The 33 best free attractions in Durban

Strolling through the Durban Botanical Gardens in winter 🍃❄️ feels like stepping into a calm, green sanctuary. The crisp air fills your lungs as tall trees sway gently overhead 🌳 and soft sunlight filters through the branches ☀️. With birds calling 🐦, leaves crunching underfoot 🍂, and pops of color from winter blooms 🌼, every step feels like a peaceful escape—a little dose of nature’s magic right in the heart of the city 💚.

We slipped off for an hour between family visits and the city noise just melted, cool shade, giant trees, and easy paths you can wander without thinking. We found the lake, watched moorhens fussing around the lilies, and took a few photos before putting the phones away. It felt like a small breather in the middle of a busy family weekend. We grabbed cold drinks, sat under a big fig, and chatted about nothing important while the kids rolled down the lawn. Couples strolled past, a wedding shoot drifted by the orchids, and the whole place just moved at a gentler pace. Simple, calm, and exactly the reset we needed before heading back to the cousins.

Botanic Garden is beautiful, peace and quiet. I went on Saturday it was full yet so spacious as there was a wedding ceremony in the hall. People who were visiting the garden were able to access it. I would really recommend it 👌 if you want to relax, enjoy the view and nature.

We’ve had a visiting this place with my bestie and boyfriend! It’s totally free for everyone, and if you’re feeling generous, you can always donate a little something. Plus, there’s a great coffee spot and some books for super cheap. And don’t forget the cute little shop with all sorts of nice stuff and souvenirs!

Beautiful and peaceful space in the heart of Durban. The educational signs make it a great spot for plant lovers, and the garden is perfect for a picnic or a romantic walk. There's also an affordable coffee shop on-site. Parking can be a bit difficult on busy days, but overall a lovely place to visit!

One of the oldest botanical gardens in Africa and a serene oasis in the heart of Durban. Gorgeous collection of cycads, orchids, and palm trees. Ideal for picnics, birdwatching, or quiet walks. The gardens are well maintained with clean facilities and ample benches. There’s often live music or events on weekends. Entry is free, though donations are welcome.

Had a great experience with my wife. The nature is incredibly diverse! Make sure you put out enough hours for the trip. It’s totally worth it!

uShaka is always a lovely place to visit when coming to Durban. I hadn’t been here since before Covid and was worried when I saw all the negative reviews, however it’s not bad at all. There are staff everywhere to assist, the spaces are kept clean, and the shows, aquarium and slides are all very enjoyable. We were here during off peak season so it was not busy at all. The parking has attendants on the inside and you have to pay at the gate too. The payment at the gate was R21 for about 6 hours, which isn’t too bad. I recommend having some cash as well. It’s important to check the website before planning your trip so you know when is the best time to visit based on what’s available.

🌊 1. Sea World Home to one of the largest aquariums in the Southern Hemisphere. You can walk through underwater tunnels and view sharks, rays, turtles, dolphins, and colorful fish up close. There are dolphin and seal shows scheduled daily — both entertaining and educational. 💦 2. Wet ‘n Wild Water Park Features water slides, lazy rivers, splash pools, and high-speed rides. Great for families and thrill-seekers. Lifeguards are stationed throughout, and facilities are well maintained. 🏖️ 3. uShaka Beach and Village Walk Located right next to the ocean, with easy beach access. Village Walk offers shops, restaurants, and cafés — from fast food to seafood dining with ocean views. You can also find souvenirs, surfwear, and local crafts. 🧭 4. Animal Encounters Optional experiences like snorkeling in lagoons, shark cage dives, or meeting dolphins (book in advance). Great for adventure seekers or photography lovers. 🎭 5. Cultural and Family Vibes Themed around King Shaka Zulu — you’ll see touches of Zulu culture and storytelling throughout. The staff are generally friendly, and it’s a very family-friendly and educational space. ⭐ Overall Experience 🌟 Fun level: 9/10 🧒 Family friendliness: Excellent 💰 Value for money: Good (combo tickets often save you money) 🍽️ Food & facilities: Varied and clean 🐠 Highlight: The massive aquarium and dolphin show

uShaka is a beautiful big place to do alot of things, inreally think they did an outstanding job with the layout. The only thing I'd recommend is to improve on the seal show, it's was a little bit of a waist of time, they only have a short briefing then select soemone from the audience to meet a seal, and that's it show is over, I feel they can do a little more than a 5mint show, for me it was a waist the kids could hardly enjoy, the dolphin show was so amazing, got to give it tobthe staff that handles the dolphin show now that definitely worth to see, some areas where closed, and some restaurants are closed, so it's a little bit sad, I'd prefer to go early morning, as midday is extremely busy if you not someone for large groups of people. To view the marine life. They definitely are doing a great job and that you have an opportunity to meet the dolphins personally, but you would need to book ahead of time with them to personally have an experience with the dolphins. But the show you don't need booking.

uShaka Marine World is an incredible place to visit! The aquarium is one of the best I’ve seen, with an amazing variety of marine life and beautifully designed exhibits. The water park adds even more fun, especially for families with children. The atmosphere is vibrant and safe, with plenty of food and entertainment options around. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, as it gets very busy. A must-see attraction in Durban!

Best place to visit around Durban. There are Marine Aquarium, Dolphin and seal shows, Dangerous creature show, water adventures, rope adventure and water parks. Everything totally worth. You can also take seperate tickets for each events, but it's better to take combo tickets. Go for water park if u gonna spend the whole day there. Ticket prices are also not high, but affordable. We really enjoyed it

I've been wanting to go there for ages. I was not disappointed. The staff are really working hard to make it an amazing experience. The exhibits are well maintained. There are lots of shops and more than enough to eat and drink. I will certainly go back and can definitely recommend it.

I had good time in uShaka marine world. It have seal show and dolphins show. I think if you have kids you can enjoy with your family. Aquarium was also good. Near to marine world, there is restaurant named Cargo Hold and it is also good. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with aquarium(aquarium side need reservation, but other seat don't need reservation)

Great museum featuring some great exhibitions on Durbans history. The staff were welcoming and helpful! A little small, so hoping it could showcase more in the future but the historical photographs were incredible. Amazing quality for their time and showcasing an important time in South Africa’s history in foregrounding families and real people affected by apartheid forced removals. The HIV/AIDS showcase is one of the most thorough and expressive medical histories I’ve ever attended.

Great little Museum! In less than an hour you’ll get a good feeling for what life would have been like in Durban for people discriminated against during apartheid. The fact that this is the actual pass office makes it really tangible! The buildings are well kept and entrance is indeed free.

A very good place to learn about Durban history, even living here for years I learnt new information. It was free entry and extremely well maintained museum, I am very impressed by the quality of information and having interactive parts in the museum as well.

A small museum. Free entrance. I learned history.

The first thing that stood out as I walked into the old Native Administration Building was how clean and well preserved it was. Staff at reception were extremely helpful and kind. It was refreshing to experience good service from government employees. The museum itself is small with only 4 main display rooms. One of which has most of Durbans history in the form of story boards and sculptures depicting life at the time. There is a large room where an HIV AIDS gallery is held. There was too much writing on the walls. Literally. Another room showcased stories and paraphernalia of the Durban Old Boys, men who fought in World War 1. Although the information and faculties were relevant and informative, I expected more. Toilet facilities available. Ample parking. Safe.

Free entry. Insightful and painful history, even if only a snapshot. You can cover everything in 20 - 30 minutes. Staff, Fiikile was patient and pleasant, although I arrived at 12noon on Saturday and they closed at 12:30p.

The first thing that stood out as I walked into the old Native Administration Building was how clean and well preserved it was. Staff at reception were extremely helpful and kind. It was refreshing to experience good service from government employees. The museum itself is small with only 4 main display rooms. One of which has most of Durbans history in the form of story boards and sculptures depicting life at the time. There is a large room where an HIV AIDS gallery is held. There was too much writing on the walls. Literally. Another room showcased stories and paraphernalia of the Durban Old Boys, men who fought in World War 1. Although the information and faculties were relevant and informative, I expected more. Toilet facilities available. Ample parking. Safe.

The Natural Science Museum has a wonderful array of bird, animal and insect life native to Southern Africa. The exhibits are well kept and the murals are stunning! Definitely lots to enjoy and learn as you wonder through at your own pace.

My son loved all the stuffed animals he saw esp the TRex he was fascinated and he learned animals species from all countries he's only 3, I loved the artwork it was beautiful

Very impressive natural history museum in downtown Durban. This museum rivals the fauna diorama displays at the New York Natural Science Museum. Special highlights include an almost complete skeleton of a non extinct Dodo bird. There are full size taxidermy animals for just about every species you would expect to see on a safari game drive including a small giraffe, white and black rhinos and even an elephant! The bird gallery was amazing. I wish we had come here before going to Kruger NP. Don't loiter outside the building for too long (although it is beautiful to look at) as the neighbourhood is sketchy.

A fascinating museum with a wide range of exhibits that make science and history come alive. The displays are educational, engaging, and perfect for both adults and children. I particularly enjoyed the dinosaur and wildlife sections, which are impressive and very well presented. Entry was smooth and quick, and the visit was definitely worth it. A great place to learn and explore in Durban!

Great small museum with some classic Sth African displays. Includes an effort to educate on climate change and conservation as well. It was great to see plenty of locals coming through when we were there. No cost except the "parking attendants"...

I visited on a Sunday and managed to tour the first floor. We were lucky that we got parking outside the entrance. Entrance was free. The exhibits were well taken care off.

What a treat, place was Clean and tidy, you'd never believe you're in Durban CBD. It was also FREE! Kids enjoyed it, lots to learn even for older kids up to adults, There's a REAL Egyptian MUMMY too!

If the weather is great, the Golden Mile is one of the best places to take a leisurely walk solo or with some company. There are also enough piers for one to be overcrowded. It's also a great place for cycling or learning to cycle/skate/rollerblade... I found it long enough from one end to the other for cycling. There are parts of the mile that aren't well kept though, which is sad.

Its a beautiful n fairly pleasant walk. At times it has a nasty smell, which can make it rather unpleasant. Lots of activity, joggers, cyclists, skateboarders etc.

Awesome vibe, rikshas all over, friendly people, lots of food and drink places along the way

Great place to take a long walk, it is clean, safe and wheelchair friendly.

I heard there is a good running course but for me felt a little bit danger and fear cause.

Intellectually the smell of peoples urine is unjust to my standards of durban but other than that it has a nice view

Great spot to catch the sunrise after a morning run

Small zoos, not many big attractions it's basically like a bird park. There are beautiful peacocks that walk freely around the area and nice small well maintained enclosures. Would recommend for kids who love animals

It was Okay . I've been going there from the time I was small , the park has changed alot . I wish there was a restaurant in the Zoo so you can eat in there cause there's no restaurants anywhere else . The park was kind of unkept , flower gardens were good , it was a Quiet day for a Saturday. The entrance fees were really low under R20 per person . Some of the enclosures were empty and there's only bushes. The reptile house was dirty and I think it was closed but there's still spiders in it , hope they are taken care of . Some of the enclosures seem small for the animals. Like so many birds in a small cage . I feel like they need more space . Overall I love the park and will be back

Well kept and maintained. A better job can be done and a revamp is required. Lovely place to go with family for a picnic and visit the zoo. Lots of birds and animals to see. Fabulous memories are made here. On weekends come before 12pm for a good spot

what an exciting surprise....the Alpaca's....oh my word....absolutely amazing. Sadly the Zoo is not as i remember it....lots of empty and broken enclosures.... Still worth a visit. Hopefully it will be restored soon. The play area/jungle gym is closed,my son was extremely disappointed.

