Durban is a modern city that offers many options for nighttime entertainment. Whether you enjoy a romantic dinner in a fine restaurant, drinks at a lively pub, or dancing until dawn, Durban has something that should fit your taste and your budget. One of the most popular clubs, Tilt, is located across the way from the Hilton Hotel on Walnut Rd. It hosts to Durban’s trendiest residents and visitors, providing both an action packed dance floor and a tranquil balcony and lounge for refreshment breaks and conversation. Another Durban hot spot is in the warehouse district at a club called Spank. Here the city’s top DJs spin R&B, kwaito, and house for the delight of club goers.
If you are looking to catch a bite to eat during your night tour of the city, you will be surprised at the quality and variety of cuisine offered by the local restaurants. Seafood is the specialty of the city and is served at most restaurants. However the Famous Fish Company has been cited as the best place to go for fresh and delicious seafood. It is located at the mouth of the harbor and offers a beautiful view as well as delicious food. If you have an adventurous pallet, you should definitely try the Durban Curry. Whatever you decide to sample you will undoubtedly notice the Portuguese influence on the preparation and presentation of Durban cuisine. If you would like to sample local African cuisine then you may want to dine at the popular Crocokraal. If Indian food wets your mouth try out the dishes at Ulluni located in the Royal Hotel, Amaravathi Palki located in Berea, the Pakistani Restaurant in city center, or the Gulzar located in Greyville. If you would like authentic Indian music served with your dinner, you can take a seat at either the Jewel of India in the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza or go to the beachfront and dine at the Tandoor Palace. Both of these destinations guarantee to entertain and delight the senses. However, if you would prefer a more European dinner, you don’t have to go far from city center. Try Christina’s, the Colony, or Roma for a taste more familiar to Westerner’s pallets.
If your mouth is dry and you are in need of a drink, you can go to the Golden Mile beachfront and visit one of the pubs along the way. One popular spot that boasts of a surfer’s dream is the pub known as Joe Kools. Here there is a restaurant, pool tables, and bar all situated on the beachfront. So grab a drink and then grab a wave. For the consummate professional, or those with a more mature outlook on life, journey just a few doors down from Joe’s to the Cattleman or go down to the docks to Victoria Bar. If you are a night owl, a word of warning is needed. The beachfront district becomes seedy late at night and crowded with drunken patrons so be cautious, but have fun. If you don’t feel adventurous enough to brave the beachfront or harbor, most reputable hotels have bars on location. One such upscale bar is located in the Royal Hotel. One other option is to journey to the Durban suburb of Berea and visit the Beanbag Bohemia. Here there is a café and a cigar bar.
While dining and drinking are popular forms of nighttime entertainment, Durban also offers other forms of entertainment. At the Playhouse complex there are five theaters that host a variety of venues from classical theater to contemporary pieces. If you don’t know what is playing you can pick up a copy of “What’s On in Durban” from the local tourist office. This free publication is printed monthly and provides an insider’s guide to the city’s live music, dances, church services, poetry reading, concerts, and other local events that you won’t want to miss.
