031 306 4021 | TRADING HOURS: MON- FRI: 8AM - 5PM | SAT: 8AM-4PM | SUN: 9AM- 3PM admin@victoriastreetmarket.co.za
Select Page
African and Indian fusion

African and Indian fusion

by | Jun 16, 2018 | Durban, Tourism

A perfect fusion of African and Indian culture, the Victoria Street Market dates back over one hundred years. Located in one of Durban’s most recognizable buildings, the eleven domes of ‘the Vic’ are distinctive on Durban’s skyline, and prompt a visit to this vibrant landmark.

The external architecture hints at the exotic wares within and the imagination conjures thoughts of Aladdin’s lamps, magic, and delectable food. The smells, sights and sounds of the cavernous halls housing the oriental bazaar spark a sensory rush, with the heady aromas of curry powders, spices and incense accompanying the shopper through the stores. There are a plethora of foodstuffs, fabrics and brass-ware on offer. Sacks of curry powder line the walkways, and here and there a glittering sari offers a swathe of bright colour.

The juxtaposition of Asian goods and a wide array of African curios is a microcosmic view of greater Durban society. There is also the famous fish market attached to the Bazaar, offering seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean. Friendly shop owners are keen to help with wide smiles and the combination of the location, atmosphere, and service is sure to enchant visitors. The oriental music in the background forms the soundtrack to an experience that combines shopping, culinary feasting, and sight-seeing in keeping with Durban’s heritage. As much an historical landmark as a contemporary shopping venue, the Victoria Street Market is a well-known and worthwhile addition to the itinerary of any traveler to KwaZulu-Natal.

Source: https://www.nightjartravel.com/shopping/victoria-street-markets

[addthis tool="addthis_inline_share_toolbox"]
Soaking up the Durban Vibe!

Soaking up the Durban Vibe!

by | Jun 3, 2018 | Durban, Spices, Tourism

“This is a great place for local cheap shopping. It’s a great mix of Indian and African spices, food and souvenirs all at an affordable price and of course subject to bargaining. I spent about an hour walking about and ended up with some lovely souviners, spices from Joe’s spice shop and even a quick snack of Durban’s famous ‘ samoosas’. I think its a great place to visit to pick up things or just walk about and soak up the vibe of Durban.”
Roxanne Bamboat
Mumbai, India
[addthis tool="addthis_inline_share_toolbox"]
Afro-Oriental Culture

Afro-Oriental Culture

by | May 25, 2018 | Durban, History, Tourism

The Victoria Street Market is an indoor bazaar (locally called a flea market) that remains a hub of activity throughout the year. It offers everything from Indian spices and incenses, to fresh fruits and vegetables, fabrics, ceramics, and arts and crafts. When you enter the multi-coloured building, you’re immediately hit with an assortment of smells: a mixture of curries and incense wafting through the air with the catcall of vendors urging tourists to “come in, and just have a look”. The top floor is popular with international visitors due to the collection of souvenirs, jewellery, fabrics, and crafts.

The market was started in the 1980s to replaced the 1910 Indian marketplace that was destroyed in a fire in 1978. It was opened by Dr Anton Rupert on 24 July 1990, and is one of Durban’s most recognizable pieces of architecture with 11 colourful domes modelled on Indian construction. This is hardly surprising when you consider Durban has the highest Indian population outside of India.

This market is highly recommended for those hoping to experience Durban’s rich Afro-Oriental culture, and with more than 170 stalls, there’s definitely something for everyone! Its the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for home…

Source: https://www.travelground.com/attractions/victoria-street-market

[addthis tool="addthis_inline_share_toolbox"]
Things to do in Durban

Things to do in Durban

by | May 14, 2018 | Durban, Tourism

Ever dreamt of sashaying in a sari, getting tattooed with henna or tucking into an ‘atomic bomb’ curry? Satisfy your yearning for burning and a lot more at Durban’s oldest market.

Venture down to the Victoria Street Market on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in Durban Central and step into a sensory Afro-Indian world. Here the smell of incense and spices pervades the atmosphere where over 180 traders sell their produce. You will find all manner of delightful food and spices including a fish market.

Durban’s Indian community is the largest outside of India and has influenced the character of the city immensely. Operating since 1870, Victoria Street Market still offers a dizzying whirl of colour, aromas, vibrant fabrics and the cheerful noise of bartering. Shoppers can purchase silk saris, scarves, jewellery, woven baskets, beaded and carved curios, Asian ceramics and even cheap Chinese products.

Further down is the clothing mecca of Grey Street (Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street), where you will find typical Indian architecture, narrow lanes, colonnades over pavements and an array of fabric shops.

Source: https://www.safarinow.com/destinations/durban-central/shoppingmalls/victoria-street-market.aspx

[addthis tool="addthis_inline_share_toolbox"]
A must for all tourists

A must for all tourists

by | May 8, 2018 | Currios, Spices, Tourism, Uncategorized, Vendors

A must for all tourists, ( local and international ). Safe and friendly destination. Good security within the market building. Gifts and any item purchased, prices can be negotiated with stall owners. Jewellery store available and no need for cash as most stalls accept cards and foreign currency. Shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 8 am until 4h30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 8am till 2h30 pm (including most holidays).
Anoop Singh

Local Tourist

[addthis tool="addthis_inline_share_toolbox"]