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18 Fun Things to Do in Durban for Couples

18 Fun Things to Do in Durban for Couples

If you’re planning a special getaway to the exciting city of Durban, you’re in for a treat! Our lovely city is the perfect fusion of vibrant city life, incredible natural beauty, and unique cultural experiences, offering plenty for you and your better half to explore.

We’ve put together a specially curated list of the top things to do in Durban for couples. It’s got everything to make your trip unforgettable. So read on!

Enjoy the Moses Mabhida Stadium SkyCar ride

Website: http://www.mmstadium.com/ 

Address: 44 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4023, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 582 8222

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

The SkyCar ride at Moses Mabhida Stadium is iconic, like a flagship for the city. Every time you take a ride to the top of the stadium, you’re guaranteed a jaw-dropping, 360-degree panoramic view of Durban.

Once you’re up there, standing proudly at a whopping 106 metres above the ground, it’s a pure wow factor. For you and your sweetheart, this is perfect.

Pro tip: 
Try to choose a clear day for the ride, as it’s weather-dependent. It’s best to go around sunset for some seriously romantic vibes.

Walk amidst the lush green at Durban Botanic Gardens

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

Address: 9A John Zikhali Rd, Berea, Durban, 4001, South Africa 

Contact details: +27 68 598 1396 

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 5:45 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

If you fancy a bit of nature, Durban Botanic Gardens is your place; there is no question about it. This awesome space is an oasis slap-bang in the middle of the city or a green corner away, especially for lovebirds to escape to.

You’ve got the Orchid House, the Cycad Garden, the Fern Dell, and the Palm Walk—every nook is beautiful. And there’s something soothing about spreading your blanket on the grass, kicking off your shoes, and just doing ‘you’.

Pro tip: 
Look out for open-air concerts, and catch one if you can. It adds a whole new layer to the experience. 

Visit uShaka Marine World

Website: https://ushakamarineworld.co.za/?utm_source=Google_My_Business&utm_medium=organic 

Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 328 8000

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday –  9 AM to 5 PM

Prices:

  • Adults – R204
  • Kids / Seniors – R165
  • Toddlers (Under 3) – Free

Now, onto something totally different but equally epic: you guys need to dive into the fun at uShaka Marine World. From shark cage diving to Finding Nemo, this place is brimming with activities to keep you entertained.

And talking of hearts, who can forget that awe-inspiring ‘first time’ feeling of watching sea-life magic unfold? With a variety of species swimming around in aquarium tanks, you’ll probably find yourselves pressed against the glass, totally hooked.

Pro tip: 
Be sure to stick around for the dolphin and seal show; it’s pretty epic. If you’re open to it, plan a whole day there; there’s just so much to experience.

Enjoy a romantic boat ride at Wilson’s Wharf

Media credit: mischy_moo87

Website: http://www.wilsonswharfonline.co.za/ 

Address: 14 Boatman’s Road, Albert Park, Durban, 4000, South Africa

Contact details: +27 61 435 8202

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 11 PM

Wilson’s Wharf is this sweet little harborside hangout, and it’s the perfect spot to soak in some good vibes and watch the world go by. Not just that, the wharf is a vantage point since, from here, you get to see Durban in all its glory.

The towering buildings, the bustling streets, the vibrant city life—all from the comfort of your ride. And if you two are foodies, then you’re up for a real adventure because there are tons of eateries around the harbour that serve amazing dishes.

Pro tip: 
Try to book a sunset cruise because this is when the lights come on as the sun goes down, offering the best views of the city. Don’t forget to try out the seafood at Zack’s; it’s a crowd favourite.

Experience modern and innovative cuisine at Freedom Café

Website: https://www.facebook.com/freedomcafedurban/ 

Address: 37 Saint Mary’s Avenue, Windermere, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 78 405 3822

Operating hours: 

  • Monday – 7 AM to 12 PM
  • Tuesday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM

Freedom Café is a bit of a hidden gem in Durban, tucked away in a fancy steel container. This isn’t just an “Oh, let’s grab a quick bite” place; it’s more like, “Wow, these flavours are insane!”

The place is chilled. super chilled, and the gardens are just superb that it could be the perfect place for your anniversary, too! Whether you’re sitting outside with the sun on your face or inside in the cosy interior, it’s going to make your taste buds tingle.

Pro tip: 
Don’t skip out on the breakfast menu; it’s pretty legendary. The place is dog-friendly, so if you both have a fur baby, feel free to bring them along!

