Durban’s Food and Craft Markets

Every weekend people from around Durban and KZN meet together amidst live music, crafters and foodies. Day markets, night markets, weekly and monthly markets, bustling with people from all walks of life, taking time out and enjoying all that Durban has to offer. These are a few of the great Durban markets you can look out for when you next have a free weekend.

The farmers market is the most frequent of the Durban markets as it happens every Saturday morning from 6am – 10.30am. I suggest you arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to get first dibs on all the delicious fresh produce and baked goods. Bring the whole family and enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast while wandering around the stalls.

This trendy craft market sees Durban’s young and hip flocking their stalls on the first Saturday of each month from 9am – 2pm. The I Heart Market showcases an array of merchandise, from handmade furniture, antiques, vintage rings, second hand clothing, cupcake specialists, and a few of Durban’s talented clothing designers. While you are here you can grab an ice tea from the Tea Hunters and sit on the grass in the sun, there is nothing better.

The last Sunday of every month Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga sees people waltzing in and out of the Wonder Market. From 9am – 2pm vendors selling homemade goods, crafts and an assortment of food are all on parade. Live entertainment and seating is available if you want to get something to munch on and relax with your family or friends. Otherwise take a walk around the park and make sure you have your cash ready as you are bound to spot something worth buying.

The Durban Night Market is back, and this time in the courtyard of the Docklands Hotel in Durban City. A collaboration of good food and vibe, this market is a great way to spend a night out with friends. On a Thursday night, once a month, take a night off from the kitchen and head into town to enjoy this local brew of culture. 

Up the coast and just past Ballito is one of the area’s most popular markets, the Litchi Orchard Market. Set amongst the gorgeous leafy orchard this market is a combination of local vendors, musicians and friends. The market happens on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturday of the month, from 9am – 1pm, and once a month they host a night market featuring talented local musicians. It is definitely worth the extra drive and change of scenery.

If you are not a morning person then this market is for you. The first Sunday of each month, from 11am – 4pm head through to Shongweni for a lazy afternoon. Cupcake couture, jazz bands, and handmade crafts are all the usual suspects at this family market. Kids will love it and so will you!

So the next time you wake up and it’s too cold for the beach, put on those boots and scarves and head to one of these fine Durban markets.

*** These are just a few of Durban’s Markets, and there are some other great markets to visit namely, Bulwer Park Market, Essenwood Market and The Food Market. If you run a market or know of another market worth mentioning, PLEASE let me know as I would love to check it out!