The Indian Quarter, on the western side of the city centre, with its Victoria Street market, selling a heady mixture of bric-a-brac and home-produced spices as well as food, is an absolute must on the list of things to see when in Durban. Nearby, the Oriental Bazaar nowadays sells trendy surfing-related items.

Major modern shopping malls, offering international brands as well as African goods, include the Musgrave Centre in the Berea district, which has around 100 shops, as well as restaurants and bars.

Field's, a mall in the wealthy suburb of Kloof, is a good stop for those eager to stretch their credit cards, while the Pavilion, one of South Africa's biggest and most varied shopping centres, is another option, close to the N3 freeway in Westville.

Shopping hours are normally 0900-1800, but malls have longer hours, some staying open as late as 2200.