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20 Amazing Date Spots in Durban

20 Amazing Date Spots in Durban 

| Last Updated: January 2024

Durban’s got some fantastic places to make your date night special. From beautiful beaches to cosy cafes and vibrant cultural hubs, there’s something for everyone.

If you fancy a night of romance, check out our list of the best places to go on a date in Durban and turn your date night into a memorable adventure!

9th Avenue Waterside

Website: https://www.9thavewaterside.co.za/

Address: 2 Maritime Pl, Harbour, Durban, 4001

Phone: +27 31 940 4628

Operating Hours:

  • Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Lunch: Sunday – 12 PM to 3 PM
  • Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday – 6 PM to 9:30 PM

9th Avenue Waterside in Durban is a top-notch restaurant that’s been wowing diners since 2001. The place is known for its fancy yet welcoming vibe and fantastic food.

Whether you go for the tasting menu or just grab a bite in the lounge, you’re in for a treat with stunning harbour views. Plus, their wine selection and excellent service make dining a memorable experience.

Pro Tip:
To make your date even more special, you can also enjoy a boat ride along the harbour before or after your meal. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective and have some meaningful conversations!

Durban Botanic Gardens

Website: https://durbanbotanicgardens.org.za/ 

Address: 9A John Zikhali Road, Musgrave, Durban

Phone: +27 (0) 68 598 1396

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 5:15 PM

Durban Botanic Gardens is the oldest surviving botanic garden in Africa and the oldest public institution in Durban. The gardens feature paved walkways, the orchid house, the sunken garden, the palm walk, the Japanese garden, and more.

You can also enjoy a picnic on the lawns or under a majestic tree, or have a cup of coffee at the visitors’ complex. The Durban Botanic Gardens is a living library of plants and a place of beauty, education, and conservation.

Pro Tip:
Check out the Music at the Lake schedule for concerts in the garden’s amphitheatre. It features local and international artists from different music genres.

Golden Mile

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Golden Mile is a great spot for a romantic date, thanks to its beautiful setting and range of activities and dining choices. It’s lined with hotels, shops, cafes, and entertainment spots, so you won’t run out of things to do/

You can take a stroll or bike ride along the coast for stunning views of the Indian Ocean and city skyline. Whether you’re into watersports or want to savour diverse cuisines, the Golden Mile offers a memorable and varied date experience.

Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to rent a bike and explore the beautiful Golden Mile, you should consider Ocean Ventures as your rental provider. They have a wide range of bikes to suit your preferences and budget.

Durban Natural Science Museum

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Address: 1st Floor, Durban City Hall, Smith Street, Durban

Phone: +27 (0)31 311-2256

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM

If you’re into history and science, The Durban Natural Science Museum is a fun and educational date spot. You don’t have to pay anything to get in and you can see amazing things about the Earth’s history and life.

There’s a huge model of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, different scenes of nature and animals, and big screens with natural history videos. The museum has a lot of birds too, including a Dodo skeleton and a giant egg from an elephant bird. 

Pro Tip:
You can continue your historical exploration by visiting the Old Durban Station Platform Roof and Durban Central Post Office nearby. 

Fusion Cooking School

Website: https://www.fusioncooking.co.za/ 

Address: 117 Vause Rd, Musgrave, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Phone: 031 202 6200

Fusion Cooking School offers enjoyable classes where you’ll learn to cook diverse cuisines like Thai, Mexican, Cuban, Greek, and more. You’ll get hands-on experience making dishes like sushi, pasta, and bread.

Classes start at 6:30 pm and last around 3 hours. During each session, participants delve into 5-7 distinct recipes; and the best part is, you get to savour your culinary creations.

Pro Tip:
Gift the joy of culinary skills with cooking class vouchers at just R350 per person, redeemable for any evening class of choice, valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Reunion Beach

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Address: 49 Vintner Pl, Sapref, 4133, South Africa

If you are looking for a romantic date idea in Durban, you might want to consider Reunion Beach. Reunion Beach is located 74 km south of Durban, and it has a tidal pool and a stunning wooden viewing deck.

You can enjoy the beautiful swimming beach with shark nets and lifeguards on weekends and peak seasons, or explore the mangrove forest. Reunion Beach also has a small tavern and braai areas where you can relax and have a bite. 

Pro Tip:
Elevate your date night by exploring the scenic 12-kilometre trail along Reunion Beach on horseback for a romantic ride into the beautiful sunset.

Mini Town

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Website: https://www.minitowndbn.co.za/ 

Address: 114 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Phone: 031 337 7892

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Mini Town is a miniature replica of some of Durban’s landmarks. You can see detailed models of buildings, bridges, railways, stadiums, airports, and more, all scaled down to 1:24.

You can also enjoy the view of the ocean and the breeze from the beach while you walk around. Mini Town is a great way to explore Durban’s history, culture and architecture in a fun and unique way.

