This picturesque city with palm trees dancing and rolling waves has more to it than the beach. Whether your interests lie in museums, art galleries, theatres and shows or music, Durban has something to offer you.
Museums
If museums are your cup of tea, I would recommend a visit to the Durban Natural Science Museum at Durban’s City Hall, entering on Smith Street. Open from 8:30am on Saturdays and 11:00am Sundays you can view Africa’s wildlife free of charge.
For the history lover’s interested in the history of this region, the Old Court House Museum is for you. It has the same opening hours and it, too, is free. Located on 77 Samora Machel Street, it is close to The Natural Science Museum.
For those interested in the Apartheid Era and struggles, the Kwa Muhle Museum documents life during this time. Open on Saturdays from 8:30am it is located on 130 Bram Fischer Road.
Take to the seas at Africa’s busiest port to find the Natal Maritime Museum in three floating ships. Open on Saturdays from 8:30am and Sundays from 11am, you can view the culture of our maritime trade centre. R5 and adult and R3 a child gets you in at Samora Machel Street, at Bay end.
Art Galleries
Durbanites are all about contemporary art. artSPACE durban gallery is once such beauty, boasting a variety of mediums and displays in group and solo exhibitions, located in a warehouse at 3 Millar Road, Durban. Local and international artists exhibit their work in the three areas within the gallery: the main, middle and front room gallery. Not to be missed!
Another contemporary gem, housing local and international artists with a variety of disciplines in the Kznsa Gallery on 166 Buwer Road, Glenwood. It comprises of a main gallery downstairs, with smaller shows help in the Park and Mezzanine galleries.
For more Galleries, view Durban's best here.
Theatre & Shows
The Playhouse Company provides a reason to dress-up, be social and entertained for a night out. See what’s on during your visit and book. Follow your visit with tea and cake at the Royal Hotel. The roof of the Royal boasts fantastic panoramic views of Durban Harbour and City Hall by night (for the more adventurous, it requires a leg up).
Cinema Nouveaux is located at Gateway for an arty movie treat—my favourite.
Music
Check out the fantastic, user-friendly, on-point website Vibescout to keep updated with not only music but an activities happening in and around the major cities in South Africa. Festivals and concerts can be searched and booked on Computicket.
What would you head to first? Let me know in the comments.
Much love,