By: Lindokuhle Ndaba

Rated top on the list of the most underrated cities in the world in CNN’s latest travel survey, Durban certainly has a lot to brag about.

All of the usual must-have’s on a travellers checklist will most likely be ticked when in this city.

• Warm weather all year round
• Warm oceans = Warm golden beaches
• Diversity in people, food and cultures
• Cheap transportation
• Quality Accommodation
• High level entertainment

The city is a prime place for young teenagers to explore and spread their wings, starting with the Durban Ice Rink on 81 Somtseu Road, North Beach. It is a world class rink and offers a host of team-building exercises, birthday parties, school events, ice shows, ice hockey and ice skating lessons for kids. No experience necessary.

For the more adventurous teens out there looking to be outdoors, the beach promenade is a definite place to visit. It has recentlyundergone beautiful upgrades and is of a world class level.

For the future Kelly Slaters, there are surfing lessons available along the beachfront, and a bunch of takeaway or sit-down restaurants open for those midday cravings.

The more popular UShaka Marine World down at South Beach will keep teens and young adults alike entertained.

Experience the newly renovated Sea World or take a turn on the southern hemisphere’s steepest slide, gauranteed to get your heart racing.

There are also various shopping malls in and around Durban that can keep you very busy, such as the Pavilion in Westville. With recent renovations being completed, the pavilion experience has been revitalised. There is a bigger and better food court and a bigger and better cinema experience, with a V.I.P suite. That suite includes large luxurious chairs which can be reclined and turned into a bed.

There is a new entertainment arena hosted by The Fun Company, with the introduction of retro-styled bumper cars.

On the other side of the city in Umhlanga Rocks, there is Gateway Shopping Mall. It is in a more upmarket area with higher levels of security.

There are rock-climbing facilities which will have kids of all ages knackered by the time of departure, and a host of fine restaurants at the mall’s outside food court. It is a blend of class and simplicity.

For the more sporty teens, there are soccer training sessions at Stella Football Club in Glenwood.

This club is one of the most revered in South Africa and has won various awards throughout its age group teams due to the highly professional coaches at its disposal.

Saturday afternoons and Sunday morning club games are played and large crowds are drawn in to get behind their teams. Various food-stalls are also available, adding a soccer-derby weekend vibe.

If football is not your passion and you perhaps enjoy underwater sports more, then Durban will definitely make you happy. Every weekend, swimming clubs from around KZN have swim-meets/galas at Kingspark Swimming Pool.

2012 olympic gold medallist, Chad Le Clos, is known to participate regularly, which always makes for some exciting swimming action.

There is a wide variety of age groups that participate, with professional staff at the poolside to ensure the smooth-running of the meets. If that does not interest you, then at least the different foods on the menu will send you home with afull stomach.

After the meets are over. the waterpolo teams stay to battle it out against each other.

Horse-Riding is also a very exciting feature of Durban’s outskirts, especially Amanzimtoti.

Gary’s Horse Academy provides beautiful scenic horse rides along the beach. Be careful not to ride at high tide though, because the horses’ behaviour is said to change with the tide. Amanzimtoti also boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast and, the friendliest people around.