The 16 best markets in Durban

The Karkloof Farmers’ Market is a wonderfully authentic Saturday market held in an old rustic warehouse along Karkloof Road in Howick from 8am to 12pm. With its old-school community spirit and country-village atmosphere, it feels a world away from slick urban markets. The smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomes early visitors, while breakfast options include gourmet bagels, full English breakfasts, brie, bacon and fig toast, cinnamon pancakes, smoothies and more. Browse farm-fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, cheeses, eggs, pies, preserves, flowers and seedlings, with plenty of organic and gluten-free options too. Families are well catered for, with a kids’ corner, crafts, pony rides and an outdoor play area, while dogs are welcome too. It’s a lovely spot to meet friends, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and support local farmers, growers and producers.

Karkloof Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

The Ballito Farmers’ Market is a lively weekend market set among the green rolling hills of the KZN North Coast, bringing together more than 150 local traders, producers and artisans. Visitors can browse fresh produce, flowers, plants, food, fashion, crafts, art and lifestyle goods, while enjoying live music and plenty of open space. The market is family- and pet-friendly, with a dedicated kids’ play area and activities for older children. It operates every Saturday, Sunday and selected public holidays from 8am to 2pm, making it an easy spot to spend a relaxed morning or afternoon.

On the R102 heading from Umhlali to Shakaskraal, KZN North Coast

The Hillcrest Car Boot Sale is a monthly treasure hunt for bargain hunters, taking place on the first Saturday of every month from 7am to 11am at Krantzlight Coffee Shop in Gillitts. From pre-loved clothes, toys and books to jewellery, linen, décor, appliances and plenty of unexpected finds, there’s always something worth rummaging through. It’s pet-friendly and family-friendly too, with a kids’ play area, coffee and food available…making it an easy Saturday morning outing for the whole crew.

Krantzlight Coffee Shop, 14 Shinglewood Road, Gillitts/Hillcrest, KZN

The Westville Night Market usually happens on a Friday in the local suburb of Westville in Durban. The night market is suitable for the whole family in a safe closed location. One can purchase a range of delicious food and there’s a beer garden for the grown-ups. The market offers a child-friendly environment with entertainment for the kids. To add to the ambiance is live music. The market is located on the fields of the local primary school in Westville and makes for an interesting nocturnal outdoor experience. One can browse the stalls with ease, taking in Durban’s all-year summery conditions, so why not make a night of it and visit the night market.

Westville Senior Primary School, 42 Westville Road, Westville 

Located under a canopy of trees and providing needed shade in summer, the Golden Hours Family Market is an ideal outdoor flea market. The market offers a wide selection of food, crafts and other household items. The market is child-friendly and pet-friendly. There is also live entertainment and music, and with adequate seating one can enjoy a meal while being entertained. The beer garden is also popular. The market is open every Sunday from 10am to 3.30pm. Furthermore, there is also a Moonlight Market set in a magical environment of fairy lights. There is adequate parking and entry is free. The market is also known for its friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

Uitsig Rd, Prospect Hall, Durban North

The Essenwood Market, an iconic market operating for many years, is located on the upper section of the Essenwood suburb. The location is ideal as it’s a park with plenty of space for stalls and a play area for children. On some Saturdays, pony rides are also on offer. The area is wheelchair-friendly and parents can navigate a pram (baby stroller) with ease. The market convenes every Saturday from 9am to 3pm, offering great food and live entertainment. The stalls are interesting with a variety of food on offer, books, antiques, household items and clothing. One has to park wherever street parking is available. This market is well worth a visit and definitely a place for a scrumptious bite to eat.

Essenwood Park, Stephen Dlamini Road, Musgrave, Durban

Operating for over fifteen years, the I Heart Market has become a community embodiment of local talent. Local talent, small businesses and creators are the core focus of this market, showcasing organic, handcrafted and environmentally-friendly upcycled items. The market is located indoors at the local school in Durban North, making the market accessible during all kinds of weather conditions. The market is held on the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm and is a must-visit when you are in Durban. There is adequate secure parking available on the school grounds. The market offers an amazing deli selection and food stalls. One is sure to meet interesting people and crafters selling their products here, so put this market on your travel itinerary.

Northlands Primary, 20 Gleneagles Drive, Durban North

The Shongweni Farmers Market is situated in a beautiful area on the hill of the Shongweni Valley, overlooking the Kirk Falls. The area is regarded as peri-urban and is well-known for its natural landscapes, making the scenic road trip enjoyable. The market offers a range of fresh produce, food, deli items and arts and crafts, and is open every Saturday from 7am to 1pm. All the while taking in the ambient music provided by local musical talents, the whole family will be entertained, and the kids can enjoy an outdoor experience with additional activities such as The Shongweni Express Train rides, merry-go-rounds, jungle gyms and The Shongweni Zipline. For the avid hikers, there is also a short nature trail. Wheelchair accessibility is also provided. This location is not just a market but also an incredible venue for weddings, functions, orchestral performances and so much more.

457 Mr551 Rd, Shongweni Resource Reserve, Shongweni

The uMhlanga Farmers Market is located in uMhlanga, one of Durban’s suburbs. This is a weekly market taking place on Wednesdays from 8am to 12pm. This market has a deep-rooted history in the community of uMhlanga and is regarded as a heritage market. The market offers abundant fresh produce, free-range products, essentials and locally-crafted gifts. One can find wonderful hand crafted and old household items. For those trying to avoid the hectic weekend markets or stores, a mid-week shopping haul sounds like the ideal ‘me-time’. The outdoor atmosphere and freshly brewed coffee makes for a good break from the humdrum of work and life. So enjoy Durban’s sunshine and stroll and shop with ease at the uMhlanga Farmers Market.

206 Autumn Drive, Prestondale, uMhlanga, Durban

If you are looking for something fun to do on a Sunday, make your way to the Neighbourhood Food and Craft Market based in uMhlanga, a northern suburb in Durban. The market operates from 9am to 2pm on the last Sunday of the month. The market offers food, fresh produce and a beer and gin garden. One can enjoy a delicious meal that reminds one of home, all the while being entertained by live music. Not to mention, the location of the market being the idyllic Chris Saunders Park. This is a beautiful park with a sizeable pond, a perfect spot for a family or couple’s romantic picnic. The kids will undoubtedly enjoy this green open space.

Chris Saunders Park, uMhlanga, Durban

Located off one of the main roads in the Bluff, the Bluff Flea Market offers a variety of goods including food, fresh produce, baked goods, clothing, gifts, electronics and a variety of other consumer items. Pet owners will also find a selection of pet products and pet treats. The market also has an auction component for interested buyers. The market operates every Saturday from 6am to 3pm. It has a kids zone, helping parents keep their children entertained, and also offers extended entertainment with karaoke sessions and music. So when in Durban, do visit the Bluff community, a beautiful coastal suburb with a stretch of beaches, and be sure to stop by at this flea market.

111 Tara Road, Bluff, Durban

The Victoria Street Market, Durban’s most iconic market with a rich heritage rooted in the history of the indentured labourers, has in excess of 200 vendors and stall holders. It is a melting pot of culture offering traditional African artwork, spices, seafood and other food, clothes and goods. The market is open seven days a week, operating during the week from 8am to 5pm, Saturdays from 8am to 4pm and Sundays from 9am to 3pm. In a place bustling with life and culture, and situated right in the midst of Durban’s CBD, Victoria Street Market acts as a hub that draws locals and tourists alike. One simply cannot visit Durban without exploring this heritage market and trying the great food and goods on offer.

151/155 Bertha Mkhize Street, Durban Central, Durban

Harlequins Market is located off Club Drive in the Bluff, Durban. This is another popular Bluff flea market, bringing many community members to its location in search of various goods. The market offers food and drinks, house and garden items, toys and gifts, fruit and vegetables, crafts and clothing, tools and pre-owned goods. In terms of entertainment, there is a DJ and much more. Open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, this is one of the markets to see along the east coast. This is definitely the place for a family outing and the kids will thoroughly enjoy the outdoor activities. So, punch the location into your GPS or Google Maps and make your way down to this community flea market.

Club Drive, Bluff, Durban

The Bangladesh Market is a community market located in Chatsworth, a township in Durban. The market has been operating for a few decades and is quite the market in the Westcliff community. The market is known for its fresh produce, spices, clothing, toiletries and other household items. There are also fishmongers selling the best the sea can offer. The variety of vegetables is quite something and one will see and learn about new vegetables and be given a quick lesson on how to cook them with various spices. The pickle stalls offer a wide array of pickles. The market is popular with locals and is deserving of more consumer footfall.

Business Square, Westcliff, Chatsworth, Durban

In Bayview, Chatsworth, a gem of a community market exists on the iconic Lenny Naidu Drive. This community market operates every Sunday and is part of the local economic recovery programme. One will find a wide spectrum of goods on offer from fresh produce, food, furniture to beauty products and clothing. If one is in search of antiques and furniture, this is the market you are looking for. A love of reading, learning and books feature as a prominent objective of the market, encouraging both young and old to read. Stalls are also available for services such as property and broadband services. The market is also child-friendly with fun-filled activities for the kids. Parents are sure to have a more relaxed weekend when the kids are happy.

369 Lenny Naidu Drive, Bayview, Durban

The Glenwood suburb in Durban is home to an outdoor neighbourhood market, the Glenwood Street Market. The market sells a variety of goods from street food to fresh produce and local arts and crafts. If one wants a taste of home, look no further for homemade bread and jams. The street food is divine and one can find local boerie rolls, traditional food and international cuisine. The market offers live entertainment and offers a space for community members and visitors to connect with traders. The market is open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, so put on those walking shoes and visit this very relaxed flea market and once you are done, there is much to see and do in the Glenwood community.

106 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban

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