Heading to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival? Five must-do experiences in Cape Town’s CBD first

Tucked inside the lush surroundings of Company’s Garden lies the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome. Every year, theCape Town International Jazz Festivaltransforms 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.

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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.

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