If I Was in Durban for a Weekend

With Durban July weekend around the corner, there’s no better time to talk about Durban.

Every year people make the trip down for the fashion, the parties and race day, but ask anyone from Durban and they’ll tell you the city deserves way more than a weekend at Greyville. So instead of building another generic travel guide, I spoke to Cubs (a die hard Durbanite) to find out where he’d send someone who wanted to experience the city properly.

His answer was immediate:

“Durban is the warmest place in the world with friendly people and good food. Great spices from the Indian people and very unapologetically Zulu. Durban is the definition of cool and if you’ve never been you definitely need to come down and try it out.”

And honestly, that feels like the perfect way to describe it.

If I was in Durban for a weekend, this is exactly how I should spend it according to Cubs.

Things To Do

Catch sunrise on the Promenade: Wake up early and head to the promenade. Walk, run, cycle or just sit with coffee and watch Durban wake up. According to Cubs, 6AM is the sweet spot.

Get in the water: Durban beach culture is real. Spend time by the ocean. Warm water and some of the country’s most consistent waves make this feel less intimidating than you think.

Spend the day at uShaka Marine World: Durban’s classic. Water slides, aquarium experiences, marine life and enough activities to fill an entire day if you’re not trying to rush around.

Canoe through Umgeni: One of those activities locals quietly love. It slows everything down and shows a different side of Durban away from the crowds.

Boat rides at Wilson’s Wharf: Take a harbour cruise and catch views of Moses Mabhida and the city from the water. It’s simple but feels very Durban.

Bonus: If there’s a sporting event. Watch cricket at Kingsmead, rugby at Kings Park or soccer at Moses Mabhida.

Places To Dine

9th Avenue Waterside: Waterfront dining with marina views and yachts in the background. Feels elevated but still relaxed.

The Chairman: Part restaurant, part cultural experience. Cocktails, live music and one of the city’s most iconic nights out.

Roma Revolving Restaurant: A Durban institution. The restaurant slowly rotates while giving panoramic views across the city, harbour and coastline.

Tightline: Seafood, drinks and one of those places where lunch accidentally becomes sunset.

Zai Restaurant: Modern dining with polished interiors and a more refined atmosphere.

Cafes & Brunch

• Humble Coffee
• Strangers Cafe
• Skyline
• Boston Coffee
• Barn Owl
• Hue Cafe
• Maya Cafe
• Next Chapter
• Savior Cafe
• KZN Art Gallery: Because breakfast and art deserve more respect.

Where To Stay

The Oyster Box Hotel: The classic Durban stay, ocean views, iconic location and also worth visiting just for a meal.

Beverly Hills Hotel: Luxury with uninterrupted sea views.

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani: Beachfront convenience and easy access.

Oceans Apartment Hotel Umhlanga: Modern and central.

Suncoast Hotel: Ideal if you want everything close by.

Bars & Drinking Holes

The Lookout Pub & Grill: Views, food and easy energy.

Frank’s Speakeasy: Hidden away and worth finding.

House of Curries: You can’t leave Durban without understanding the spice culture.

Durban July returns on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at Greyville Racecourse for its landmark 130th edition under the theme Country Allure.

But if you’re heading down, plan ahead and go early so you can experience what the city has to offer.

Durban has way more to show you.