The Victoria Street Market is often listed as a can’t miss experience for your visit to Durban, as it gives you a bit of an insight to the cultures that live side by side in this unique city. You’re guaranteed to find yourself some nice little souvenirs, as well as delicious snacks when you visit. The market is open from 8am to 5pm throughout the week, with slightly shorter hours on the weekend.
From time immemorial, the market has been the center of civilization’s trade and economic activity. The Victoria Street Market in Durban is no different and through constant evolution, has stood the test of time.
If you are interested in our African culture, the Victoria Street Market is certainly one of the places to go to. Our guide Jabulani (Sambo) was excellent, explaining the intricacies of the Traditional Healers, and other African traditions expertly. Parking is available underneath the Denis Hurley building, and from here the stairs lead to the Spice Market. It is a market, with all sorts of goid and bad souvenirs, but the ladies beadwork is excellent – Friday for this.
The city of Durban (eThekwini) is home to one of the largest populations of Indians outside of India, and the Victoria Street Market is a reflection of the city’s historical ties with India.
While 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.
The new, modern building has two storeys featuring underground parking and purple Indian minarets that make the market resemble a Maharajah’s palace.
Photo credit: The Culture Trip
A Julia nos leva para conhecer um mercado tradicional de Durban, na África do Sul: o Victoria Street Market, onde você pode encontrar desde roupas, artesanato, especiarias e comidas típicas, até ervas e animais que as curandeiras zulus usam para feitiçarias!
Sem Fio
If you want to see the penetration of Zulu culture in the city go to the Muti Bridge at Victoria Street Market. I did it with a friend who is familiar with the traders and the stuff being traded. He offered me background to the market, the bridge and the merchandise. It was extremely educational. The number of sangomas and herbalists in the market is astounding so were the various things for sale. Approach with curiosity and an open mind. There’s always something to learn and this is even more true in the market.
– Justin (Durban)
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