Try surfing classes with Xpressions on the Beach

Website: http://www.xpression.durban/ 

Address: 17 Erskine Terrace, Addington Beach, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 001 1052

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM

Let’s face it, there’s nothing more ‘Durban’ than surfing. The staff at Xpressions are super friendly and welcoming, so you’ll know you’re in some good hands there, lovebirds.

Trust us, by the end of your lessons, you’ll probably be standing up on the board and catching your first waves. Then you’ll be looking at each other and laughing as you both get dunked by a big one – silly, soak-filled fun is guaranteed!

Pro tip: 
Rent a board and wetsuit right there; they’ve got a great selection. Don’t forget to apply (and reapply) waterproof sunscreen!

Cycle together along the Golden Mile

Address: Beach Walk, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa 

Operating hours: 

  • Open 24 hours

Entrance Fee: Free

Next on our list is the famous Golden Mile, a stretch of golden sand fringed by azure water with a scenic promenade running parallel, which is just perfect for a ride to remember. You can rent a bike or bring your own and set off!

No one’s timing you here; go at your own pace, stop when you want to, take random detours—you’re completely free. Plus, there are plenty of things to watch out for along the way: costumed Zulu performers, sandcastle artists, and a whole slew of eateries.

Pro tip: 
Make sure you take plenty of water and sunscreen with you and wear a hat. You can rent bikes (singles and doubles) from Xpression on the Beach at an hourly rate.

Explore more than 170 stalls at Victoria Street Market

Media credit: skeman

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

Address: 151/155 Victoria St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 306 4021

Operating hours: 

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

Victoria Street Market is like Durban, condensed into over 170 stalls. Here, you’re going to see Durban’s dynamic essence alive, vibrant, and colourful.

Plus, there are art and craft stalls, clothing, jewellery, you name it. And this isn’t a race; you can dive in together and just enjoy the discovery.

Pro tip: 
Try to go early to avoid the crowds. And don’t forget to haggle—it’s all part of the experience.

Have a picnic at Umgeni River Bird Park

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

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

Contact details: +27 31 322 5750

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM

Umgeni River Bird Park is like stepping into a birdy paradise right smack in the heart of Durban. It’s lush, it’s lively, and the feathery folks you’re going to meet here are just so stunning!

Just go and grab some of the nectar mix from the entrance and hold out your hands; the birds will come right up for a snack. That’s when the fun really kicks in since most of the birds here are super friendly and not camera-shy.

Pro tip: 
Don’t miss the bird show at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The café inside the park serves hot and cold beverages, but remember to bring your own picnic blanket.

Enjoy Durban’s nightlife at the Tiger Tiger

Website: https://www.facebook.com/tigerdurban/ 

Address: 67 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Morningside, Durban, 4001, South Africa

Contact details: +27 79 875 3399

Operating hours: 

  • Friday and Saturday – 8 PM to 4 AM

If you’re in the mood to show off your moves and dance the night away, then Tiger Tiger Nightclub is the spot! It’s one of those places where time simply flies because, well, you’re having too much fun.

The atmosphere hits you the moment you step in, and the party energy is catching! And believe us, there’s something bomb about screaming your lungs out to your favourite song together on the dance floor.

Pro tip: 
Ladies, Wednesday night is your night—free entry all night! Also, avoid driving if you can, as parking here can be tricky.

Go on a scuba dive at Aliwal Shoal

Media credit: zandithemermaid

Directions

Now, how about a scuba dive at Aliwal Shoal? This renowned marine protected area has been the perfect place for some scuba diving.

Aliwal Shoal offers dives for every level, so it’s all good, even if you’re a newbie. Trust us; under the guidance of experienced dive masters, you’ll feel totally safe and at ease.

Pro tip: 
Beginners can opt for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit and sunblock!

Check out the miniature replicas of Durban at Mini Town

Media credit: christinglan

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

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

Contact details: +27 31 337 7892

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Prices:

  • Adults – R40
  • Kids (2 to 13 years old) – R30

Mini Town is filled with miniature replicas of Durban’s famous landmarks. It’s sort of like you’ve just walked into a little Durbanland!

Walking around, you’ll see replicas of the airport, the harbour, stadiums, and even the railway lines—all so detailed and scaled, it’s mesmerising. Besides, a day at Mini Town is about more than just admiring the miniatures; it’s a chance to act like kids again.

Pro tip: 
The mock airport runway lights up at night, so try to stick around after sunset. Grab some snacks from the small restaurant inside the premises after your walk around.

Spend a relaxing day at Mangwanani uShaka Boutique Spa

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

Address: 1 King Shaka Ave, Point, Durban, 4001, South Africa 

Contact details: +27 31 332 9880

Operating hours: 

  • Sunday to Thursday – 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 6 PM

You know those insanely dreamy ‘yoga meets massage’ sessions you see on travelling shows? Yep, you’re about to live it. Mangwanani uShaka Boutique Spa has a fantastic bucket of treatments to choose from that will make you feel totally in the lap of luxury.

