The Scribs & Nibs: Top Ten Thing to do in Durban

We spent 10 days in Durban for a work-from-home, away-from-home week. It is a 6.5-hour drive from Johannesburg or a quick 45-minute flight. If you’re planning a trip to Durban, check out these top 10 things to do! Whenever we were asked how we were enjoying Durban, they always followed up with “but it’s no Cape Town.” True, but Durban is still a cool city.

We stayed in Umhlanga Rocks, a suburb of Durban 15 minutes away. The area is walkable and has a mall area with shops and restaurants.

# 1 Happy hour at the Oyster Box Hotel

Catch views and plenty of oysters (okay, they are pre-caught) at the Oyster Box Hotel. The views over the Umhlanga Lighthouse are spectacular. Book in advance by calling the hotel to ask for a balcony table. there are tables and booths on the balcony and an old-school club vibe inside.

#2 Visit Mozambique in Durban

Head over to Florida Street in the evening. There are several fun-looking bars and restaurants. The Mozambiquian restaurant+258 just opened when we visited in April 2021. It is located in an old mansion. Head upstairs to the bar for a post-dinner drink and dancing.

# 3 Head to the Durban Boardwalk

Walk along the Durban boardwalk: The boardwalk is a long stroll along several beaches and restaurants.

The beaches here are divided into surfing and swimming beaches. Be sure to stay in between the swimming banners on shore. Otherwise, you’ll get aggressively whistled at by the lifeguard. Some beaches along the stretch are more crowded than others. Walk along until you find one to your liking. We did not encounter any situations that made me think we would get robbed. However, we went into the water separately so that one of us was by our stuff.

Bring your own umbrella. There were no spots to rent umbrellas or chairs.

There are public bathrooms along the boardwalk.

You can stop here for lunch here or bring your own. Most of the restaurants are not very exciting.

Instead of eating at the boardwalk, walk (or uber) to The Durban Brewing Co. for some snacks and a drink.

#4 Visit Ikes bookshop

This second-hand bookshop is excellent to wander through. There are old and new books… something for everyone. Prepare to carry several books around with you all day.

#5 Visit the Durban Botanical Gardens

Bring a book from Ikes Bookshop and spend an hour or two wandering the gardens. There is a small lake with benches. Take a seat and observe the birds.

#6 Have breakfast at Antique Cafe

This is the cutest cafe in Durban! You’ll likely be warmly greeted by the owner. Bonus if you can find the kitty lounging outside.

#7 Spend a beach day at Umhlanga Rocks Beaches

Check out the lighthouse up close and walk up and down the boardwalk. The whale pier is one of the “most beautiful” piers. (Who gave it that title, I have no clue, but it’s cool!).

Some stretches of the beach look cleaner than others. The Bronze Beach has umbrellas and beach chairs for rent. It is about a 20-minute walk from the restaurants and whalebone pier… but the distance makes it less crowded than the beach by the pier.

#8 Stop at Seed Cafe

Visit Seed Cafe for a smoothie and snack in Umhlanga Rocks. Bonus if it’s near your Airbnb.

#9 Eat Bunny Chow

The KwaZulu-Natal province is known for its Bunny Chow. This curry dish is served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. Patel Vegetarian Refreshment Room is one of the oldest restaurants in Durban serving the dish. Beware of odd opening/closing hours.

#10 Stay in a cool house

Find yourself a cool Airbnb to spend your time here. If you’re also thinking of a WFH away week, then splurge on your lodgings. Umhlanga has several Airbnbs and hotels along the water. We stayed in this Airbnb and it was totally worth it.