Durban, South Africa
Best places to shop in Durban
4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Durban — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-09
1. Victoria Street Market
Photo: Linton Brothers Photographic Material and Stock Importers, 61 Market Square, Sydney , photographer · Public domain · source
The Indian market in the city centre — spices, curry masalas, incense, brass and textiles, reflecting Durban's large Indian community.
- Where: Market
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Monday to Saturday 06:00–18:00; Sunday until 14:00
- Cost: Budget
- Tip: Durban's 'mother-in-law' masala and its curry spice blends are the local speciality and are sold by weight here.
2. Gateway Theatre of Shopping
Photo: Andrew Bell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
One of the largest malls in the southern hemisphere, in Umhlanga — retail, a wave pool, a skate park and cinemas.
- Where: Mall
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 09:00–19:00
- Cost: Mid-range
3. Zulu craft and beadwork markets
Photo: Deep6 photography · Pexels License · source
The craft markets along the beachfront and at Ushaka — Zulu beadwork, baskets, wire art and carving.
- Where: Market
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Daily 09:00–17:00
- Cost: Budget
- Tip: Zulu telephone-wire baskets and ilala palm weaving are genuine regional crafts. The beadwork colours carry meaning and sellers will explain them.
4. Florida Road and Morningside
Photo: formulanone from Huntsville, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
The city's independent shopping strip — South African designers, galleries, delis and restaurants.
- Where: Street Shopping
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Monday to Saturday 09:00–18:00
- Cost: Mid-range
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