A good place for family and friends to relax in a clean and well maintained Park. The gardens are beautiful, safety is still reasonable and the animals in the zoo look happy. Great for kids or adults that enjoy abit of nature in the midst of Durban!

Beautiful upon entrance into the picnic gardens, Zoo is run down and unkempt, overgrown cages filled with weeds, workers were chopping down cycads and flowers , instead of weeding and trimming. Pity there is no more restaurant, but still an enjoyable outing for families

Beautiful kept gardens and plenty picnic space. Mitchell Park has changed their variety of animals but it's still worth the visit. There are no longer 🐇🐰 bunny rabbits and different species of monkeys and they have added new animals since we were last there. My suggestion for improvement would be to add a light in the dark room so the fishtank with the turtle is visible as the animals in the tanks in the dark room can barely be seen even by shining a cellph light. There were quite a few empty cages. Toilets were clean and staff onsite friendly and polite. All in all a lovely day, will be back ☺️

Wilson's Wharf is a charming spot in Durban, on the KwaZulu-Natal east coast, offering a delightful mix of relaxation, entertainment, and scenic beauty. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this waterfront destination has something for everyone. Visitors can expect scenic views, boat rides, restaurants and cafes, shopping and other fun activities. The wharf offers stunning views of the Durban harbour, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing meal. One of the highlights is the boat rides available at the wharf. Whether you're looking for a short harbour cruise or a more adventurous speed boat ride, there's an option for every thrill-seeker. Wilson's Wharf is home to several eateries, including great seafood restaurants, known for its delicious seafood and pizza. The ambiance is perfect for a family meal or a romantic dinner. The wharf also features various activities, especially the boat rides, picnics, and cultural tours. It's a great place to spend a day with family or friends. There are a few shops and boutiques where you can find souvenirs, local crafts, and more. Its family-friendly,  with activities for all ages. It offers a variety of options, from dining to entertainment, there's something for everyone. Most of all, it offers a beautiful setting and the waterfront location provides a picturesque backdrop for photos and relaxation. The downside is that during peak times, the wharf can get quite crowded, which might affect the overall experience and certain areas could benefit from better upkeep, especially in terms of cleanliness and maintenance.

A nice place to hang out for at any time to watch what is going on in the harbor. I stayed at the Mozambique at the far end of the complex close to the water. Waiters are helpful.. Food is tasty and the chili sauce spicy

Nice views but very dirty don't be there at night not safe

One of my favorite places to be, with so many food choices to eat at, to the beautiful view of the bay. With many activities like boat rides, fishing or just relaxing listening to music. Some of the restaurants you can eat at are spur, mozambik, julios, John dory's, house of curry's. Perfect place to spend the afternoon of a sunny day

It's been years since I've been to Wilson's Wharf. There a few restaurants that include Spur, Mozambique and John Dory's on the peer side. The main entrance has 1 restaurant that serves drinks too. However the many stalls and little shops that use to be inside are quite sparse. Only boat trips seem to make this area an attraction and if people are within the area looking for something to eat, go to these restaurants. A landmark in Durban that truly needs to be revamped. For myself and the many older people that once came to this bustling full of life spot, it is a sad decline. 🥺

10/10 for the boat cruise. The food at Spur was delicious. The staff is very friendly. However, the fact that its absolutely filthy is concerning. You can literally take 5 guys, 5 net scoops and plastic bags and they'll have it cleaned within a few hours. There's trash everywhere. Between the boats, in ramps, floating all over the place. This really is sad to see that's there's no respect for the ocean and the wharf. What does management even do? It's a big eye sore and would look beautiful if the bottles and plastic would just be picked up. There were a lot of people from over seas and their remarks alone wasn't great due to the filth scattered about. Please do something about this ASAP.

Really a must visit in Durban! Many great restaurants, will a super cool view. Buy some bread from a local shop and feed the fishies while you wait

Beware of Thirupathi Spices I got robbed by the owner.4 Small packets of spices and 3 cokes for R 270.00.In JHB a pack of these spices is around R 20.00 each.Check before you Tap.Other shops told me im not the first,they over charge the tourists.

Good prices for authentic traditional jewelry, clothing and gifts. Not very busy. But too little parking. Very unsafe to park outside as metro police enjoy giving tickets and bully car guards rule the place, especially around the fish market. If you want to buy beaded stuff, come here and also bargain because it's one tenth the price you would pay elsewhere. There's also plenty spice shops. Plan to spend 1 - 2 hours here.

We arrived late morning and it was very quiet in the market. The parking was good as well as service facilities. All the stores displayed mainly touristy items. An interesting morning but would be better to go early. Definitely visit the spice shop and Aunty Pam's food store both excellent.

Nothing like advertised ; you are bullied into buying and when you say no they continue to push. Dirty and very dodgy even our uber driver wasn’t happy going there. They see the tourists coming and bullshit you into buying spices at expensive prices , I almost had a heart attack

Good but the packing space is not enough due to people that sell their products around that place

A good place to be whenever you are doing shopping, however not having enough parking space for customers

Not the cleanest or safest place BUT!!!! If your looking for some authentic indian spices then its definitely worth a visit

Huge old beautiful building with big open parks for people to relax on. Historical statues well built. You can spend a day with breath taking air on the park right in the city center of Durban

Inside city hall, there's a public library and in addition to that, there's a museum with many different animals to see and learn about. There's even an art gallery too. The museum is truely a hidden gem that appears to be newly renovated. There's so much information to learn from. It's a wonderful experience and truely worth visiting, especially if you have kid's as it would really boost their knowledge and might spark interest of various thing's. Thumbs up for me. Both myself and husband were thoroughly impressed after visiting here.

