Durban Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Durban attracts tourist from all over the world, drawn by its hot, sunny climate, beautiful location and endless sightseeing offerings. The city also boasts a wealth of popular tourist attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

Top of Durban's list of tourist attractions are water-based theme parks. The uShaka Marine World, in particular, is proving to be a big hit with visitors and easily offers more than enough to fill up an entire day.

uShaka Marine World

Address: 1 Bell Street, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 328 8000
Durban's top theme park just about covers everything you'd expect to find in a real 'marine world', plus a whole lot more. At the centre of the park is Sea World, comprising an underground aquarium, a water park, the wreck of a cargo ship, and a stadium where visitors can be delighted by the exploits of the park's dolphins and seals. Wet 'n Wild is set to entertain young and old alike and keep the adrenaline pumping with water rides, swimming pools and lots of leisure facilities. There are also plenty of fun attractions at uShaka Beach, including windsurfing, jet skiing and beach volleyball. Alternatively, if you've had enough of the action, you could just sit back and relax with a meal at one of the park's many restaurants and cafes.
Open hours: Sea World, daily - 09:00 to 18:00, Wet 'n Wild, Wednesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 18:00 (except open daily during public and school holidays)
Admission: charge, children three years old and under are free

Fitzsimon's Snake Park

Address: 240 Lower Marine Parade, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 337 6456
With over 120 indigenous snake species in its collection, the Fitzsimon's Snake Park allows visitors to see some of the world's most deadly snakes up close. As well as mambas, cobras and puff adders, the park is home to crocodiles, iguanas and even tortoises. The park hosts regular talks and demonstrations. Visitors can also witness venom collecting and snake feeding sessions.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World

Address: Suncoast Boulevard, Marine Parade, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 328 3000
This huge development on Durban's Golden Mile waterfront combines a casino, as well as a cinema, shopping and entertainment complex. There is also the popular Waterworld theme park. It's a great place to cool off should the weather get too hot and humid. As well as water slide attractions and chutes, there are also wave pools and palm trees.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

The Playhouse

Address: 20 Acutt Street, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 369 9596
The origins of Durban's Playhouse lies in two of the city's oldest entertainment venues, the Princes' Theatre and the Playhouse, built in the Tudor style. In the mid-1980s, these two adjacent buildings became one as part of a massive renovation project. Today, The Playhouse is the top theatre in the region, staging live opera and theatre performances throughout the year.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 08:30 to 12:30 (box office hours)
Admission: charge for performances

BAT Centre

Address: 45 Maritime Place, Durban, South Africa, SA
Tel: +27 031 332 0451
Set up in 1995, the BAT Centre is a popular arts and cultural venues. The centre is a great place to see the work of some of Durban's artists. Indeed, visitors are encouraged to watch the artists-in-residence at work in their studios. Regular exhibitions are also held, along with music, poetry and spoken-word events.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free