The vibrant city of Durban is a fusion of cultures and architectural styles, blending old side by side with new. Traditional rickshaws, bunny chows, curry and Indian markets are just some of the influences that make Durban so unique.

Not far from the holiday atmosphere of the beachfront, one finds beautiful period buildings and informative museums in the city centre. The most dominant of these is the Edwardian City Hall modelled after that of Belfast and housing the Natural Science Museum on its ground floor. The museum exhibits an impressive array of displays ranging from South African wildlife and insects to an Egyptian mummy and life-size dinosaur model. Upstairs, the Art Gallery houses a collection of black South African art in the 1970s and contemporary works especially Zulu arts and crafts. The Old Courthouse Museum offers view into early colonial life, while the KwaMuhle Museum is worthwhile for its insights into South Africa’s more recent past.

Opposite the City Hall, The Playhouse offers a variety of theatre, opera, ballet and contemporary theatre. Durban is not only a destination for holiday makers and is home to the International Convention Centre, a world-class example of modern architecture that has placed Durban on the International Conference map and draws business travellers from far and wide.