Durban: Markets, History and Gardens

Durban brings together themes that can be given different weight when planning a stay: the mix of goods at Victoria Street Market, the history of KwaMuhle Museum, walks and picnics in Durban Botanic Gardens, and Bunny Chow. If you’re looking for a hotel in Durban, this overview can help you identify the focus you want for your trip. The following sections distinguish between places and activities in Durban and additional options in the wider destination of Durban Metro.

Markets and culinary experiences

A snapshot of Victoria Street Market in Durban Central counted more than 200 vendors and stalls. At the time, the offerings included traditional African art, Indian spices, seafood, bags, brassware and traditional clothing. Goods from different categories could be found side by side: art and clothing, as well as ingredients and other items. The number of vendors and the specific selection may change over time; the figures and goods mentioned refer to the time described.

Bunny Chow also offers a specific culinary connection to Durban. The dish consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with slow-braised, spicy curry. The filling may be lamb, chicken or sugar beans. The bread and curry together make up the dish’s characteristic form. If you’re interested in local food culture, Bunny Chow can be considered a distinct focus alongside markets and history.

History of KwaMuhle Museum

KwaMuhle Museum was originally the headquarters of the Native Administration Department. This department played a central role in the apartheid system and Durban’s harsh labor control system. The museum’s former function is therefore closely connected to the city’s administrative history. Those who want to focus on Durban’s history will find a specific connection here to apartheid and labor control, rather than just a general introduction to the city’s history.

Walks and picnics in Durban Botanic Gardens

Visitors can stroll among plants and trees and picnic at Durban Botanic Gardens. These are two different ways to spend time in the gardens: a walk means moving among the plants and trees, while a picnic allows time for a meal in the garden. If you’re planning your trip around activities, you can consider whether you’d rather go for a walk or plan a picnic.

More options in the wider destination of Durban Metro

In the wider destination of Durban Metro, eThekwini’s municipal museums include the Durban Local History Museums, which focus on cultural and historical heritage; Durban Art Gallery, which focuses on visual art; and Durban Natural Science Museum, which covers natural science aspects of heritage. These institutions have different areas of focus: history and cultural heritage sit alongside visual art and natural science topics. There are 19 Local History Museums sites in eThekwini, all managed by the Municipality. The number of sites may change.

The geography of the wider destination of Durban Metro is also diverse: the eThekwini Municipality stretches from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west. Attractions there also include uShaka Sea World and uShaka Wet n Wild. uShaka Sea World is an aquarium; its offerings include dolphin shows, seal viewing and penguin presentations. As the show schedule may change, it’s a good idea to check the current program before visiting. uShaka Wet n Wild is a water park.

Find a hotel to match your priorities

Set this priority before comparing specific hotel offers. This way, you can start your search with a travel interest that matters to you.

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