Categories: Guides

Durban Date Night: How To Do It Right

In need of some Durban date night inspiration? Whether it’s your weekly night out with your loved one, or forced blind date trickery by your bestie, a change of scenery is always a good idea.

Luckily for you, I went ahead and did all the digging around for the best Durban date night. Here are some fresh ideas to keep that date out ‘til late.

1 | Enjoy some jazz

Earn some street cred as a muso at The Jazzy Rainbow in Morningside. You and your date will love the smooth tunes and relaxed vibes of the festive plug-and-play venue. With the dress code set to smart casual, you’re also one step up from the usual Durban date night uniform of shorts and slops.

2 | Sip a cocktail or (insert realistic number here)

If you’re looking to add some refinery to your weekend tipple, Lucky Shaker awaits you and your date. Loosen up as you sample truly delicious cocktails, while surrounded by stunning interiors. It’s a real treat for the senses – not cognitively speaking, of course. Else, take Durban date night up a notch at La Vue. Complete with two lavish decks, two full bars, a restaurant for fine dining and dance floor to boot – this floating venue adds the ‘wow’ factor to a special night. I suggest drinks at the bar while you take in the Durban skyline.

3 | Take a romantic gondola ride

Do things a little differently and take your date outdoors. Don’t worry, hard chillers out there, that doesn’t mean you have to get active. Mellow out on the waters of the recently renovated Point Waterfront in your very own gondola. Yip, I said gondola. If you’ve ever yearned for a romantic drift down the canals of Venice, you can get your own little slice of Italy with Durban’s Zulumoon Gondolas. Put your feet up and relax – it’s date night.

4 | Try a staycation

You don’t have to go far to find a romantic holiday, because a change of scenery just a few kilometres away will do the trick. The Nshala Country House and Venue is the perfect tranquil date getaway, just 2 kms beyond the popular Shongweni Farmers Market. Spend a morning browsing the bustling market stalls, then unwind in Nshala’s grand thatched country house, surrounded by spectacular scenery with beautiful water views. Just as near – and similar in offerings – is The Chantecler Hotel. Soak in the magnificent Valley of a Thousand Hills views as you enjoy the delightful dinner menu and stunning gardens.

5 | Grab some dinner

Let’s not knock a classic. When date creativity is low, there’s nothing wrong with coming together for a mutual feed. Durban’s vast supply of dinner spots doesn’t disappoint. Spice things up in Durban North with El Toro’s exotic twists on Mexican classics, or hunker down to a good old-fashioned gourmet burger at Hudson’s in Umhlanga – complete with contemporary diner date-night ambience.