Where to stay in Durban

The Golden Mile refers to the stretch of beaches running all the way from Vetches Beach past uShaka Marine World, including South Beach, Addington, Dairy Beach, Snake Park Beach, ending at Suncoast Casino beach. The Golden Mile is known for its promenade where one can stroll, run, cycle or skateboard across the entire stretch.

STAY

If one wishes to soak up the sun and sunbathe, look no further than the hotels along The Golden Mile. The 4-star Southern Sun eLangeni & Maharani Hotel has a long history and is well-established in Durban as an iconic hotel. The Southern Sun eLangeni and Maharani hotels were merged into one, offering 734 rooms, as well as excellent service and facilities. If one is looking for a more affordable stay, then there’s always the Garden Court Marine Parade, where two children under 18 stay free when sharing with adults. The Suncoast Hotel and Belaire Suites Hotel are also worth checking out.

EAT

The Cargo Hold at uShaka Marine World is quite the dining experience in terms of setting and a diverse menu. The restaurant is located on the Phantom Ship, where one can view the shark tanks. The menu offers global and local cuisine with vegetarian meals.

Lingela, located at the Southern Sun eLangeni & Maharani Hotel offers a diverse menu, offering top traditional food to explore the culinary depths of our country from Durban curries and Karoo lamb with mint sauce to tandoori oven specials.

DRINK

Finding a ‘watering hole’ is not a problem in Durban. The Durban beachfront has much to offer and one may try various establishments. Noted as a premium drinking spot is the Tall Ships, which has a variety of cocktails, wine, and premier whisky in a comfortable and safe space.

The Blue Waters Hotel’s Blue Dolphin Bar is another safe ‘watering hole’, offering cocktails and other drinks. In addition, pizzas, cake, and coffee are also on offer. 

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Generally, the common activities on the beachfront are walking, running, cycling, swimming, and surfing, but there is an array of other activities such as kite surfing and skateboarding. The Point Waterfront also offers gondola rides and pedal boating. Last but not least is exploring the aquarium and water activities at the uShaka Marine World.

Morningside is a suburb in Durban, located about five kilometres from the beachfront and four kilometres from the CBD. The suburb is known for its character with interesting historical architecture, outstanding restaurants, and lively bars. Mitchell Park and Jameson Park are beautiful green spaces both located off Innes Road.

STAY

The Quarters Hotel on Florida Road is a heritage hotel comprising the conversion of four Victorian houses into a four star hotel. Florida Road is an ideal location as there are restaurants and bars all along the road. The Windermere Shopping Centre is also within close proximity and there is a Pick ‘n Pay and a SPAR store further up the road from the hotel. Not far from Florida Road is the Avondale Boutique Hotel. The hotel is located in a peaceful area of Morningside and within walking distance to the shopping centre.

EAT

Morningside offers a multitude of top restaurants and eateries with diverse menus catering for all palates. The entire stretch of Florida Road is populated with restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. Not to mention Innes Road and Lillian Ngoyi Road also have quite a few restaurants.

DRINK

Cubana located on Florida Road is an authentic Social Caffé, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also offers a nightlife environment with the serving of drinks, whether it be a cocktail, wine or other alcoholic beverages. Keys on Florida, also located on Florida Road, is not just a bar, it is known for its musical entertainment, hosting DJs and singers.

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Besides dining and taking a stroll through the neighbourhood of Morningside, there is much to do. The Botanic Gardens is an ideal leisure location where one can learn a lot about plants and trees and have a relaxing picnic near the pond. Other relaxing spots include Mitchell Park and Jameson Park.

Glenwood is an old suburb located in Durban and has much character; from the picturesque architecture to the old corner road tea rooms. The art, craft, and museum sector is quite active with many a talented artist located in this suburb.

STAY

An affordable accommodation is the Cato Suites Hotel in Glenwood, offering suites, a spa, coffee shop, conference room, and venue hire. Roseland House located close to the Glenwood Hub that is Helen Joseph Road and Davenport Centre, offers accommodation as well as a small conference venue.

EAT

Helen Joseph Road is a hub of activity of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other smaller shops. The atmosphere is friendly and lively, bringing many locals and tourists to this destination. Nguni Foods is a 100% South African restaurant serving local Nguni food from pap or phuthu and chakalaka to a variety of meat. The restaurant doesn’t have a vegetarian menu but does have a few side dishes such as chips, butternut, spinach, and pap. Further down on Helen Joseph Road one will find the Cane Cutters restaurant, serving local Durban curries. They are famous for their award-winning bunny chows. One simply cannot leave without trying the Bean Green coffee.

DRINK

Amsterdam is a bar and grill with a great vibe and live entertainment. At the corner of Bulwer Road and Clark Road, one can find one of Durban’s best pubs, The Jack Horner Pub & Grill. They also have a vegetarian menu.

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Visiting the arty suburb of Glenwood means one has to visit the iconic KZNSA Gallery on Bulwer Road. One can walk through the gallery, shop for arts and crafts, have a meal or coffee and enjoy the outdoor seating environment. A must see location. For the fervent museum fan, one has to stop along Esther Roberts Road and visit the Phansi Museum, founded by architect and activist Paul Mikula, who created a local museum profiling local and indigenous artists’ work.

Durban North, Durban’s northern suburb, has a few must-visit areas; from the coastline, namely, Glenashley and La Lucia, as well as Parkhill and Rosehill. Central Durban North is vibrant and is the hub of the suburb bustling with traffic, shops, restaurants, and bars.

STAY

Just step onto the beach across the road from No. 20 On the Beach Guesthouse offering affordable accommodation in Glenashley. If you are looking for five star accommodation, look no further than Cowrie Cove, with beautiful décor and stylish rooms. The dining area is spectacularly designed.

EAT

Kimbap is an authentic Korean restaurant based on one of the main roads in Durban North, Adelaide Tambo Drive. Another great Korean restaurant is the Crazy Korean, serving vegetation and meat dishes. Lupa in Durban North is a top-notch restaurant serving quality Italian food.

DRINK

Mulligan’s Irish Pub & Eatery serves burgers, pizzas, traditional pub meals, steaks, and pies. They also have live entertainment and a great ambiance. Another drinking and eating spot is Connor’s Public House located in Glenashley.

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There is much to do in Durban North; beautiful beaches and green open spaces like the Japanese Gardens. One can also venture into the Beachwood Mangroves and walk on the boardwalk to appreciate nature and all its splendour. A must-see destination is the uMgeni Bird Park located across the road from the uMgeni River.

uMhlanga is located north of the Durban CBD, following the east coast shores. The suburb is known as a residential, tourist, and business hub. It is home to the biggest mall in Africa, The Gateway Theatre of Shopping. One can access the beach along the uMhlanga Beach Promenade, where locals and tourists are aplenty, taking relaxed scrolls or exercising. The suburb is a booming hub of activity, business, and leisure with an abundance of restaurants and bars.

STAY

The Oyster Box Hotel is a stunning location to holiday or conduct business. It has breath-taking views of the lighthouse and beachfront, looking upon miles of ocean. The hotel is well known for its spa. The Southern Sun Beverly Hotel is also located on the uMhlanga beachfront. Also on offer is a spa, an outdoor pool, and rooms with balconies offering spectacular ocean views. The Hilton Garden Inn uMhlanga Arch, located within the business hub of the mixed zoning uMhlanga Arch, is also a stunning hotel suitable for accommodation and business activities. Last but not least, the Radisson Blue on Lagoon Drive offers sleek and modern interior designs with accommodation and business amenities. The venue also caters for functions and weddings.

EAT

There are a countless good restaurants in uMhlanga, lining the uMhlanga promenade, and a wide selection at the uMhlanga Centre, the Pearls Mall, the Oceans Mall, Granada Square, and the Gateway Shopping Mall.

DRINK

The Back Yard Roof Top Bar located in the uMhlanga Arch has great cocktails and has much character with its themed Tiki beach vibe with great performances. There are numerous bars and pubs that one can chose from in all the shopping centres and malls.

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Besides enjoying the regular beach activities, one can visit the local nature reserve. The Hawaan Forest Nature Reserve is a great green open space and is the remnant of what was an expansive coastal dune forest. The oHlanga River runs alongside the forest. Guided tours are offered by the Wildlife and Environment Society of Southern Africa (WESSA).