sits on South Africa's east coast, on the Indian Ocean in KwaZulu-Natal. The climate is subtropical, The city offers a beachfront promenade, a stadium with a giant arch, a marine park, gardens, a market, a gallery and a museum. Three of the best-known nature areas in the province can be reached on day trips.
This list is not a ranking. It follows a simple order: the beachfront and city first, then uMhlanga, then the trips that take a full day. Prices are in South African rand (R) and apply to 2026 unless noted. Opening hours change, so check the current timetable before you go. Read our safety guide before you plan walking routes in the centre.
In and around the city
Seven places in Durban itself.
1. The Golden Mile and North Beach
The Golden Mile is the beachfront promenade that runs along North Beach and South Beach. Walk it, hire a bike or watch the surf from a bench. Swim only between the red and yellow flags and follow the lifeguards. Shark nets are not a closed barrier, and bathing can be banned on a given day. Details are on our beaches page.
2. uShaka Marine World
A marine park with an aquarium, a water park and a village walk at the southern end of the beachfront. Sea World and Wet'n'Wild are R267 for adults and R216 for children and seniors. A combination ticket is R399 for adults. See the uShaka guide for the products and the closed days.
3. Moses Mabhida Stadium
The stadium with its arch is a landmark on the skyline. The guided stadium tour costs R70 per person, R80 at peak times. Other attractions on the arch were listed in older guides, but the stadium's current attractions page shows tours, a Segway option and People's Park. Check which activities run on your day.
4. Durban Botanic Gardens
The gardens lie on the Berea. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. Opening hours are 07:30 to 17:15 from 16 April to 15 September and 07:30 to 17:45 from 16 September to 15 April. The information office opens 08:00 to 16:30. Events can have their own tickets.
5. Victoria Street Market
The market on Bertha Mkhize Street, formerly Victoria Street, has stalls, a fish market and curios. The streets around it are known for Indian-influenced food. The city centre is a place where the German Foreign Office advises against visits at any time of day (as of 21 October 2026). Go by pre-booked car or with a guide, and check the current market hours.
6. Durban Art Gallery
The municipal gallery is on the second floor of City Hall, 234 Anton Lembede Street. A published schedule gives Monday to Saturday 08:30 to 15:45 and Sundays and public holidays 10:00 to 15:45, with closures on Good Friday and Christmas. Confirm before you travel. It is not the Elizabeth Gordon Gallery, which is a commercial gallery.
7. KwaMuhle Museum
The museum at 130 Bram Fischer Road is free. Its exhibitions cover the Durban System, forced removals and labour migration, so it is a serious look at segregation, not a folklore show. Opening hours differ slightly between two listings. Plan for Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:00 and Saturday 08:30 to 12:00. It is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Our picks: things to do
Markets and promenade on foot, the harbour from the water and a city tour by minibus.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Durban sightseeing and walking tour
Four hours with transport, a guide and the entrance fees for the tour stops. The SkyCar ticket at Moses Mabhida Stadium costs extra.
Check availability →
Markets and culture walking tour
Five hours with a guide, minibus rides to the market and on to the promenade, and lunch. Drinks with the meal, tips and personal spending are extra.
Check availability →
One-hour harbour cruise from Wilson's Wharf
A public boat trip with music and an experienced crew.
Check availability →Durban tours and day trips
City tours, safaris, Sani Pass, boat cruises and the Valley of 1000 Hills, with live prices and availability.
North of the city
uMhlanga is the coastal suburb with the lighthouse, and it fits an afternoon after the city sights.
8. uMhlanga and its promenade
The O'Connor Promenade is 2.7 km long. Main Beach and Bronze Beach are described with shark nets and lifeguards. At the end of the promenade, a path leads through the uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve with boardwalks over the Ohlange River. The lighthouse can be photographed from outside, but there is no confirmed access inside. More on the uMhlanga page.
Full-day trips from Durban
Four excursions that need an early start. Distances are rough planning values.
9. The Drakensberg and Sani Pass
Maloti-Drakensberg is a World Heritage site shared with Lesotho. The Sani Pass climbs to the border and needs a valid passport, and self-drivers need a 4x4. A private Sani Pass day tour is listed from R1,090 per person, and tours can be cancelled in heavy snow. See the Drakensberg guide.
10. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The park lies about 280 km north, a drive of 2.5 to 3 hours each way. That makes a long day, so many visitors stay overnight. Gates open 05:00 to 19:00 from October to March and 06:00 to 18:00 from April to September. Animals are wild, and sightings cannot be promised. Read the park guide.
11. St Lucia and iSimangaliso
Boat cruises on the estuary show hippos and crocodiles from the water. A cruise lasts about 2 hours. Humpback whales pass Cape Vidal roughly from June to November, and turtles nest from November to March. Do not swim at Mission Rocks because of currents and rough seas. More on the St Lucia page.
12. Valley of 1000 Hills
PheZulu, near Botha's Hill, is about 35 km from the centre. It offers a Zulu dancing programme, a reptile park and game drives. The dancing show is a staged tourist programme and not everyday life. The reptile park alone costs R75. See the Valley of 1000 Hills page.
Things to do in Durban: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Durban?
The Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World and the Moses Mabhida Stadium tour are the usual first stops. For history, add the KwaMuhle Museum. For nature, add a trip to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, St Lucia or the Drakensberg.
What can you do in Durban for free?
Entry to the Botanic Gardens and the KwaMuhle Museum is free. You can also walk the promenade at the Golden Mile or in uMhlanga. The Village Walk at uShaka is listed as free.
Is it safe to walk around the city centre?
The German Foreign Office advises against visiting the Durban city centre at any time of day (as of 21 October 2026). The UK advice names a higher risk after dark. Use pre-booked transport and keep valuables out of sight. Read our safety guide.
How many days do you need in Durban?
Two days cover the beachfront, uShaka and the stadium. Add one day for each full-day trip. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is easier with an overnight stay.
Can you visit the Drakensberg or Hluhluwe from Durban in a day?
Yes, on organised day tours, but they are long. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is about 280 km away, and Sani Pass tours may start in Underberg, not in Durban. Check the pickup point when you book.