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TThis surfers' paradise is more than just a pretty face when it comes to its bar scene - Durban will remind you why it's one of the top spots for freeing yourself on the weekends.
It's got the bars with weird gimmicks, the ones for those with a refined taste and where you can dance your worries away - and sometimes a wildcard that will keep your social life interesting.
Remember though - drink responsibly and no driving - make taxis and lift-sharing apps your best friend.
Here are the spots that will fill your long weekend with exciting adventures through the streets of Durban.
Did You Know?
WWith a population increase of around 300 000 between 2001 and 2011, Durban is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in South Africa.
TThe weird:
Durbz is best known for its year-round warm weather and iconic beach vibes, and you can fully embrace this lifestyle at Beach Bums - where you can sip away your worries right on the beach. Their slogan perfectly encapsulates the mood - "where life is forever chilled" - and although it's family-friendly during the day, at night the party island DJs take over.
Bar hopping through Durban in style
TThe exclusive:
Created by a young Durban-based firm of architects who aim to shine the spotlight on “potentially the best urban precinct in KwaZulu-Natal”, The Chairman boasts cocktails, live jazz and an eclectic ambience worth visiting. You can also feel like an old-school mafiosi with their impressive cigar selection.
The party scene:
Only the Irish can maybe keep up with South Africans when it comes to parties, and the two come together at Dropkick Murphy's - Durban's premier Irish pub. It has enough TVs to get everyone riled up on sports and an after-work Happy Hour to wash your worries down with a good ol' Guinness. Their kitchen is also open at all kinds of ungodly hours for the late-night party revellers.
The date spot:
moyo uShaka Pier is looking all fresh-faced after its renovations end of last year - the perfect spot to dazzle your date with. Dreamy ocean views surround you on your quest to find true love and exotic cocktails and a laidback African atmosphere just make it that much more magical.
The wildcard:
If you're looking for a harder bite in your drink, Distillery 031 is a proud Durban establishment that handcrafts its own spirits made from KwaZulu-Natal's home grown cane sugar. They have their own gin, vodka, absinthe, limited-edition brandy, liqueurs with South African flavours, Africa's first cachaça and plans are being made to start making rum - all proudly South African.
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