Breathtaking buildings that needs to be good care of. They currently have a strong smell of urine and is not well maintained

An outstanding architecture building with spectacular views all around.

A beautiful, well preserved structure taking one back in time.

The Durban City Hall stands as a remarkable testament to the city's history, architecture, and cultural significance. Located in the heart of Durban, South Africa, this iconic building has long been a focal point for civic activities, cultural events, and community gatherings. The architecture of the Durban City Hall is an exquisite blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, with its grand dome and intricate details showcasing the craftsmanship of its time. The building's design reflects the aspirations of a growing city, echoing its historical importance as a center of trade and administration. Inside, the City Hall continues to impress. Its interior spaces are adorned with intricate marble work, ornate staircases, and elegant chandeliers that exude an air of sophistication and grandeur. The main hall has hosted a variety of events over the years, from formal banquets to concerts and exhibitions. The lush and well-maintained garden surrounding the City Hall adds to its charm, offering a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape. The location itself holds historical significance, as it was the site of Mahatma Gandhi's first public speech in South Africa in 1897. One of the standout features of the Durban City Hall is its iconic clock tower, which has become an enduring symbol of the city. The clock tower's chimes and bells have marked the passage of time and punctuated important moments in Durban's history. While the Durban City Hall is celebrated for its architectural beauty, it's also a functional and practical space. It serves as the headquarters for the eThekwini Municipality and houses various government offices, reflecting its ongoing role in civic affairs. In summary, the Durban City Hall is more than just a historic building; it's a living testament to the city's legacy, a cultural landmark, and a space that continues to play a significant role in the life of the community. Its architectural splendor, cultural importance, and role as a gathering place make it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors interested in Durban's rich history and vibrant present.

You see alot of similarities between the city hall in Durban and Belfast.

A great park to have in an ideal location. This park has been around for a long time and is much needed for the surrounding folk and even neighboring communities Sufficient well spaced parking under great shaded trees. The area is a safe place to travel to and easily accessible. The whole that surrounds the park is well kept with high level maintenance. The facilities at the park is in need of some attention, especially the toilet. There can be an addition to the present and also greater upkeep and repairs. The Pick & Pay Hypermarket is close by and provides for an ideal opportunity to shop for all the necessary. Great to see the park still well supported. Also ample play areas for kids and adults. Would highly recommend for a wonderful experience

Always a peaceful experience walking around the gardens, visiting the little lakes.. Its always quite busy, but luckily we managed to get parking. Great for families, with a large jungle area, or just a walk out in nature

A beautiful place, it was my first visit of many. The place needs attending to. As a Horticulturist I saw places of improvement such as the pond, swings, parking space, more activities, and functional garden themes... Guys come on. But our stay was good 😊.

Still stays true to the original Japanese design theme. It does need some maintenance. Even so, it's a popular party venue. While there we saw 2 baby showers & 2 birthday parties around us. Good facilities. Nice playground for the kids. Get there early to secure a good picnic spot.

It is still a lovely place to visit with families, but it hasn't lost its charm over the years, although it did go through a phase of neglect.

It has a vintage feel to it, very clean. Quite a few monkey's there, that made me so uncomfortable. The monkey's didnt bother us though. It was fairly clean, I'd say the upkeep is as good as it could possibly considering the municipality as a whole never takes care of anything, but its much better than most parks.

What was once a beautiful place has now deteriorated. lack of maintenance. Grass over grown, trees not pruned. Kids Play ground equipment broken. The koi pond has debris. The water features are all dried up. The crossing bridge at the pond is demarcated with red tape as all the floor boards are broken. Very disappointed.

Love this little piece of heaven. Crabs were all hiding, but still worth the visit.

Highly recommend a visit.. very interesting and informative. Honoury Officer was very good with the young children accompanying us. Clean toilets and some refreshments available from the kiosk. Only open on certain weekends

Joined a pre booked guided tour, very interest on the go talk. By prior arrangement only

24 October 2024 This must be my second time coming here after 10 years ago. It is refreshing and you get in touch with nature. The dad part is that when we went close to the beach the effects of waste was visible. There was waste all over and I wish us people can understand how our ignorance and lack of empathy for the Environment is bringing harm. I enjoyed the tour and was reminisce about when I came here for the first time.

Such a lovely place to visit

Nice and educational for the little ones remember a hat!

Beautiful and educational outdoor experience near the city. The reserve is usually closed and only accessible/open once a month every 3rd Saturday of the month from 8am to 1pm. Entrance is free and there are lots of volunteer park rangers walking around interacting and educating the public. Addition there is also an initiative to encourage people to help clean up the litter on the beach. The entire walk is on a wooden raised train. The trail will roughly take you 45min and is flat. Great family venue.

Currently the park is closed until further notice! We all know how bad to worst has this park was becoming and got only more rundown with flood. damage making matters even worse! Well finally, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, with a dedicated team of people coming on board to rescue, revamp and restore this once iconic and much loved park! The revamp and restoration will include the rehabilitation and improvement of the much controversial zoo that needs a new lease of life! The once popular but now disgraceful state of the popular Blue Zoo restaurant and tea garden, will be rebuilt or restored to become either a library or new restaurant and tea garden but I don’t have much details of the entire process of the parks restoration and revamp! The much loved playground that is currently in a terrible state of affairs is getting a full restoration and already some of the damaged equipment is being removed and soon to be replaced by brand new equipment! The toilets and other buildings in the park and zoo will definitely get a much needed revamp and be once again safe and clean for the general public using them. The fencing both inside and outside including the public furniture and public spaces and damaged footpaths are all Going to get repaired and replaced! Overall this is really wonderful news for everyone including myself going here to enjoy and relax in what will eventually be a new and beautiful place once the data of reopening is made public! But for now the park is closed and a lot of work is required to restore this park!