But the real deal (like super-real and super-deal) is their moonlight night spa package, tailored specifically for couples. They’ve got your entire evening sorted—from culinary delights to therapeutic spa treatments.

Pro tip: 
Opt for their African Revitalization full-day spa package that’s like the grand luxury tour of spa treatments. And while you’re waiting for your treatments, don’t forget to take some Instagram-worthy clicks near their picturesque ocean-view windows.

Sip on a luxurious selection of teas at The Oyster Box

Website: https://www.oysterboxhotel.com/ 

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

Contact details: +27 31 514 5000

Operating hours: 

  • Open 24 hours

The Oyster Box is a place where you can sip on luxury while looking at Umhlanga’s iconic lighthouse. I mean, doesn’t chilling out with your better half over the irresistible fragrance of exotic teas sound like the most peaceful thing ever?

This place is fancy but not pricey—that’s the thing. You can choose from a whole world of tea varieties, be it home-grown Rooibos or imported Earl Grey. 

Pro tip: 
Their tea lounge gets a little buzzing in the afternoon. So, for a more quiet and intimate tea experience, try coming in a tad bit early.

Go for an exciting zipline ride at Karkloof Canopy Tour

Website: https://www.canopytour.co.za/locations/karkloof/ 

Address: Karkloof Rd, Howick, 3290, Midlands, 3290, South Africa

Contact details: +27 76 241 2888

Operating hours: 

  • Wednesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM

Karkloof Canopy Tour is a wham-bam ride of nature, fun, and excitement. You and your daredevil partner will be whisked away into the wilderness of Karkloof, zooming past beautiful waterfalls and exotic birds.

The best part is that you don’t need to be a devil to enjoy this. It’s completely safe, and no prior experience is required.

Pro tip: 
Leave all your valuable stuff behind; it won’t be much fun dropping your phone from 30 metres high!

Attend the Durban International Film Festival

Website: https://ccadiff.ukzn.ac.za/  

Durban International Film Festival is Durban’s annual ‘Let’s fall in love with cinema again’ party, and hey, it’s a doozy. Picture this: you and your bae cuddled up on a cool Durban night—an outstanding indie film playing in front, the ocean at your back.

Now, DIFF isn’t your usual ‘popcorn and movie’ because it’s a platform that gathers vibrant film communities worldwide. And don’t get me started on the selection of movies because we’re talking documentaries, tear-jerking drama, and mind-bending sci-fi.

Pro tip: 
Dates can vary year by year, so make sure you check the festival’s schedule ahead of time. And yes, don’t forget to bring some beach chairs for an extra comfy experience.

See some exhibits at the Durban Holocaust & Genocide Centre

Website: http://www.dbnholocaust.co.za/ 

Address: 44 KE Masinga Rd, North Beach, Durban, 4025, South Africa

Contact details: +27 31 368 6833

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday – 8:30 AM to 2 PM
  • Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM

Now, let’s move over to the Durban Holocaust and Genocide Centre, a place of history, of lessons, and, more importantly, of remembering. Here, you don’t just observe the exhibits; you feel the stories, the emotions, and the strength.

You and your partner will navigate through personal stories, artefacts, and photographs, narrating the tale of our shared past and reminding us of our shared humanity. By the end, you may feel a little heavy, but you’ll leave with a whole lot more gratitude and love.

Pro tip: 
The centre is closed over the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. Don’t rush through the exhibits; take your time, absorb, and reflect.

Have a leisurely stroll through Mitchell Park Zoo

Media credit: ulethiwe_k

Website: https://visitdurban.travel/destination/mitchelle-park-zoo/ 

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

Contact details: +27 31 322 2998

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM

Prices:

  • Adults – R12
  • Children (2 to 12 years) – R10
  • School Concessionary (Pre-booked) – R9
  • Season tickets – R75
  • Pensioners – R6
  • Family Tickets, 4 members (Annual Pass) – R185
  • Additional member – R65

What’s cool about Mitchell Park Zoo is that it’s not your standard ‘zoo’. It’s more like stepping into an oasis of peace filled with adorable little creatures ranging from birds to reptiles.

And it’s not just about watching them; you can actually interact with some of them. Don’t be surprised if a friendly deer saunters up to you for a head scratch.

Pro tip: 
Don’t miss the aviary in the middle of the zoo; it’s a paradise for bird lovers. And remember, the zoo can get fairly busy on weekends, so try to get there early.

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