Shopping in Durban

Shopping in Durban is a delight, with everything from African crafts to glossy malls sure to entice avid souvenir hunters and shopaholics.

Key areas

Set on the trendy harbour, Wilson's Wharf is another great shopping spot in Durban for quality crafts and speciality products.

Markets

The Indian Quarter, on the western side of the city centre, with its Victoria Street market, selling a heady mixture of bric-a-brac and home-produced spices as well as food, is an absolute must on the list of things to see when in Durban. Nearby, the Oriental Bazaar nowadays sells trendy surfing-related items.

The Heritage Market in the Hillcrest area is another winner, with 160 Victorian-style shops offering everything from jewellery and health to clothing. Elsewhere, check out the Essenwood Market for local curious, hand-made jewellery and clothing and the weekend market at North Beach.

Shopping centres

Major modern shopping malls, offering international brands as well as African goods, include the Musgrave Centre in the Berea district, which has around 100 shops, as well as restaurants and bars.

Field's, a mall in the wealthy suburb of Kloof, is a good stop for those eager to stretch their credit cards, while the Pavilion, one of South Africa's biggest and most varied shopping centres, is another option, close to the N3 freeway in Westville. One of the biggest malls in Africa can be found in Duban at the Gateway Shopping Mall, in Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre, offering more than 280 stores. Other shopping malls include: the Musgrave Centre, for independent boutiques and Galleria.

Opening hours

Shopping hours are normally 0900-1800, but malls have longer hours, some staying open as late as 2200.

Souvenirs

From local crafts, jewellery and clothes to spices, leatherware, arts and homeware, there is plenty to choose from in Durban.