Sightseeing
The Golden Mile is a haven for beach-lovers, as the redeveloped waterfront offers great access to the downtown beaches. The vast expanse of sand and the promise of great surfing keep many people on the beach all day. If you decide to head inland, you will be rewarded with sights such as the City Hall Art Gallery and Science Museum. The city itself is well worth exploring to get a feel for the difference in the various neighbourhoods. The Moses Mabhida Stadium was constructed for the 2010 football World Cup, and its giant arch can be climbed, ascended in the SkyCar, or plunged from on the Big Swing.
Take to the water
The waters of the Indian Ocean around Durban are a fascinating place to dive, and the PADI-qualified operator, Calypso, offers courses and dives to nearby wrecks. Caves and offshore reefs are also best explored in a scuba dive. Other watersports such as surfing and kayaking are readily available on the Golden Mile. If you would rather stay on top of the water for the duration of your Durban holiday, you can take a trip with the Natal Shark Board. There are nets protecting the Durban beaches, and the sharks and fish that get trapped in these nets are regularly released far out to sea.
Entertainment and nightlife
Durban’s restaurants have something to offer every palate, with many fine international restaurants. The seafood is superb, as is the traditional African fare. The Indian cuisine is as good as it gets outside of India and no holiday to Durban is complete without trying it, from innovative and experimental cooking to comforting traditional curries. There are many modern and fashionable establishments in Durban’s dining scene, with surroundings to perfectly match the gourmet food.
The equally fashionable nightlife comprises a diverse array of bars and clubs, many of which offer a unique night out. Society is a converted Harbourmaster’s house and the exuberant 1930s-style atmosphere attracts the city’s party people. For a more relaxed evening, try the cosy Spiga Bar which has plenty of local beer on tap. There are also many live music venues and theatres, catering to mainstream and alternative tastes alike.
