Durban is an exotic mix of oriental plazas, cathedrals, mosques, temples and festivals, while performances of traditional Zulu tribal dances stamp the African cultural influence deep into the essence of Durban. Sun seekers surf, ski and swim in the tumbling Durban surf, sunbathe on Durban's fine beaches or lose themselves in the nightlife of the city where the fun never sets.
Durban City Centre
Museums and civic buildings of colonial heritage in the bustling Durban city centre ads a bit of the colonial heritage to the heart of a truly African city. Durban mixes the distinct cultures of English, Indian and Zulu communities in the small area between Aliwal and Gardiner streets and on the parallel roads of Smith, West and Pine Road.
Some of the interesting sites in the Durban city centre include the Wild Fig Tree, the Local History Museum, Francis Farewell Gardens,Durban City Hall, Kwa Muhle Museum in Ordnance Road, G.A. Riches Building in Smith Street and the Supreme Court Buildings in Broad Street.
Durban's International Convention Centre and adjoining luxury Hilton Hotel complex in Stanger Street is an innovative, centrally located, world-class convention centre, which can cater for conferences of up to 5000 people. The adjacent Durban Exhibition Centre adds even greater possibilities to these facilities.
The Kingsmead Sahara Stadium, accross from the Old Fort and Warrior's Gate in Old Fort Road, is a major test match and one-day cricket venue.
Golden Mile
The Golden Mile lies to the east of the city centre, along Marine Parade with Snell Parade to the north and Erskine Parade to the south. The beautiful beaches and Miami-style skyline are the main attraction, with restaurants, entertainment and amenities.
The Seaworld Aquarium and Dolphinaium used to be an established attraction and included over 1,000 fish, with sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins too. The newly developed UShaka Marine World near the Durban Harbour is now their home.
The often-photographed Zulu Rickshaws, an emblem of the cultural diversity of Durban, cart tourists around Marine Parade and the attractions of Durban's Golden Mile along the Lower Marine Parade Pedestrian Walk.
A number of piers jut into the Indian Ocean, including West Street Jetty, Dairy Beach Pier, North Beach Pier, Bay of Plenty Pier, and Sometseu Road Pier.
The main beaches in Durban include Battery Beach, Snake Park Beach, North and South Beach, Dairy Beach, Wedge Beach, the Country Club, and Addington.
Indian Quarter
The Indian Quarter includes Grey Street, running north from West Street, The Oriental Bazaar and the Victoria Street Market.
The Jumah Mosque is reputed to be the largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Russell Street Extension area, to the east, has become home to Zulu herbalists selling "muti" for traditional medicine and rituals.
Durban Harbour
Durban Harbour is the most important port in Southern Africa and the ninth largest in the world.
The Bluff is a 4km long peninsula, which shelters The Bay of Natal.
Along the Victoria Embankment, on the city centre side of the Bay, with its view of the harbour and boats, various memorials and museums can be found. These include the Old House museum, the Supreme Court Buildings in Broad Street, Quadrant House, the Dick King Statue, the Maritime Museum, Da Gama Clock Tower and the nearby BAT centre.
Roma Revolving Restaurant is a prominent building with a rotating circular restaurant room that provides 360-degree views of the city.
Durban's new aquarium, UShaka Marine World, is one of the largest Aquariums in the world and is located on the Point wharf, to the northest of Durban Harbour.
Berea, Kloof and Botha's Hill
The suburb of Berea is located on the ridge of hills that encircle the flat, central part of Durban to the west.
Musgrave Centre is a popular shopping and entertainment emporium in Berea.
The Killie Campbell Africana Museum in Berea exhibits many items related to Zulu culture
The Durban Botanical Gardens were established in 1849 and are located in Berea.
Kloof is an up-market residential area beyond Berea, on the eastern edges of the city.
After Kloof, Botha's Hill extends along the spectacular countryside of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, a dramatic geographical rock formation created by the Umgeni River and its tributaries.
Durban North and Umhlanga
On the northern side of the city are the Umgeni River Mouth and the up-market area of Durban North.
On the Umgeni River's northern bank is Durban's Bird Park.
Just north of the city is Umhlanga, a popular holiday area, with fine beaches, surrounding tropical bush environment and excellent leisure and shopping centres.
Umhlanga Nature Reserve, situated around the lagoon, is the ideal place for a nature walk.
Sharks Board offer fascinating tours of their research facility in Umhlanga.
Other Attractions
Kings Park Stadium, today known as ABSA Stadium, located north of central Dutban, is known for its post match entertainment, and hosts the Internationally renowned Natal Sharks Rugby Team.
Durban's Race Course is the site of the annual Durban July horse race.
