In February, I visited Jozi for the first time in years. I had a brilliant time and it got me thinking about Durbs and our share of shops and spots. The city is small compared to Jo’burg and Cape Town but the upside of that is, nothing is more than a 20-minute drive away. Tops! Of course, we have beaches, an aquarium and a couple of shopping centers but these are my top ten special spots. I’d love to hear what yours are too.
1. I Heart Market
The market takes place on the last Saturday of every month. Here, you’ll find homemade crafts, trinkets, dresses, cupcakes, fresh veggies and lots of other lovelies. Find It At the DLI building – drive down Marriott Rd, go over the traffic circle and under the bridge. You’ll see an old stately white building on the right hand side – that’s it!
2. Mooi
Lovely little Mooi has antique dressers packed with linens, glass paperweights, sweet accessories and vintage bags. I’m in love with the grey typewriter in the window. Find It Look out for the old bunting on the corner of Clarke and Bulwer Rds in Glenwood.
3. Vanille Cafe
A breezy French style bistro in Kloof. Sip tea and nibble freshly baked scones in the pebble-strewn courtyard while chickens cluck round your feet! Take a gingerbread man home for later. Find It 5 Bellevue Road, Kloof.
4. Café 99
A great place for special occassions. Guests are encouraged to share various ‘tidbits’ off the seasonal menu – I recommend the baked camembert and the sesame seed prawn skewers! Service is slick and the food, fantastic. Find It Shop 2, Silvervause Center, 117 Vause Rd, Musgrave
5. Bean Bag Bohemia
A longstanding Durban gem with art on the walls, parasols on the ceiling and DJ’s spinning house. The crispy duck washed down with a cosmo is sublime. Yum! Find It 18 Windermere Road, Greyville
6. Bangkok Wok on Whilson’s Wharf
A real Durban experience. The view of the twinkling harbour lights is awesome and on Tuesday nights, there’s live blues to drink to.
7. No No No Parties at the Willovale Hotel
I’m not sure how often these take place but the two I went to were fantastic. We danced to indie and drank cheap beer till three in the morning. Good fun! Find It Corner of Willowvale and Umbilo Roads
8. Antiques House/Naughty 90’s
This place is a stylists dream! Think daisies in teapots, shelves piled high with retro tins and silk scarves blowing in the breeze. I usually have the corn fritters with a tall Iced Coffee. Find It Corner of Churchill and Windermere Rds in Windermere.
9. Corner Cafre
A laid back retro cafe in Glenwood. I’ve heard the dippy eggs are cheerfully delish! Next door is a wonderful decor shop called iKaya. Find It Corner of Cromwell St and Davenport Rd
10. Fat Tuesday
The best shop for gifts in Durbs! Stock up on lomo accessories, moleskin notebooks, retro knick knacks and many more awesomes. The lady who owns the store is super friendly and helpful. Find It Bellevue Rd, Kloof next to Vanille
Some places that I’ve never been to but want to visit are the Hillcrest Hospice Shop, the Kloof SPCA shop and the Bank Gallery. If you’re coming to Durbs for the Soccer World Cup later this year, welcome-welcome! I hope the city treats you well. I’d love to hear what your Durban faves are!
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