Tucked inside the lush surroundings of Company's Garden lies the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.
Image: SkySkan
Every year, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival transforms the city into a global hub of music, culture and nightlife.
Taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), the iconic event draws thousands of visitors from across South Africa and around the world for two nights of world-class performances.
But the experience doesn’t have to begin when the music starts.
If you’ve already ticked off big attractions like Table Mountain or Robben Island, the Cape Town CBD still offers plenty to explore before heading to the festival.
From immersive science experiences to local food adventures and elegant cocktail spots, here are a few easy activities within the city centre that can turn a jazz festival evening into a full day out.
Tucked inside the lush surroundings of Company's Garden lies one of the most fascinating attractions in the city: the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.
Recently upgraded with cutting-edge digital technology, the dome is considered the most advanced digital planetarium on the African continent.
The immersive theatre projects breathtaking 360-degree visuals across its curved ceiling, transporting audiences through the cosmos, deep oceans and even the microscopic world.
Visitors can take virtual journeys across the universe, explore the structure of atoms or travel through the human body using powerful data visualisation systems normally used in scientific research.
The venue also hosts artistic productions, educational shows and visual experiences that blend science with storytelling.
For visitors looking for something different in the city centre, it’s an inspiring and surprisingly relaxing way to spend an hour before heading into a night of music.
Cape Town’s contemporary art scene has a global showcase in the form of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA).
Located at the V&A Waterfront, the museum is housed in the transformed historic Grain Silo Complex, a towering industrial structure that once stored grain arriving in Cape Town’s harbour.
The building itself is a masterpiece of architectural reinvention, with galleries and a dramatic cathedral-like atrium carved out of the silo’s original 42 concrete tubes.
Inside, visitors will find one of the world’s largest collections dedicated to contemporary African art and artists of the African diaspora.
Spanning nine floors and roughly 9,500 square metres of exhibition space, the museum features rotating exhibitions, large-scale installations, photography, sculpture and multimedia works from across the continent.
Even if you’re not an art expert, simply exploring the building, from its sculptural interior spaces to the rooftop views, makes it one of the most striking cultural stops in the city.
One of the best ways to get to know Cape Town is through its food. A guided walking tour with Eat Like a Local Food Tours offers a delicious way to experience the city’s diverse culture.
Led by a local chef or passionate foodie guide, the small-group experience takes visitors through historic neighbourhoods and markets while introducing them to more than 15 local food and drink tastings.
Stops often include landmarks such as Greenmarket Square, Bo-Kaap and Company's Garden.
Along the way, participants sample a variety of Cape flavours, from traditional snacks and sweet treats to local drinks, while learning about the cultural influences that shaped the city’s cuisine.
It’s part sightseeing, part culinary adventure and a great way for first-time visitors to get their bearings before the evening’s jazz lineup begins.
For something a little more glamorous, stop by the legendary Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Lady”.
The historic hotel has been a Cape Town landmark since the late 19th century and sits against the backdrop of Table Mountain, surrounded by lush gardens in the heart of the city.
While the hotel is famous for its elegant afternoon tea, often called “Tea at Nellie”, visitors don’t have to stay there to enjoy its stylish bars and restaurants.
One of the highlights is the hotel’s intimate Planet Bar.
The sophisticated lounge serves expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines and champagne in a setting inspired by celestial design elements.
It’s the perfect place to ease into the evening with a drink before heading to the festival, adding a touch of old-world glamour to a night of world-class music.
For a laid-back afternoon bite, the Oranjezicht City Farm Market is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Located at the V&A Waterfront, the vibrant market brings together dozens of small farmers, artisanal food producers and independent chefs.
The focus is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce from the Western Cape.
Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from freshly baked breads and organic vegetables to gourmet street food, craft coffee and small-batch desserts.
It’s an ideal stop for festival-goers looking for a casual pre-show meal.
While the Cape Town International Jazz Festival may be the main attraction, the surrounding city offers plenty of memorable experiences just minutes away from the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
From immersive science and African art to food markets and elegant cocktail lounges, the CBD is filled with small discoveries waiting to be explored.
For visitors and returning travellers alike, these experiences offer a simple reminder: in Cape Town, the adventure doesn’t start when the music begins; it starts the moment you step into the city.