Central Durban Walk (Self Guided), Durban

Undoubtedly, Durban's beaches qualify as one of the top local attractions. Sitting on the east coast of South Africa, Durban is a melting pot of African, Indian and colonial influences which is duly reflected in its history, culture and architecture. The key local sights include the City Hall, dating back over 100 years; the Old Station Building, one of the few standing pieces of Victorian architecture in South Africa; and many others. If you wish to learn more about Durban's main attractions, follow this orientation walk and explore.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Mister-E.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Durban

Guide Name: Central Durban Walk
Guide Location: South Africa » Durban (See other walking tours in Durban)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Author: ashley
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:

John Ross Statue
Da Gama Clock
Dick King Statue
Quadrant House
City Hall
Church Square
The Old Station Building
Juma Musjid Mosque
Victoria Street Market

1) John Ross Statue

The John Ross Statue is dedicated to a fourteen year old boy who walked approximately six hundred kilometers to obtain medicine for the people of Port Natal. He later earned a reputation as a humanitarian, as he fought against slavery in South Africa. The statue is situated in front of John Ross's former home on Margaret Mncadi Avenue.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Clive Reid.

2) Da Gama Clock

The Da Gama Clock is one of Durban's most famous landmarks. This clock was a gift from the Portuguese government to the city of Durban to commemorate the discovery of the city by Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Da Gama Clock is a beautiful iron structure that is richly decorated. Underneath the clock is a wonderful statue of Sampson.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Conor Nolan.

3) Dick King Statue

The Dick King Statue is dedicated to Dick King, who in 1842 rode 960 kilometers from Port Natal to Grahamstown. He intended to fetch a British frigate to help reinforce the British army after the Boers took control of Durban. The statue is situated on Margaret Mncadi Avenue next to such famous Durban landmarks as the John Ross Statue and the Da Gama Clock.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Clive Reid.

4) Quadrant House

Constructed by architect Ritchie Mackinlay in 1929, the Quadrant House was initially built for a naval school. This famous building got its name due to the shape of the site, which resembles a quadrant used in navigation. The Quadrant House is a wonderful example of the Mediterranean Revival style, and today it is a national monument.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Clive Reid.

5) City Hall (must see)

Durban's City Hall is one of the city's most interesting tourist attractions. It was constructed in 1910 in the Modern Renaissance style and was designed by famous architect Stanley Hudson. Inside the building is the Natural Science Museum. It also houses municipal offices and the wonderful Durban Art Gallery.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Mister-E.

6) Church Square

Church Square, situated on Dr. Pixley Kaseme Street, is one of the most famous squares in Durban. The square is located in the city center on the eastern side of the main post office. The beautiful St. Paul's Church sits on the square. Church Square is also home to a well-known market, which you absolutely have to visit!

Image Courtesy of Flickr and jit bag.

7) The Old Station Building

The Old Station Building is a splendid example of a Victorian-style railway station in South Africa. Construction of this building was finished in 1892. Today the Old Station Building houses Tourist Junction, the information service center for tourists traveling to KwaZulu Natal and around South Africa. It also houses the African Art Center, which features work by local artists.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Clive Reid.

8) Juma Musjid Mosque

Built in the late 1800s, Juma Musjid Mosque was the first mosque built in the Natal region. In 1904 two minarets on Dr.Yusuf Dadoo Street were added to the building. However, the church was rebuilt in 1927 by Payne and Payne. The mosque is a beautiful blend of Islamic decorative elements and the Vernacular architectural style.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Michael Denne.

9) Victoria Street Market

The Victoria Street Market is rather like stepping into another world. Here you can find indian and african spices.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and flowcomm.

Walking Tours in Durban, South Africa

Create Your Own Walk in Durban

Creating your own self-guided walk in Durban is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Historical Religious Buildings

The city of Durban is an incredible mixture of different religions and cultures. Christian and Muslim faiths exist alongside traditional African beliefs. There are a number of beautiful mosques, churches and temples in this wonderful city. Take the following tour to explore the stunning and varied places of worship in Durban.

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.5 Km or 4 Miles

Golden Mile Tour

The Golden Mile is undoubtedly one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Durban. The wide stretch of beautiful beaches, separated by piers, offers a great opportunity for tourists to enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The Golden Mile has always been a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. Take the following self-guided tour to explore the best Golden... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles