Surfing and massive marine worlds are some of the things most commonly associated with Durban, Cape Town's tropical cousin, where a laid-back, bargaining attitude is a given. But pluming all that a holiday destination has to offer often means having a local on hand to show you just how lekker the place actually is.

After chatting to a few Durbanites, we have what we consider the inside skinny on SA’s third largest city:

The best time to visit Durban...
“Miss the madness of the peak season by planning you holiday for the end of January or early February.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.

 “March – October. It’ll be warmer than wherever you live and not too busy. But it’s also great in summer as long as you’ve got aircon and nothing to do but party.” – Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

“July is perfect, as the rest of SA is wrapped in winter. You’ll also get to attend the city’s premier horse racing event, The Durban July.” – Mark Baines, Guest Lodge owner

 "Visit during the A1 Grand Prix in Feb or when the Sharks are playing. Then there’s also the Mr Price Pro- Film Festival.  Winter is usually milder on the suntan but more people in summer equals more fun, so you choose. Durbanites are sporty so is you want to see us at our best then get to a sporting event – watch the finish of the Duzi, surfing competitions or by the side of the road at the Comrades is always fun.” – Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

Trendiest place to stay in Durban?
“With a friend! Knowing someone there gives you an inside- track from the start.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

“Pick and choose a backpacker’s hostel, always my first choice and more fun than hotels with interesting international people – there are at least eight in Durbs that are stylishly funky.” – Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

Where do locals go for guaranteed fun?

“Tako Zulus on Florida is a great place to enjoy dinner and drinks. Sometimes there’s no getting away from the mainstream - Gateway offers movies, rock climbing, restaurants and bars, then there’s also Ushaka Marine theme park.” - Mark Baines, Guest Lodge owner.

“The BAT Centre (in the harbour) is my favourite place in the whole of Durban. Great food, great African music, great views, great people – a real cultural mix of mainly arty types, architects, politicos, musos, arbs, and other people who care about the world. Glenwood’s great for restaurants. So’s Florida Road. The Rainbow (Pinetown) is a classic so find out what’s happening there. Otherwise, avoid Westville and Pinetown unless you’re a total baby.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

A typical Friday night in Durban would be...
“It usually starts off with a good foundation of drinks at a friend’s place. Florida Road and Windermeer Road are the centre city’s nightlife.” - Mark Baines, Guest Lodge owner.

“The best place to start is at the top of Florida Road and work your way through the unending selection of restaurants, clubs, pubs, cocktail and coffee bars. Must-do places are Casablancas, The Society Club and Thunder City Diner. Also try Joe Cools Bar on North Beach for a great atmosphere.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.

“Tilt, Florida Rd, Stamford Hill Rd, Burn (Wednesdays are better though).” - Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

“Drinks at a friend’s house or a braai, or dinner out somewhere Portuguese and surprisingly reasonable, followed by a club jol, rounded off by a late night skinny dip. Alternatively free jazz on the BAT centre deck with dinner and a show in the BAT hall.  Sometimes, the clubbing plans get cancelled in favour of more wine at home.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

Best place to get a mid-night snack after a night out?
“Florida’s bustling nightlife sees Spegadora operating until 3.30am.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.

“There’s always the 24-hour Steers.” - Mark Baines, Guest Lodge owner.

“Johnnies Roti – Sparks Road, open 24-hours, try chicken, chip and triple cheese for R30” - Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

“Johnny’s Chick ‘n Ranch (the cheapest bunny is R2.50) or… well generally, I wait for the morning to eat.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

 
Best place for local cuisine?
“Coimbra’s, a Mozambique slash Portuguese restaurant, provides great food and a relaxing end to a hectic weekend. The restaurant spills out onto the beach and has live entertainment.” - Mark Baines, Guest Lodge owner.

“Billy the Bums is tops for good food and a great atmosphere.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.

