Be transported to a world where India and Africa meet at the Victoria Street Market, on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets in  Durban. Your senses will be assaulted with the aromas of spices and incense, the colours of bright fabrics and foods, and the sounds of stall holders bartering.

Apart from the opportunity to buy fresh and interesting food, this is also a great place to buy gifts – you’ll find saris, scarves, arts and crafts, woven baskets, beaded dolls and animals and oriental ceramics at the more than 170 stalls.

The Vic, as the Victoria Market is now known, is set in a large ornate building. The Indian community in Durban (the largest outside of Asia) has had a huge impact on the character of the city of Durban, and the open air markets, which have evolved into the Victoria Street Market, were first opened in the 1870s.

Why not make a day of it? Head a little further down to Grey Street (now called Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street) - the cultural heart of the Indian community with its distinctive Indian architectural character.

Need to know

• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 08h00 to 18h00 and Sundays from 10h00 to 16h00
• Venue: Victoria Street Market, Corner of Queen and Victoria Streets, Durban, KwaZulu Natal
• Contact: 031 3064021

(Image source)