Durban

Durban, South Africa

South African Durban has to be one of the continent's most appealing cities, especially after the 2010 World Cup breathed new life into the area by revamping the waterfront; the splendid Moses Mabhida Stadium remains one of Durban's primary attractions to date. Durban moves to the beat of gqom, its own home-grown music genre, which is slowly making its way onto global charts from South Africa's sunny, tropical melting pot of eclectic cultural influences.

Population:

595,061

Currency:

South African rand = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

National Emergency Response: 10111

Opening Hours:

General business hours re from 8-9am to 5-6pm during weekdays, with a shorter day on Saturdays. Some businesses work half-day Sundays.

Newspapers:

The City

Third in population to only Cape Town and Johannesburg, Durban (or Durbs, as the city is often casually referred to) is known for its mix of African, colonial European and Indian influences. The local Indian community outnumbers any other outside of India, to which the neighbourhoods of Phoenix, Chatsworth and Tongaat with their Indian eateries and shops serve as testament. The northern suburbs are known as the refined home of resort hotels and fine dining restaurants, Umlazi and KwaMashu are African-dominated, while the Durban downtown brings bits of them all together forging a heterogeneous representation of Africa itself.
With first-class beaches stretching all along Durban’s coastline, it is, perhaps, little surprise that much of local recreation centers around water sports – surfing in particular. Places like South Beach and New Pier see the highest concentration of surfers, although nearly anywhere along the Golden Mile (as well as a few beaches both north and south of the central area) delivers good waves, especially so in February, the surfing high season.
Durban also boasts thriving nightlife and cultural scenes – places like the BAT Center strive to support local creatives and provide a platform for them to showcase artistic work, and evenings see local bars fill up with buzzing guests, who later head on to Durban’s gqom-playing clubs to dance to the genre’s infectious rhythms late into the night.

Do & See

Durban's offerings extend far beyond beaches to a plethora of cultural pursuits, from historic homes-turned-museums of colonial sugar barons (think the Campbell Collections) to hip, grassroots art spaces taken over by young local talents (such as the BAT centre). Durban is home to an impressive marine theme park called uShaka, and frequently plays hosts to major cultural events, such as performances by its very own KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra and Playhouse Company, as well as international events such as the Mamas (MTV Africa Music Awards).

Dining

Indian influence is strong on the local dining scene (Durban's favourite dish is the "bunny chow" – a hollow bread loaf filled with spicy curry), with multiple Indian restaurants spread out across Durban, peaking in concentration in the Indian quarter. Fine dining establishments dot North Durban, while fabled South African steaks are to be searched for in Florida Road (Durban's thoroughfare and popular entertainment hub) and beyond.

Cafes

Coffee culture is on the rise in Durban, with an increasing number of coffee shops springing up year after year. The city's colonial past still shows in the high tea offered at upscale hotels, such as The Royal Hotel.

Here's a list of the best cafes in Durban: