With its year-round sunshine and warm Indian Ocean waters, Durban is a hotspot for beach lovers, surfers, and anyone after a laid-back coastal escape.
The city's iconic Golden Mile - a palm-lined stretch of promenade filled with markets, street performers, and watersports - captures its easygoing energy. Add to that a brilliant food scene, from spicy bunny chows to fat Gatsby sandwiches, and you've got a city that blends culture with seaside charm.
Unlike Johannesburg, South Africa's fast-paced economic hub known, or Cape Town, with its dramatic mountain-meets-ocean beauty and slower lifestyle, Durban offers something uniquely tropical and unpretentious - a relaxed feel all its own.
The Good
- 🎉 Decent nightlife
- 😋 Decent food options
- ☕ Coffee
- ☀️ Warm weather
- 🤿 Scuba diving
- 🏄♂️ Surfing
- ⛱️ Great beach
The Bad
- 👮 Not the safest
- 🚘 Traffic
- 🗑️ Pollution
- 🚶 Not walkable
- 🥴 Can get a little rowdy
- 📸 Very Touristy
- 🤼 Crowded
- 🔦 Power cuts
Living costs
- Durban is the second most expensive place (out of 3) to live in South Africa
- The average salary in Durban is
- It's about 338% cheaper to live in Durban than it is London
- You can expect to spend around $1,064.30 per month living here
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 4th Jun 2026
Safety
Durban has moderate crime rates, with some areas being safer than others; visitors should remain vigilant and avoid certain neighbourhoods.
Where to stay
1. Durban Beachfront
The Durban Beachfront, also known as the Golden Mile, is a popular choice for visitors. This area stretches along the Indian Ocean and offers loads of accommodation options, from cheap hostels to luxury hotels. Staying on the beachfront provides direct access to Durban's stunning beaches, as well as lots of attractions, including uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium. It's an excellent choice for travellers who want to be in the thick of the action and enjoy the beauty of Durban's coastline.
2. Umhlanga Rocks
Located just north of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks is a picturesque and affluent suburb known for its beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, and atmosphere. This area offers loads of accommodation options, including backpacker hostels, guesthouses, and luxury hotels. Umhlanga Village has a ton of restaurants, bars, and shops, creating a safe environment for travellers.
3. Morningside
Close to the city center, Morningside is a well-established and desirable neighbourhood in Durban. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, providing a convenient and safe base for travellers. Morningside has lots of accommodation options, including guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering apartments. Florida Road, the main street in Morningside, is known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife, making it a good location for digital nomads seeking a lively social scene.
4. Westville
Westville is a leafy suburb located west of Durban's city center. It is known for its tranquil residential areas, lush greenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. Westville offers lots of accommodation options, including guesthouses and self-catering apartments. It's a safe and family-friendly area, with easy access to amenities such as shopping centers and restaurants. The suburb is also close to major highways, making it convenient for travellers with their own transport. While Westville is not directly on the beachfront, it provides a quieter and more residential setting for those who prefer a peaceful stay away from the city center.
