Durban is named one of the Top 19 best places to visit in 2026

Durban ranks 14th on the list of best places to visit in 2026. Durban is once again in the spotlight for good reason. The city has been recognised as one of the best places to visit in 2026, ranking 14th in “Time Out” magazine’s prestigious list of The Best Places to Travel in 2026.

This accolade cements Durban’s status as South Africa’s coolestcoastal cityand a sought-after global destination. According to the magazine, “Durban delivers that unbeatable mix of seaside chill, cultural richness, and nature-based adventure that global travellers crave. Warm ocean.

Warm weather. Even warmer people.” This statement highlights the unique appeal of Durban, making it a must-visit location fortourists. Notably, Durban and Rabat, Morocco, are the only twoAfrican destinationsfeatured on the list, with Rabat taking the second spot and Durban firmly securing its place in the top 15.

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eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, welcomed this announcement, describing it as a well-deserved recognition for the city. He noted that the city has worked tirelessly to ensure a thriving tourism sector. “As a city, we are pleased to receive this global recognition.

This is a clear indication that Durban’s tourism sector is firmly on an upward trajectory as we work towards fully surpassing pre-Covid-19 growth levels,” he stated. Xaba emphasised that the city’s commitment to accelerating service delivery through infrastructure upgrades is fundamental to creating a conducive environment for tourism growth and investment. In 2025, Durban recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year.

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