Pro Tip:
Experience seaside dining at Circus Circus Beach Cafe, a short stroll from Mini Town. It offers a delectable menu featuring burgers, pizzas, salads, wraps, and tempting desserts. 

Mitchell Park Zoo

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Address: 10 Ferndale Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Phone: +27 31 322 2998

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 9 AM to 3 PM

Mitchell Park in Durban’s Morningside suburb is the city’s main zoo. One standout resident was the late Nellie, an Indian Elephant known for her unique talents.

Now, visitors can check out smaller creatures like blue duiker, South American monkeys, and raccoons. The park also has a playground, a walk-through aviary, a Blue Zoo tea garden, and spacious lawns for picnics.

Pro Tip:
Explore the charming neighbouring Jameson Park,  a former pineapple plantation turned rose garden with over 200 different rose species.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Website: https://www.mmstadium.com/ 

Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban

Phone: 031 322 9956

Moses Mabhida Stadium isn’t just for soccer fans; it’s a cool spot for a date night. Apart from the games, they host concerts and events, plus you can do fun stuff like Segway Gliding Tours or climb 550 steps to the arch’s top for an awesome view.

They even have Stadium Tours where you can check out behind-the-scenes areas. Whether you’re into sports, adventure, or just soaking up some history, it’s a unique and memorable date spot named after an important figure in South African history.

Pro Tip:
For an exhilarating celebration, take a ride on Moses Mabhida Stadium’s SkyCar for panoramic city and ocean views. Add more excitement by trying Adventure Walk or Big Rush Big Swing.

Oyster Box Hotel

Website: https://oysterboxhotel.com/ 

Address: 2 Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga, uMhlanga, 4319, South Africa

Phone: +27 31 514 5000

Oyster Box Hotel offers a fancy romantic getaway with stunning views of the Umhlanga Lighthouse and the Indian Ocean. The rooms are elegantly equipped with cool stuff like satellite TV and a minibar.

You can chow down on seafood or steaks at their restaurants and chill by the pools. Plus, it’s close to shops and only a 15-minute drive from the airport – perfect for a special date night!

Pro Tip:
Step into the past at Oyster Box Hotel’s Grill Room Restaurant for a taste of 1920s elegance with live music and fine dining. Don’t miss their next Gatsby-inspired event in April!

Phansi Museum

Website: https://phansi.com/ 

Address: 500 Esther Roberts Rd, Glenwood, Berea, 4001, South Africa

Phone: +27 (31) 206 2889

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM

If you’re up for a cool and cultural date spot in Durban, consider checking out Phansi Museum. It’s got this awesome collection of South African arts and crafts, from traditional beadwork to modern sculptures.

You can learn about the artists, explore the cool Roberts House, and soak up the rich heritage of South Africa. It’s a fun and memorable experience for a date!

Pro Tip:
Grab a tasty bite at The Glenwood Bakery nearby. Their artisanal treats perfectly complement your exploration of South Africa’s culture at the museum.

Phezulu Safari Park

Website: https://phezulusafaripark.co.za/ 

Address: 190 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Outer West Durban, 3610, South Africa

Phone: +27 (0)31 777 1000

Operating Hours:

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM

Phezulu Safari Park in Botha’s Hill, Durban, offers a cool date spot. You can dive into guided tours of snake and crocodile parks or groove to Zulu dancing by the Gasa clan.

You can also learn about Zulu culture, soak in the valley views, and spot giraffes on a safari game drive. It’s a unique and fun day out in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal.

Pro Tip:
Chill at Nguni Cafe for tasty eats and scenic sips after your adventure. Extend your stay in cosy B&B or self-catering units for a memorable experience.

Playhouse

Website: https://playhousecompany.com/ 

Address: 231 Anton Lembede St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Phone: +27 31 369 9555

Playhouse Theatre in Durban is a great choice for a cultural and enjoyable date night. This historic venue on Anton Lembede Street hosts a variety of live performances, including musicals, plays, concerts, and ballets.

With four different theatres, such as the Drama Theatre and the Opera Theatre, the venue offers a diverse range of artistic and educational shows. It’s convenient and visually stunning, making it an ideal spot for a memorable night out.

Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the free Durban Natural Science Museum adjacent to Playhouse Theatre! Open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, it’s a cool spot to explore local nature, with exhibits on animals, rocks, and even a T-rex skeleton.

Port Natal Maritime Museum

Address: Samora Machel St, Durban Central, Durban

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 4 PM

If you’re into boats and cool stories, the Port Natal Maritime Museum in Durban is a fantastic date spot. You can check out old ships, learn about sea history, and even go inside some boats to feel like a sailor.

After all the exploring, take a breather outside with some snacks and enjoy the view of the harbour. It’s a fun and interesting place to have a date, with a mix of history, adventure, and a nice setting to make it special.

