Tourist Attractions in Durban | The Ultimate Guide
Endless sunshine, delicious food and a convergence of many different cultures, the city of Durban is the place to be this summer. Durban is rich with many tourist attractions for you to choose from. Whether you are a foodie, want to try your hand at surfing or you simply want to absorb as much warm rays as possible, Durban has it all. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these 13 attractions will get you falling in love with the coastal city in no time.
Tourist Attractions #1
Zulumoon Gondolas | Take a boat ride down the Durban waterfront canals
Enjoy a relaxing gondola ride, with your partner, down the canals at the Durban Point Waterfront, situated just adjacent to the Ushaka Village Walk. Each gondola is eight metres long, can accommodate up to four adult passengers, and has been created with a unique design and an intriguing touch, that will make you feel like you have been transported to the canals of Venice. The Gondolas are the place to go for a relaxing picnic with friends, your anniversary, a date or perhaps you want to step it up a notch and propose to that special someone, in the perfect romantic setting. Zulumoon Gondolas has got you covered. If you are looking for romantic date ideas, these gondolas rides are a must try for couples, young and old alike.
Operating hours – 10:30am to 6pm
6. Tourist Attractions #6 Feel like Godzilla at the Mini town theme park
For a whole new perspective on Durban, pay a visit to Mini Town, situated next to the beachside skatepark, which has some of Durban’s most iconic buildings, scaled down to just above knee height. An impressive feature of the Mini town is that it has miniature running trains, an airport fill of planes and a harbour with ships that move around. If you want some unique photos, this is the place to go. This is a fun little (pun intended) outing for the young and old alike.
Operating hours 9am to 4:30pm
7. Take a Rickshaw Ride down the beautiful Golden Mile
The Rickshaw Rides are one of the most popular tourist attractions around and are a unique experience in Durban that you don’t find anywhere else. The beautifully decorated carriages showcase the traditional Zulu style and the rickshaw pullers dress up in traditional Zulu attire. This tourist attraction is a special way to see Durban’s famous Golden Mile. To get a ride locate one of the 20 licensed rickshaws which stand along various points of the beachfront, pay the rickshaw puller the fee, hop in and enjoy.
8. Eat Ice-cream with a view of the ocean in the cableway at Funworld
Funworld is another beachside attraction along the Golden Mile. It has a few rides to try out, the most scenic of which is the cableway ride which gives you spectacular views of the city and the ocean. There is also the swing-boat, the carousel, mini train ride and the tornedo to name a few. Entry for the park is free but you pay per ride. A great place for a date or just some good ol’ fun.
Operating hours – Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
9. Face your fears and go cage diving with Sharks
Feeling brave? Why not try some shark cage diving. If you are willing to make the 30-60-minute drive south of Durban to Scottburgh, you can face these apex predators up close and personal. You don’t have to be Scuba qualified to do this. In fact, even the kids can have a dive with the sharks. For more information visit the Blue Wilderness website. If you love adventure, then this activity is definitely for you.
Operating hours are from 6am to 6pm
10. Learn about the wildlife of South Africa by paying a visit to the Natural Science Museum
If you have some time to kill, pay a visit to the Natural Science Museum which hosts an impressive collection of African animals. On the 1st floor of the magnificent Durban City hall, this trove of dinosaurs, fossils and taxidermized predators will enchant both kids and grown-ups. And the best part is that entrance is free, and who doesn’t like free stuff right!
Operating hours 8:30am to 4pm – Monday to Saturday. 11am to 4pm – Sunday.
11. Get a taste of Durban history at the KwaMuhle Museum
Dive deep into Durban’s history at this apartheid focused museum. This building, once the headquarters of the City’s infamous Native Administration Department and the center of Durban’s harsh system of labour control, has been transformed into a museum. The museum seeks to reflect the Durban’s urban growth and the history of its residents from a range of perspectives. Visit the KwaMuhle Museum and discover what life was like in and around Durban during and leading up to the apartheid era. Ponder over the exhibits and reflect on the contributions of the ordinary people who laid the foundations of eThekwini’s (Durban and its surrounding area) development as one of Africa’s leading cities. Price is free.
Operating hours 8:30am to 4pm – Monday to Saturday. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
12. Eat a delicious meal above the city in the Roma Revolving Restaurant
A fine dining experience like no other, the Roma Revolving Restaurant located on the 32nd floor of the John Ross House rotates in a full circle, giving you 360-degree views of the Durban skyline. The Roma specializes in Italian cuisine and seafood dishes like crayfish and prawns. A full rotation takes between 60 – 90 minutes so you have plenty of time to enjoy your meal while slowly taking in the changing scenery of the city of Durban.
Operating hours – (temporarily closed due to Covid19)
13. Cool down with a swim at one of Durban’s many sandy beaches
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. If you are visiting Durban it’s a must. Both Durban’s North and South Coast is dotted with Blue flag status beaches that are noted for their clean sands and beautiful waters. With gorgeous stretches of golden sands, sub-tropical sunshine and the warm waters, Durban’s beaches provide all the ingredients for the ideal summer holiday. You can even bring a surfboard or bodyboard and shred some of Durban’s most thrilling waves. And the best part about it, is that it is absolutely free.
