Curiocity Backpackers

Durban

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After opening a hit backpackers in Johannesburg, Curiocity turned its sights on Durban. Accommodation here is in a perfectly charming colonial building downtown. The minimalist room design and large atrium-style lounge give the place a clean, modern feel, without coming off as too sterile. Due to the location some guests do complain about the noise and the safety of the neighbourhood at night.

In addition to hanging out in the lounge, there are also more activities than you can shake a stick at, including city tours, rooftop braais (barbecues) and pub crawls.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Durban skyline including Moses Mabhida stadium, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

    Moses Mabhida Stadium

    1.9 MILES

    Durbanites are proud of their state-of-the-art stadium, constructed for the 2010 World Cup. Resembling a giant basket, it seats 56,000 people, and its…

  • Toddler and mother looking at fish in a large aquarium, Ushaka, Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

    uShaka Marine World

    1.05 MILES

    Divided into areas including Sea World and Wet’n’Wild, uShaka Marine World boasts one of the largest aquariums in the world, the biggest collection of…

  • Campbell Collections

    Campbell Collections

    2.22 MILES

    These collections are well worth seeing. Muckleneuk, a superb house designed by Sir Herbert Baker, holds the documents and artefacts collected by Dr…

  • Durban Botanic Gardens

    Durban Botanic Gardens

    1.71 MILES

    A 2000-sq-metre garden featuring one of the rarest cycads (Encephalartos woodii), as well as many species of bromeliad, this is a lovely place to wander…

  • Phansi Museum

    Phansi Museum

    2.91 MILES

    Found southwest of the city centre, this museum features a private collection of Southern African tribal artefacts, displayed in Roberts House, a…

  • Bay of Plenty Beach

    Bay of Plenty Beach

    0.8 MILES

    At the heart of the beachfront along Durban's Golden Mile. Popular with sunbathers and beach-sports enthusiasts.

  • Natal Sharks Board

    Natal Sharks Board

    9.36 MILES

    This research institute is dedicated to studying sharks, specifically in relation to their danger to humans. There are audiovisual presentations and shark…

  • Temple of Understanding

    Temple of Understanding

    9.74 MILES

    Situated in Durban’s west, this is the biggest Hare Krishna temple in the southern hemisphere. The unusual building is designed in the shape of a lotus…

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Nearby Durban attractions

2. Old Courthouse Museum

0.31 MILES

Found in the beautiful 1866 courthouse behind City Hall, this museum offers a worthwhile insight into the highs and lows of colonial living. There's also…

3. City Hall

0.38 MILES

Dominating the city centre is the opulent 1910 Edwardian neo-baroque City Hall. In front of the hall is Francis Farewell Square.

4. Natural Science Museum

0.39 MILES

This museum at City Hall boasts an impressive, if pleasantly retro, display of stuffed birds and insects, plus African animals. Check out the cockroach…

5. Art Gallery

0.4 MILES

Under City Hall's impressive dome is this gallery with a small but interesting collection of South African artworks, including paintings, mixed media and…

6. St Paul’s Church

0.4 MILES

On the eastern side of the main post office you’ll find a square with an old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.

7. Church Square

0.4 MILES

On the eastern side of the main post office on Dr Pixley KaSeme St (West St) is Church Sq, with its old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.

8. Port Natal Maritime Museum

0.43 MILES

In the midst of Durban's busy southern seafront you can explore two former steam tugs and see the huge wicker basket once used for hoisting passengers…