Like the rest of Durban, Durban Central offers locals and visitors alike a host of fun, educational and interesting activities to enjoy.
Whether you wish to journey into the past, while away the hours with a fun shopping trip or simply head out into the fresh air, Durban Central has you covered.
Here are seven of the best things to do in Durban Central:
#1 Visit KwaMuhle Museum
This museum offers some telling reminders about a notable time in South Africa’s most bitter past: the Apartheid Era. It is an important place for all to visit and hosts a number of permanent and temporary exhibits.
Here, in this former Native Administration Department, you can glimpse the history of Durban’s residents from a range of personal perspectives.
Browse the exhibits, take a look into township life during Apartheid and reflect on the past so that it is never forgotten…
Note: Entry to the KwaMuhle Museum is free.
Contact: +27 (031) 311 2237, thevan.harry@durban.gov.za
Website: durbanhistorymuseums.org.za
Address: KwaMuhle Museum, 130 Bram Fischer Road, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#2 Head to the Durban Exhibition Centre
Located opposite to and managed by Durban’s ICC, the Durban Exhibition Centre is a very popular, multi-purpose venue, which offers a wide range of excellent, affordable venue options and shows.
It is ideal for hosting exhibits, conferences, weddings and so much more – and when one of these is on, it is also naturally a great place to visit!
Annual favourites on Durban’s event calendar include the likes of: House and Garden Show and Decorex.
Keep an eye out for what’s being showcased throughout the year – and be sure to bear it in mind for all your event planning too!
Contact: +27 (031) 360 1000
Website: icc.co.za
Address: Durban Exhibition Centre, 11 Walnut Road, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#3 Explore Durban Natural Science Museum
As one of South Africa’s oldest and most popular museums, it goes without saying that the Durban Natural Science Museum is a must-visit for all those who head to Durban.
The museum delves into innovative research and offers important conservation and education programmes.
What’s more, its galleries feature some astounding exhibits, including the Elephant Bird (hailed as the largest bird to ever exist on earth), an almost life-sized T-rex model and a 100-year-old Dodo skeleton.
Entry to the museum is free – and as one of the most utilised science museums in all of Africa, it is definitely an unmissable experience for the whole family!
Contact: +27 (031) 311 2256
Website: www.durban.gov.za
Address: Durban Natural Science Museum, 1 City Hall, 234 Anton Lembede Street, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#4 Get some fresh air at Gugu Dlamini Park
If you are craving some fun in the sun, Gugu Dlamini Park is the place for you. It’s the perfect spot to head for a picnic with friends and family and is ideal for nature lovers of all ages.
Importantly, the park pays homage to Gugu Dlamini, an HIV Aids victim who was beaten to death for revealing her positive status… So, needless to say, it is an important reminder to us all to not only honour her bravery – but also to be mindful of our own health and know our status, too.
Contact: n/a
Website: n/a
Address: Gugu Dlamini Park, Samora Machel Street, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#5 Head to Port Natal Maritime Museum
Set just off from the beautiful, historic Durban Harbour, the Port Natal Maritime Museum offers wonderful insights into the influence that Durban’s maritime-rich culture has had on local city life.
The museum contains incredible stories of impressive sea voyages, daring or romantic tales and even some floating vessel attractions to boot!
Be sure to check out this fun and interesting museum – especially if you are in and around Durban Harbour!
Contact: +27 (031) 311 2231, zandi.cele@durban.gov.za
Website: durbanhistorymuseums.org.za
Address: Port Natal Maritime Museum, Bay end of Samora Machel Street, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#6 Visit Voices of Women Museum
This fascinating, living archival museum holds within its walls some 3 000 embroidered cloths and personal stories from women who have lived around South Africa.
The museum offers some interesting events, programmes and archives for the learned – or simply those who are interested – to immerse themselves in.
Many indigenous languages (translated into English) are represented here, as the memory of these varied, diverse women is kept alive and well.
If you are keen to experience a different kind of museum, this is as good as any place to start with.
Contact: www.amazwi-voicesofwomen.com
Website: www.amazwi-voicesofwomen.com
Address: Voices of Women Museum, 168 Palmer Street, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
#7 Shop Victoria Street Market
This market is a rich and immersive shopping experience for all to enjoy. Here, one can browse over 200 stalls, with each more varied and interesting than the last!
This open-air market – first opened in the 1870s – is a wonderfully rewarding way to experience the sights, sounds, scents and flavours of Durban, as you browse saris, exotic spices, arts and crafts, beaded goods, seafood, fresh produce and so, so much more!
The Victoria Street Market is a fun and interesting way to spend a few hours in Durban Central – and it’s ideal for both tourists and locals to enjoy.
Note: The market is open Monday – Friday, 08:00 am – 17:00 pm; Saturdays from 08:00 am – 16:00 pm; and on Sundays from 09:00 am – 15:00 pm.
Contact: +27 (031) 306 4021, admin@victoriastreetmarket.co.za
Website: www.victoriastreetmarket.co.za
Address: Victoria Street Market, Corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, Durban Central, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
These are just some of the great attractions you can enjoy exploring and visiting in Durban Central!