Pro Tip:
Enhance your visit to Port Natal Maritime Museum with a boat trip from nearby operators, and experience artsy vibes at the BAT Centre for crafts, entertainment, and cultural activities.

Roma Revolving Restaurant

Website: https://www.roma.co.za/ 

Address: 32 John Ross House, Jonsson Ln, Durban Central

Phone: 031 337 6707

Operating Hours:

  • Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
  • Saturday – 12 PM to 2 PM; 5:30 PM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday to Friday  – 5:30 PM to 9 PM

Roma Revolving Restaurant in Durban is a special place for a date with awesome views all around. It’s the only spinning restaurant in the southern part of the world, so it’s pretty cool.

They serve really tasty Italian food, like yummy calamari and veal. iver Gold, the must-try in-house wine at the restaurant, takes the delightful three-course feast to a whole new level.

Pro Tip:
Take your Roma Revolving Restaurant date night to new heights! Head up to the 33rd-floor sky bar for a romantic drink with a view that’s as enchanting as your evening together.

Suncoast Cine Centre

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Website: https://www.cinecentre.co.za/ 

Address: Suncoast Blvrd, Marine Parade, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Phone: 0861 CINE (2463) 00

Operating Hours:

  • Friday to Sunday & Tuesday – 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday – 9 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday to Thursday – 9 AM to 8 PM

For a chill date night, go to Suncoast Cinecentre at the Suncoast Casino by the beach. You can watch the latest movies on their big screens, covering action, comedy, romance, and horror.

Suncoast Cinecentre provides a diverse selection of films catering to every taste. With a bucket of popcorn in hand, you’re ready for a casual and enjoyable movie night, perfect for a laid-back date.

Pro Tip:
Suncoast Cinecentre’s dining options make movie nights a breeze. Grab a quick bite at the ground floor food court, enjoy fine dining on the second floor, or have your favourite snacks delivered to your seat for an effortless cinematic experience. 

Umgeni River Bird Park

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Website: https://www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za/ 

Address: Riverside Rd, Durban North, Durban, 4051, South Africa

Phone: +27 31 3225750

Operating Hours:

  • Open daily – 9 AM to 4 PM

Umgeni River Bird Park in Durban offers an awesome and educational date experience with over 800 birds including rare and endangered ones. You can explore naturalistic habitats, catch a free-flight bird show, and even learn about conservation.

Founded in 1984 by bird enthusiast Dr. Alan Abrey, the park is a tropical paradise for birds with a cool tea garden for post-visit snacks. Perfect for nature lovers and those who want to support a good cause on a date!

Pro Tip:
The best time for couples to visit the park is early in the morning, when the birds are at their most active and vocal. You’ll have a better chance of seeing and hearing them, as well as avoiding the crowds and the heat.

uShaka Marine World

Website: https://ushakamarine.com/ 

Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban

Phone: 031 328 8000

Operating Hours:

  • Open Daily – 9 AM to 5 PM

uShaka Marine World in Durban is an awesome choice for a fun date. Picture this: a huge 16-hectare theme park with everything from a massive aquarium to exciting water slides.

You can check out 10,000 animals, including sharks and rays, or try a zip line adventure above the Rocky Reef. With cultural experiences and cool vibes at the Village Walk, it’s a spot that guarantees a memorable date!

Pro Tip:
Elevate your experience by ziplining at Chimp & Zee over Rocky Reef, then savour delicious dining options and explore unique shops at uShaka Village Walk.

Valley of a Thousand Hills 

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Website: https://www.1000hillstourism.co.za/ 

Address: 47 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Durban

Valley of a Thousand Hills is a fantastic spot for a romantic date in Durban. It boasts breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and meandering rivers.

Whether you’re into hiking, biking, horse riding, or exploring cultural villages and craft markets, there’s something for everyone. Cap off your day with a picnic or braai at one of the scenic spots – ideal for nature-loving couples seeking adventure.

Pro Tip:
For a special date in South Africa, head to the romantic Valley of a Thousand Hills. Jump on the Inchanga Choo Choo, a vintage train that takes you through beautiful landscapes and offers snacks and entertainment on board. 

Victoria Street Market

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Website: https://www.victoriastreetmarket.co.za/ 

Address: 151/155 Victoria St, Durban Central, Durban

Phone: 031 306 402

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday – 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM

If you’re looking for a date that’s different from the usual, check out Victoria Street Market. This place has over 200 vendors and stalls selling all kinds of cool stuff like African and Asian artwork made from stone, animal skin, and other materials.

You can also smell the exotic spices from the spice corner, and buy some tobacco products if you’re into that. Victoria Street Market is a great place to explore and find some unique souvenirs for your date.

Pro Tip:
Take the People Mover Bus City Loop to Victoria Street for quick access to delicious eats! The bus runs every 15 minutes from 6:30 am to 11 pm, making it a breeze to enjoy diverse culinary options in the park.
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