Explore Durban with all five of your senses
Take all five of your senses on an amazing sensory experience when you visit some of Durban's favourite hotspots.
The city of Durban is the place to be if you want to visit locations that allow you to explore not only by sight, but with touch, taste, smell and sound.
Sight
There are many things to see in and around Durban, but one of the most picturesque views is the city's skyline. The Durban skyline is one of the most recognised cityscapes in South Africa. Its high-rise buildings and golden mile beaches are the perfect backdrop for gorgeous panoramic views.
From rooftop bars to sunset cruises, here are some of the best places to see Durban's beautiful skyline. The best time to take it all in is
- Moses Mabhida Stadium (Get a 360-degree view when you ride the SkyCar)
- Umhlanga Lighthouse/ The Lighthouse Bar
- Durban Harbour
- Breakfast or dinner in Musgrave
- Wilson's Wharf Cruises
- Sky Venue(31st floor of the Maharani Tower)
Sound
The urban jungle is filled with many sounds, including laughter, local cultural music, and English and isiZulu conversations everywhere you go.
However, thanks to the nearby ocean life, we also get the sensory aquarium experience at uShaka Marine World and the soothing sound of waves crashing.
Night markets and the after-dark experience at some of KZN's top hotspots add an extra layer of energy to the sound of Durban.
- Durban's Golden Mile Beaches
- Florida Road on a Friday or Saturday night.
- Night markets such as the Roof Top Night in Musgrave.
- Bean Bag Jazz Lounge
Smell
Durban smells like a mix of 'salt air' and spices. The city's diverse culture not only contributes to its sights and sounds but also to its smell.
The smell of roadside cooking on the way to work, Shisanayama grilling on a Sunday, and market spices, coupled with the ocean, gives the city its unique smell.
- Victoria Street Market
- Street food scene
- Durban Botanic Gardens
- The smell of the salty ocean air
Taste
Durban's local cuisine and traditional dishes are top-rated, with restaurants and chefs in the city winning awards for food quality, experience and technique. Chef Johannes Richter, from The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate in Pinetown, won 'Chef of the Year' at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards.
Get a taste of Durban's street food and traditional dishes at these places:
- Max's Lifestyle
- The Oriental Restaurant
- Sunrise Chip N Ranch
- Nguni Foods
- Nkonzo's Kitchen
Touch
Feel the grass at your feet and water on your skin when you visit some of Durban's nature and wildlife spaces.
- Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
- Umgeni Bird Park
- uShaka Marine World
- Mitchell Park Zoo
- Durban Japanese Garden
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
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Image credit: iStock