Park is clean and tidy. Play area for kids in bad shape. Most of the equipment damaged. Benches broken jungle gyms are in bad condition.

My 22 month old had a blast at the playground and the zoo. The park was clean and neat and so beautiful. It was filled with families and so much laughter and joy! This will be our Sunday hang out for sure

Lovely open and outdoor space for kids to run and play. Grass and flowers still well maintained. Just that the Blue Zoo cafe has been closed down, and the pay area is cordoned off. The animal section is also closed. Just hoping the renovations are not too lengthy and it opens up better than before.

It was a gorgeous summer's day in Durban today. Brilliant sunshine and magnificent memories captured as the girls ran free in the Park . Sadly, the playground equipment is terribly abused by adults who are not allowed to make use of it , leading to broken and damaged equipment. Most are in desperate need of a repair and repaint. Nonetheless, small families were out in the dozens and it was good being amongst other parents who share the struggles of raising young children in the midst of a pandemic.

Fantastic park to have a picnic or spend a few hours with the kids.lovely and green with a superb play area for the kids. Wild birds and small critters around when you eating a snack. They have the zoo just around the corner and a coffee shop as well.

Always enjoy Mitchell's Park for family outings. Play area for the kids, a section with picnic tables and benches, a band stand you can hire for a function. The only issue is nor ally parking but you eventually find a spot. Carpool if you can.

Mitchell Park across the road is currently being renovated. We decided to go to this park instead. Perfect for picnics

I went there for a yoga class. Lovely, clean, and neat. The toilet was also clean, taking into account it was a public toilet.

Very serene and refreshing spot ideal for quality time with family and pets

I was looking for a park with a playground to take the kids to during school holidays. I saw that the playground area at Mitchell Park was closed so I searched for another park that specifically had a playground and this one came up. It's the park across from Mitchell Park and does not have a playground.

Dog friendly yet the sign outside says not dog friendly.

A wonderful dog park where the dogs are all friendly and play nicely. I wish some people would pick up after their dogs more but it’s a wonderful place to socialize your pet.

The park was very well maintained when we were there. Toilet facilities could do with an upgrade though. Very popular park for walking dogs.

Pretty central park in front of the Durban City Hall commemorating British Lieutenant Farewell, the port's first settler. Farewell landed within the natural harbour, close to the park's current location, with an escort of a handful of settlers. The port was to be a British resupply port for ships journeying to The Raj, as well as a collection point for inland ivory trade. Albeit a landmark of colonial affiliation, the park is still an important remembrance for those initial settlers.

It's a small historical landmark that's being given limited attention. There's a City hall and statues. Be careful of muggings when you visit it, the area has become full of hooligans.

Historically lovely

Durban City Hall and beautiful park next to it.

City hall

Very pleasant

(Translated by Google) Beautiful square, but unfortunately homeless people sleep here, so it detracts a bit from the final experience. (Original) Krásné náměstí, ale bohužel zde přespávají bezdomovci, takže finálnímu zážitku to trochu ubírá.

Impossible to access, both digitally and physically. The website is down and there is no online catalogue, so one cannot search for resources. At the physical building, there is no pedestrian gate, no clear way to get in, and all the signage is half-buried in leaves. When I finally manage to get someone's attention, I was stared at as though I was some kind of criminal and refused entry, even though I had made an appointment. Why even bother curating an archive if no one can use it? This place should be open to the public, not locked up like a jail.

Dating back to 1914, this beautiful library, displaying clothes, furniture and books is nostalgic, full of incredible history. Go sit in a chair and read a book. You will love it.

Beautiful part of Durban history, interesting facts of the sugar cane Baron I never even new about. Must see tour

A beautifully preserved piece of Durban history. Really educational. Well worth a visit, but they should really consider opening over the weekends.

This is a historic place that is very educational. Well worth a visit, but they should also open on weekends

Campbell Collections is one the oldest libraries, with the most reasonable information about our diversities.

An amazing tour, so much was learnt. Steeped in history this museum is definitely a must see.

Nice place to take your family and relax while enjoying the beautiful view. I personally really enjoy fishing here especially under the bridge it's a good fishing spot.

If you into the afternoon drives, taking a stroll on the pier and indulging in things like fried mealies, fried sweetcorn, sugarcane juices, and so much more then this is for you. You can even spend the whole day at the area and have a braai or picnic. It's perfect for a family can you can even take your dogs for a walk here. It's mainly for the weekends has thats when the stalls are opened

"Canoeing in breathtaking Blue Lagoon spots today! 🌊💚 Paddling through turquoise waters, surrounded by nature's masterpiece. Imagine gliding past sea caves, spotting marine life like turtles 🐢, and soaking in sunset hues 🧡. Whether it's Malta's Gozo, French Polynesia's Raiatea, or Durban's Blue Lagoon in South Africa 🏞️, these spots are pure magic for canoeing adventures! #BlueLagoon #Canoeing #WaterAdventures #NatureEscape"

The weather was perfect that day and it was great to see the river flowing freely. Unfortunately, the later in the day you go down there the more you'll deal with taxis packed to the brim with passengers - music blaring, which spoils the ambience of the relaxing spot. But choose your time and it's perfect. Good food.

Nothing there just beach and pools for kids

It's very disappointing. Beach isn't clean , and it needs a very big clean. The grass island is also dirty. There is so much potential at this Beach. Expect random to come up to asking for money for their shelter, generally just for money and cigarettes if they see you smoking. No fishermen in site, used to normal to see people fishing. Could smell a little bit of sewage from the sea, not as bad as before, thou.

