Victoria Street

Victoria Street Market is situated in the heart of Durban. It’s a bustling marketplace renowned  for its rich tapestry of clothing, spices, including both African and North Asian souvenirs. It’s a popular local shopping choice and a great draw for tourists in Durban

Victoria Street Market is Durban’s oldest market and has more than 150 stalls displaying their wares. The current Victoria Street Market was built at the beginning of the 1980s, it replaced the famous Indian Market which dated back to 1910, but was destroyed by fire in 1973.

Stepping into this vibrant Durban tourist attraction, visitors are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors from the vivid textiles adorning the stalls to the array of spices piled high in tantalizing heaps and the cheerful noise of bartering. Here the smell of incense and spices pervades the atmosphere.

Masses of enormous fish and prawns lie tightly packed on beds of ice while vendors competing for your attention shout their respective prices. In meat sections, goat and sheep heads are stacked into neat piles.

While at Victoria Street Market, take a visit to Joe’s corner shop or the Thirupathi spice shop, where the shop’s charismatic owners will prepare you the freshest spice packs to take home. The spices are quite cheap compared to buying from supermarkets and shops. 

The large Indian community in Durban means that both traditional South African herbs and Indian spices are in abundance, with a myriad of colors that are eye-catching and spectacular in their impact as you walk through.

Beyond textiles and spices, the market boasts an eclectic mix of merchandise including handmade crafts, jewelry, artwork and traditional African curios. It’s a treasure trove for shoppers seeking unique souvenirs and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Victoria Street Market is also a great place to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat and maybe even catch a movie. If you have a sweet tooth they also sell handmade confectionery, cakes and tempting sugary snacks that reflect the multiple cultures that make up Durbans vibrant population.

This is one of the Durban attractions that enables you to step into a sensory Afro-Indian world. Not to be missed, so make sure you pay it a visit during your stay

If you need a local to show you all these amazing places or simply help you explore and enjoy the real culture of Durban, then get in touch with us. Personal Lovedurban local guides with language skills can be booked on this site. Support can be given in person or remotely via Whatsapp.

Low cost fixed price transport can also be requested with us in the same way to travel in real time or for future bookings. This includes Taxis, Tuktuk, and Pillion seats. Safe drivers and fixed prices. Click on the menu links at the top of the page or scroll down to find out more.

We provide full up to date tourist information for Durban along with a full What’s On Guide listing music, clubs, cultural events, activities, food, drink and Durban attractions.

Check out our events news page or our What’s on in Durban calendar to find out what’s happening in Durban during your stay. There is so much going on here. You will soon understand why we feel Durban is the most wonderful place in the world!