Thing to do
Golden Mile Beachfront Promenade
Durban's Golden Mile is a paved beachfront promenade running from the Point and uShaka to Blue Lagoon, lined with beaches, piers, pools and rickshaw pullers.
Victoria Street Market
The Victoria Street Market, known locally as the Vic, packs more than 170 stalls of spices, fish, crafts and fabrics into a minaret-topped building near Grey Street.
At a glance
- Type
- Indian and African market
- Area
- City Centre, Durban, South Africa
Good to know
- 170+ stalls
- Spice stalls
- Fish and meat market
- Crafts and souvenirs
- Underground parking
Why we recommend it
The Victoria Street Market, called the Vic by its traders, is the best place in Durban to experience the city's Indian heritage through its spices, food and crafts. Its roots go back to 1890, when Hindu and Muslim market gardeners began selling produce near the Grey Street Mosque. In 1910 the municipality opened an Indian Market, but most of its stalls were gutted by fire in 1973 and the old building was later demolished. The present market, on Bertha Mkhize Street, formerly Victoria Street, was officially opened in 1990. Its two-storey building is topped with purple, minaret-like towers that give it the look of a small palace.
More than 170 stalls fill the two floors. The ground floor is the working food market, with a fish and seafood section, fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, and the spice stalls that most visitors come for. Here you can buy ready-made curry blends and whole spices to take home. Upstairs the mood changes to souvenirs and crafts, with jewellery, fabrics, incense, henna and other African and Indian goods.
The market suits anyone who enjoys cooking or browsing, and it is one of the easiest places in the city to pick up gifts that are actually useful. Bargaining is expected rather than merely tolerated, especially upstairs, so start lower than the asking price and keep it friendly. Ask before photographing traders or their stalls, and check airline rules if you plan to pack large quantities of spices.
Go on a weekday morning, when the stalls are fully stocked and the fish market is at its busiest. Allow an hour or two. The surrounding streets are crowded, so carry only what you need and keep bags closed; many visitors come with a guide or as part of a city walking tour. The building has underground parking for those arriving by car.
The Vic is a short walk from the Juma Masjid and the Madressa Arcade on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (Grey Street), and the area's small Indian eateries are a good place to try a bunny chow after your shopping. City Hall and the city's local history museums are a few minutes away by car.
Victoria Street Market FAQs
What is sold at the Victoria Street Market?
Spices, fish and seafood, meat, fruit and vegetables on the ground floor, and souvenirs, crafts, jewellery and fabrics upstairs.
How many stalls are there?
More than 170.
Is bargaining expected?
Yes. Haggling is part of the experience, especially at the craft and souvenir stalls.
How old is the market?
Indian traders have sold produce in the area since 1890. The current building was officially opened in 1990.
Is there parking?
Yes. The building has underground parking.
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings, when stalls are fully stocked and the fish market is busiest.
Is it safe?
The area is busy, so keep valuables out of sight and consider visiting with a guide or on a walking tour.
What is nearby?
The Juma Masjid, the Madressa Arcade and Indian eateries on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street are within walking distance.