The atmosphere isn’t the same as before (good old years ) however the stalls are Ally’s , Shanthas and bilaals same taste same freshness Each stall has its own uniques Ally’s for their wors rolls (and pani puri) Shanthas for the vedas Bilaals for the fresh chips Always friendly and welcoming

Lovely quiet place to enjoy nature in the area. There is enough variation in the terrain to get something that everyone likes. Lots of rest spots along the various routes. Some routes need better maintenance but otherwise a lovely spot overall and staff is very friendly and helpful. Tip: It's better to wear long bottoms. Bring your own water as there will be none along the routes. Monkeys are common so don't recommend bringing open food with you.

Approximately 3-5km undemanding hike covered mostly by tree canopies. Tranquil sounds and pleasant smells almost makes one forget about the bustling surroundings, making this trail an ideal escape for the inner city dweller. Unsupervised limited parking outside, however public facilities are available along with a small picnic area.

It's a fairly simple, easy trail, with a bit of hill climbing not too hectic.

Clean and safe. Lovely walk about 2km

Virginia bush nature reserve is small enough to easily walk around, with very clear paths, but big enough to escape the sounds of the city. On some paths you might hear the odd car or suburban noise (dogs from the neighbouring properties mostly). Great bird life. You see the odd duiker too. I spent around two hours in the reserve today and I think I only saw one other person there.

Quiet only birds and frogs sounds but not scary at all. Even the animals that are there stay off the trails coz you hear the sounds but never get closer to them

Enjoyed my time here. It was a bit quiet at that time of the morning,so advisable to go as a group when going. It's not clearly marked so you just walk and follow the trail.

It was lovely to drive 30min from Durban and do a nature hike with a 4yr old and see zebra, rooibok and little duikers. The reserve needs some attention but everyone we met was friendly. Definitely worth a visit.

Great place for hiking cycling and just walking.... The Reserve is clean and well kept 👌❤️ It has safe and secure parking Clear directions and map Markings are visible throughout the whole area Easy hike They have different kinds of species Saw a Zebra and impala 🦓🦌🌴

We had a very nice hike there. However, they don't have any printed maps to give you at the gate, and the large map is so faded that you can't clearly see the different hikes and lengths of each hike. We went with 2 small children, and although the hike itself was good, we did take a few wrong turns, as it's not clearly marked. The map situation and markers need to be upgraded urgently.

Not a bad reserve, we'll used and needs some work but amenities relatively clean. Was able to see both bushbuck, and a herd of about 5 zebra while walking

1. Lovely hiking site with lots to admire. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 2. Went again after 3 years... Still a lovely spot with peaceful trails, beautiful trees & even zebras! 🦓 But the trail markings aren’t very clear now, which made the hike a bit confusing at times. Entry tickets were R70 pp.

I like the forest, it intense, green and safe. They just need to put more directions for trails, especially red trail.

Beautiful lovely walk we had there, nice braai facilities too

A little bit let go but I can imagine a whole lot of kids enjoying themselves here. Having been existing for quite a number of years, kids grow up and bring their children here. We did the cableway and although our hearts raced at the height, it was worth the beautiful view of funland and the ocean. We got a beautiful photo of ourselves on the ride for only R30

I know it's closing in May 2023 but I can see why. The stench of urine on the walls, the leaking ablutions on the roadside and the vomit on the stairs is enough to chase any possible holiday maker. It's sad that the pools in the front haven't been filled in more than 6 years, probably because they would be used as toilets or laundry facilities. Durban is in a very sad state.

It needed revamping .Painting Will make it look more appealing but kids still enjoy to be around there

For only 50 rands you will do on a fun ride with an amazing view of the waterfront! Yes it is 100% worth it. Just buy a ticket at the ticket booth and a guy will take a picture of you in a professional camera. When you come back down, he will already have it printed out in three different paper. 90 rand for the three of them, he can even send you the pictures by WhatsApp. Great experience!

Its a nice place to be at with the kids, the rides are fun and they have rides for both kids and adults but it can be so crowded and i wish they can add more exhilàrating rides

Very bland and uneventful. It feels like you are in an abandoned theme park with some random music playing in the background. They should renovate the place.

Great place. Nice rides for kids. Cute theme park. Cable car view is awesome

I love old buildings, museums, historical places...it's like going back in time...The Bergtheil Museum was a short but delightful experience

This is a hidden gem in Westville. The building is really small packed with multiple historical artifacts. Entrance is free. I spent around about 15-20 minutes casually browsing inside. There is security and parking is not an issue since I had been there on a quiet day.

Congrats to the Museum personnel for the organisation of the 175yrs Bergtheil Settlers/Siedler event - despite no water (again)

So surreal to experience the home that holds such rich history. There's 4 rooms that are open for viewing all packed with beautiful pieces of everyday living in the past.

Spend lots of time if you can. It is well worth it. Read what is shown. We learnt so many new - sorry old - things.

Very interesting. The early days of Westville well presented. Love the old building and the kitchen especially.

An historical gem in the middle of Westville. It's a shame how many people live their lives in Westville and don't even bother to check this place out. It is well worth the visit if you're in Westville.

Food was mouthwatering 👌I had wings and calamari, I'm a huge fan of Spur calamari, pity on my coaktail I found something I didn't understand that's looks like grass, my waitress was a sweetheart (Asanda) he took care of everything. Even though no manager came to check on me 😢I spent like close to 3 hours in a shop but no manager came Thanks Asanda😘

Don't visit Durban Central often,have not eaten here in years,took my grandaughter for lunch,we were starving,we waited awhile to order,the staff are friendly and helpful,our waiter was exceptional and went the extra mile for us,the music was excellent,I could've sat there the whole day,overall we loved it❤️

The staff were so friendly, they offered us an exceptional service.