“I always think of Indian food as our local cuisine so have a bunny - They have a Bunny competition once a year –  The folks at Blue Lagoon who won in 2007. Then there’s the Coconut Palms Café if you want the best Kebab in your life. Find it opposite the city hospital off Grey Street. If you want a sit down Indian meal go to Jaipurs Palace at Gateway – North Indian style, the real deal and reasonable. Also try Palki’s on Musgrave Road for a Sunday night Buffet for R70.” - Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

“BAT Centre, Johnny’s or Patels in town centre.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

Where is the local bargain bin?
“Most things are cheaper. I’d say Grey Street for spices, rice and really top class sweetmeats. The markets near the Workshop for Chinese clothing you won’t find in other towns. Durban Designers Emporium is worth a look. Not cheap, but not as expensive as YDE and some of the clothes actually fit people who aren’t as scrawny as ramp models.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

“Stanford Hill Road in Morning Side has loads of factory shops selling all the sought-after surfing brands at reduced prices. “ - Mark Baines, Guest Lodge owner.

“Over weekends check out Ethanwood craft Market.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.

Durbanites always...
“Say, ‘Durban is the new big thing. Things are really about to really happen here.’”- Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

“Party until they drop! Seriously though, we like to be unconventional, live life to the fullest, it must be all the beach air.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.

“Make the most of the weekend – and specials – if it’s a Tuesday then catch a cheap half-price movie at Musgrave Centre, Gateway , Pavilion. If it’s a Wednesday go to Simply Fish for half-price Sushi. If there’s free entry and live bands are playing it’s a definite.” -  Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

You can’t leave Durban without having tried...
“Surf the wave pool at Gateway, trying a Bunny Chow, checking out the view from the top of the revolving Restaurant John Ross building on Vic Embankment – you can order a dessert or drink in the middle section and then ask to go up to the roof. They are always cool about it just watch the edge, it’s open, obviously!” -  Dave Garnet, Baz Bus operator.

“A Bunny Chow, the best Portuguese food in SA, some of the local public swimming pools and a night dancing to Maskandi.” - Jean Barker, channel24.co.za editor and ex-Durbanite.

“A Bunny Chow or watching the sun rise on Florida Road.” - Nick Lappan, backpackers lodge owner.
“Definitely a Bunny Chow! - Mark Baines, Wild at Heart Guest Lodge owner.

 
Top recommended day-time activities/places?
 

• Breakfast at the KZNSA Art Gallery in Bulwer Road
•  Go body-boarding on North Beach.
•  Do the Kloof Gorge hike.
• Have a natural picnic at Peace Beach - a nudist beach in the north. 
• Lie around sleeping off your hangover under an old-fashioned ceiling fan.
• Explore Grey Street in the morning and then enjoy an early evening concert in the Botanical Gardens 
• Have a laugh at Glenwood Cultural History Museum where you’ll see what Durbanites wore in the old days.
• Spend, spend, spend at Essenwood Flea Market on Saturdays.   
• Pick–a–Pier and go surfing (watch out for sparkplugs overhead – fisherman use them too).
• Afternoon at BAT Centre or Zacks ( Sunday Jazz at 4pm)

Top recommended night-time activities/places?
       

• Relax with the Stables Drum Circle.        
•   Cocktails at Bean Bag Bohemia Karaoke at Roman Lounge on Thursday.
•          Tuesday is Ladies Night at Billy the Bums on Windermere Street       
• Jazz at Howard College on Wednesday or Jazz at Rivets under the Hilton Hotel - call first to check which day.
• BAT Centre for Maskandi and African Jazz
• Go from place to place in Florida Road
• Trawl weird old hotel bars on the beachfront (avoid the peanuts)
• Clubbing at Burn Nightclub or Tilt 
• Stay at home and eat outside – it’s a subtropical paradise, so enjoy the weather

Are you a dynamite Durbanite who feels they can improve on these recommendations? Add your own tips ...

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