I had good time But I have a question to ask why don't you accept scan to pay

I had the best burger and pizza topped with Avocado for small extra cost, the cheese was just marvelous. Chilled with the great breeze from the sea. Great service by the New waitress, it was nice seeing the senior waitress teach her to open the wine bottle in front of us. It shows team spirit. Great location, right at Ushaka marine and the beach. I would love to go there again. Big up to their service, continue to make customers happy.

I ordered online when about 30-40 Min before going to collect in the store , when I arrived they said they can't see order on their side so they can't help me they left me hanging just like that , in that moment I had paid like they just left me like that , I've been to Spurs and being one of the most top on service but that one is the worst of them all they are not friendly and customer caring at all , I had to call number on the app and that gentle man really helped me I told my story he told me to give the manager the phone and whilst imagine all along I was talking to the manager the one who couldn't help me who just left me like that, then after a while they said they are preparing my order I had to wait again

I have ordered peri peri buffalo wings and cappuccino. Mayonnaise the white sausage provided with wings was awesome and even the red chilli one as well. Ambience was gud. Cappuccino was not upto the mark

The donuts are very sweet. They look pretty for nothing. I could not even taste the donut, all I tasted was sugar. 1 star rating for the donuts. Service is great. All staff are kind and nice to customers. Always have a smile on their face.

Absolutely disgusting service from Cherav and Lawrence. Mixed up my order and refused to correct/refund me. Won’t be coming back ever! Most tasteless and disgusting coffee chiller which tasted like plain crushed ice.

My favourite doughnut hangout,had the pleasure of tasting the limited edition Bar One Doughnut last month in July,loved it❤️

The service was so poor I just came from there. The guy helping us told us that he wants to go home and his not here for a good time like us He kept rushing me to order. I waited more than 25 minutes for a Chai tea and the lady making them didn't read her order slip properly and complained that there was 3 and she made 2 so she got upset because she messed up. Overall this was thw qorat experience I've ever had at a place so Krispy kreme employees do better because your job requires you to work with people

The staff are helpful and fast. They have a wide selection of donuts that are fresh and tasty (though a little too sweet for me). A good place to go if you are looking to treat yourself.

The reason I give it a 1 star is because the service is poor they do not ask you if you came for the real deal discount and when you ask them for the stuff that you paid for they give you a whole new story as for the manager she is very rude....this is the first experience at Krispy Kreme out of all th times I've been to Krispy Kreme

The ladies at this store are absolutely phenomenal. Friendly and full of smiles. Nonkuh is an absolute star!

Movies are getting ridiculously expensive to go to. Stereo kinekor is no exception but the convenience of self order is cool and the cinema is fun once in a while.

The place is clean, friendly staff...had a good time

Aircons in theater 4 were not on and the cinema was packed for the movie. The screen is also damaged and has blue dots which appear on it. People were not abiding by the social distancing seating

Very clean and neat mall. Lots of parking. Please update the directory on the website. There is no longer Ster Kinekor in the mall.

Did a proposal inside the cinema. Staff were very helpful.

Everything is fine. Only stuff who receive order need more practice. One does not know how to use vitality cards, other one messed up my order twice. And today was quite busy, only two stuff. To stay in 2 queue🙈 Everything else is very good.

The seating etc is great. However the picture quality is not great to say the least. Nor is the sound quality. Could definitely do with an upgrade in that department. I'd be reluctant to go back to watch a movie there, only if was perhaps a last resort

People's park is truly a lovely place to spend the day with family and friends. It has tons of space to have a picnic. They host a huge playground for kids. Also a lovely Cafe with live music on a Sunday afternoon. Huge grounds for a game of your choice. You could also hire bikes at the stadium and ride them at the park. Plenty parking available and the security gives you peace of mind.

A little hidden gem with a wonderful playground where your children of ages between 1 and 13 may play to their hearts content. I loved the beach sand througout the playground, bringing beach vibes and providing a softer landing for those little feet. There are a number of different jungle gyms, monkey bars, turnabout, swings and other things for your little ones to enjoy. Perfectly placed next to peoples park cafe where you can grab a bite to eat and use the rest room (Although it is in serious need of maintenance). You can even bring your bikes along and go for a ride around the Moses Mabida stadium. This is definitely a place we would be visiting on the regular and look forward to seeing improvements in the near future

Great place to gather with family or friends to relax and enjoy the beautiful and tranquil scenery. Safe and clean environment, upgraded and smart playground area for the kids to enjoy!

A good place for every member of the family to enjoy. Well kept play area for children. Large area for people who wish to cycle, walk or run. There is also plenty of parking available, the grounds are always neat even after a big function and there is security always around.

Security seem to have a superiority complex here. Please remember this is a public place, they are private security guards contracted directly or indirectly by the municipality, they have zero authority over you. They are there to ensure rules are applied, Any rules they make up, can be ignored.

Awesome place to relax and bring kids to play. Theres open space on the grass to play soccer, cricket or even have a picnic. There is a restaurant and restrooms on the grounds so no need to leave to go buy lunch if you are hungry. There is security guards so cars are safe when parked. Theres a path around the grass when you can either go for a run or skateboard.

Attended an Easy Sunday picnic it was awesome

Beautiful, peaceful, clean and great people. Parking and braai area available under trees for shade.

Good walk

Beautiful wetland. Walking trails and facilities such as picnic spots, braai areas and benches could do with some refurbishment.

Lovely little reserve, go in a group, like Durban Ramblers.

Ezemvelo need to catch a wake up and start maintaining this place. Fence is broken, alien vegetation, litter all over and loads of it. You can't expect the guard on duty to sort this out and sit at the gate and patrol

The beach is extremely littered with pollution. The community could do a better job cleaning up.

Enjoyable experience. Nice walk although cut short due to path being obstructed and un attended to Shaded picnic area with braai pits and haded parking. Entrance fee was pretty reasonable too.

Pleasant, but could use some much needed maintenance and refurbishment. Lawns and gardens are well maintained but structures are falling apart.

22 October 2025, I was there, and I loved it so much. The municipality is doing well with the cleaning problem is with the residents! Although it's getting old but I took the best pictures of myself there.

Sadly it's deterioted. Structures falling apart. Ponds are swamps with dead animals floating causing a stench.

I was there today, 26/10/2025. I walked away after 5min. No where close to the photos posted on the internet. Dull and dirty.

Beautiful scenery. This garden is well maintained.

The only thing good about this garden is the flowers. Other than that, it is very poorly maintained and looks very dodgy and unsafe. The water features contain dirty water and have clearly not been consistently cleaned: there was even a dead bird that looked like it was in the water for a while. Do not recommend at all for any formal events or as a date venue!

Dirty and run down, could be so much more. Rather visit the Durban Botanic Gardens

Durban Big 5 Safari We had an awesome time on our Big5 safari with guide Paul. Booking was fast and replies were always in a timely manner! We visited Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and saw four of the Big5. A great day out with Durban Safaris!

John was prompt in confirming the tour details, and he did an amazing job on providing updates. I was looking forward to our day tour around St Lucia and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park however, the operator running the tour on behalf were in my personal opinion not the best I have experienced. I had expressed my interest for an upgrade to open vehicle drive but only to a small size car with standard view and can’t go off the main road in the park due to rain and mud. Furthermore, if you can’t differentiate a rock from a rhino from far distance, please don’t say that it’s a rhino. I think any tour should be run in the best interest of the customers and ensuring a memorable experience for them, hence I may have an higher expectation for this. Nonetheless, I appreciate we wrapped up the day tour safe and sound.

John was amazing in helping our group of 40 who were cruising to experience a day trip to Phezulu and a safari. The guide on the day, Wendy was friendly and informative. I would highly recommend this company for your trips. Carol Denning

Had an amazing time , definitely return in future

I only drive past there. Good place to visit.

I catch fish

Good

This garden used to bring tranquillity. Maybe when I recently went, it was too crowded, and people had littered the place. But I know it to be a well maintained, beautiful park that gives you peace and beautiful pictures. The park is not too far from MiniTown. The picture I attached was taken In 2019.

Overall the lawns are well-kept and it was very clean. The added Christmas lights look very pretty. With a little bid of TLC this could be a lovely place to enjoy the day.

Full of homeless people and young couples kissing in the park

Seems like it got a repaint. But the structures are still dirty with moss / green growing and there's always a strong smell of piss in every corner.

Good place for a stroll. Cleanliness need attention

I went to collect racing packs. The area was well prepared and tidy.

This area has been cleaned up and the surrounding facilities are great for family outings.

Went to the beach in off season and was pleasantly surprised how clean it was.

I truly enjoyed my experience at Battery Beach. What I found quite interesting are the surroundings. Most of the people there were nice. The life guards were on duty when I visited and they truly were doing a great job. You can expect to see many people and families at Battery Beach. The buildings around the coast were brilliant. Not to forget the art by Giffyartist on the walls which adds value to the environment☀️🌼!

When I visited it was clean and it wasn't packed, very close to Suncoast hotel. I would visit again.

Has been seen some better days as it looks like. A lot of rubbish at the beach

Often come here for my early morning or late afternoon run. Nice and relaxing. Safe to walk for young and old. If you in the area pip in you won't regret it. Can get very busy on weekends and holidays.

Beautiful clean beach. A early morning walk is suggested. The water is warm so a dip is suggested as well.

Very clean Not overcrowded Police visible Mostly only families noted

Whether you want to jog..walk..ride a bike or just sit while listening to the sound of an ocean..this place is perfect. Meet all types of people doing all different things just to stay healthy. Prominade is big enough for everyone. Mornings and afternoons are the busiest.

(Translated by Google) Whether you want to relax and enjoy your little moments of freedom, sightseeing, this place is suitable, very clean and above all, it is especially de-stressing. (Original) Que vous voulez vous relaxer profitez de vos petits moments de liberté faire du tourisme, cette endroit est approprié très propre et surtout il surtout destressant

The tree is beautiful but it seems it’s not well taken care of.

Beautiful free to enter Park with a lot of areas to chill and have picnics. It also offers canoeing. The river goes into the ocean, and there is a walkway to Blue Lagoon Beach. The GPS gets very confused here, so use your instincts or ask for directions.

Morning and lunch time its a nice quiet area for a walk or picnic. Ideal for group braais and family gatherings. Late afternoon and evening the crowds arri e and it gets very busy.

Had an epic weeekend at the Stanford Hill Park. Clean ablutions with available sanitary&wipe tissues. Plenty space for self braai stands with camp chair. Fabulous view of the dam to the ocean.

Busy at times, but very relaxing.

Attended the Bunny Chow Barometer competition.. The vibe was awesome.. Live music & entertainment.. Tasted a few bunny chows.. Some were very good & a few were not good .. Lots of giveaways by Coca Cola... Free coke tasting on entrance.. Oh entrance was free ... There was also a bunny chow eating contest.. live comedy ND entertainment by Karou Charou & Muthu Murugan kept us entertained ND in stitches.. Good vibes 👍💕

Always an amazing and refreshing experience. Only my third time going there today. Saw some beautiful classic cars such as a Valiant, Chevrolet Caprice, Datsun, Ford Cortina and a few others, as well as a modern Mustang. It's always so wonderful to walk along the river and sit on the pier having a snack and smelling the sea breeze.

It's a great place, but mainly for a family braai or something. Come from all over and just enjoy Durban- Blue Lagoon.