15 Best Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica

When one pictures Costa Rica, stunning beaches, impressive volcanoes, and lush rainforests likely come to mind. However, the capital city of San José is certainly worth a visit, and you`ll probably arrive here initially by air when you first reach the country. If time allows, I suggest exploring some of the exciting things to do in SanJosé, or even spending a few days to experience its culture.

In reality, San José is among the most visited destinations in Costa Rica, so we invested the initial portion of our excursion gaining knowledge regarding this fascinating city. There are in fact numerous locations to explore in San José, but if time is limited, this complimentary tour provides a superb introduction to its historic center.

On the off chance that you have more opportunity, I propose investigating the extraordinary character of the Costa Rican capital. Beneath, I’m sharing my rundown of the 15 best things to do in San José, and I’m certain you’ll discover something that arouses your intrigue.

1. Visit La Sabana Park, the best thing to do in San José, Costa Rica

La Sabana Park is one of the top attractions worth exploring in San José since it offers numerous activities. As the largest public area in the city, the park spans 72 hectares (178 acres) and is considered the most frequently visited urban green space in Costa Rica.

The park accommodates different interests like sports, culture and entertainment, making it ideal for families. A good plan involves picnicking under trees, enjoying ice cream during strolls or viewing geese at the lake.

Then again, on the off chance that you appreciate games, the park has soccer fields, a running/cycling track, and courts for b-ball, tennis, and volleyball. You’ll additionally discover the National Stadium, one of the coolest things to see in San José, and the most cutting edge arena in the entirety of Central America and the Caribbean.

2. Plaza de la Cultura, a very popular tourist attraction in San José

Visiting the Plaza de la Cultura is another one of the best things to do in San José. Here, you can mingle with the locals and get a glimpse of everyday life in the city. It is especially lively in the afternoon when people take a break from work.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll outside to admire iconic sites like the National Theater and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which I’ll tell you more about later. If time permits, I recommend visiting these attractions and then wandering through the park.

3. National Theater, one of the best places to visit in San José, Costa Rica

The National Theater is a image of the capital, making it a necessary spot to visit in San José, Costa Rica. The Neoclassical theater holds over 100 years of history, along these lines it’s definitely worth adding to your plan.

In addition to its highly prestigious shows, you can sign up for a guided tour to see the interior of the building. Specifically, the lobby and auditorium stand out for their beautiful paintings and murals. The most famous of these is the Allegory of Coffee and Bananas, which has earned international acclaim. I recall looking up to see this mural on the auditorium`s ceiling, and it’s an experience I still fondly remember.

Led tours are held each day of the week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and you can book your spot through the theater’s official site.

4. Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, one of the best museums in San José, Costa Rica

As previously noted, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, situated in the Plaza de la Cultura, represents one of the prime destinations to explore in San José. The interior houses over 1,500 magnificent artifacts constructed of gold, dating back to the pre-Columbian native communities of Costa Rica. The museum contains a wealth of lovely objects and fascinating accounts, rendering it the perfect place for art and history enthusiasts.

Personally, I enjoyed seeing these items, which were in near-perfect condition, but I also appreciated the informative panels that explained more regarding how people lived back then. To provide you an idea, these pieces date from between 500 and 1500 A.D.

Foreign visitors must pay $15 to access all nine galleries of the precious stones, ceramics, and ancient artifacts museum. Also available is this guided tour, which includes admission to both the museum and National Theater. If you have limited time but want to experience these incredible attractions, the tour is one of the most worthwhile activities in San José.

5. Parque Central, another good place in San José, Costa Rica

Outside once more, you must examine the oldest open area in San José: Central Park. It acts as the capital’s hub, so it’s surrounded by all kinds of structures, shops, and activities.

That said, the park is renowned for its aged pavilion, El Quisko, which acts as a communal meeting place for locals. It’s surrounded by wooden seats, so it presents one of the prime spots to go to in San José if you want to observe individuals and soak in the culture. Relying on the day, there may be complimentary household occasions held here, so it’s worth stopping by to see what’s occurring.

Also, as Central Park is near other major attractions in San José, you can combine your visit with a stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral. If walking is not preferred, this panoramic bus tour is a good choice since it stops at the primary places of interest and allows time to explore.

6. Metropolitan Cathedral, an impressive church in San José, Costa Rica

Situated near Central Park, you’ll find the Metropolitan Cathedral, one of my favorite places to visit in San José. This large church was built in 1825 in San José, Costa Rica to promote Christianity among the local population.

Though its external appearance has experienced some modification over the decades because of seismic events, numerous relics remain in their initial state. A careful observer will see that the church exemplifies an intriguing combination of Neoclassical and Baroque architectural motifs, impliedly referring to the diverse eras and reconstruction initiatives the structure has endured. Outside the church stands a figure dedicated to St. John Paul II, installed in 1983 after his visit to San José.

7. Sloth and wildlife tour, a fun thing to do in San José, Costa Rica

If you appreciate animals as much as I do, you certainly cannot overlook this sloth tour. Indeed, you read that correctly! You need not venture into the jungle to meet these amiable creatures and observe them in their natural habitat. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the top activities to engage in San José.

To view these creatures, a visit must be paid to the University of Costa Rica campus, which houses one of the largest forest areas in San José. Here, various types of native birds, wildflowers, colorful butterflies, and a group of Costa Rican sloths can be spotted.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends, or with family, touring this place is one of the most unique activities to do in San José. In addition to watching the sloths gradually ascend the trees, you can learn more about them and how the University is conserving their natural habitat. The tour lasts 2.5 hours, during which a guide will share more about this incredible protected space and point out these friendly animals. We loved it!

I’d also like to add that a portion of the income goes toward exploration projects led by young researchers, so if you’re interested in accountable tourism, this is a great activity to include in your itinerary.

8. Avenida Central, a bustling place to visit in San José, Costa Rica

As the city’s principal thoroughfare, Central Avenue is among the liveliest places to go to in San José. This ancient road is full of stores and eating places, so it’s an ideal place to journey if you want to do some purchasing. Certainly, most of San José’s commercial and cultural actions center around the Avenida, but if you want to shop for worldwide brands, it’s higher to go to the most important malls around the city.

Central Avenue extends for virtually a kilometer and a half, or nearly a mile, so it’s ideal for a leisurely stroll. Along the way, you can see scenes of regular livelihood in San José and pick up some souvenirs from the street vendors.

You are able to continue wandering by heading to Avenida 2, which presents additional entertainment venues and dining establishments. I suggest going there in the afternoon when it’s much livelier.

9. Go to Central Market, a fascinating thing to do in San José, Costa Rica

Built in 1880, the central market preserves the cultural identity of the city. Its aisles are full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs, as well as vendor stalls with more exotic items. During my visit I even witnessed someone selling snakeskin boots in this location.

Experiencing the regional market is a enjoyable way to immerse myself in local community whenever visiting a new city. Getting lost amidst the assortment of scents and sounds unfolding is one of the prime activities to partake in San José. Central Market is where I initially delighted in the customary food stands, also termed as sodas. These modest eateries are ordinarily family-operated, so they offer a more authentic dining experience, frequently at reduced costs.

If you want to visit this market and try some traditional Costa Rican dishes, you should know that it`s open Monday – Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It`s in the heart of the city, so you can easily combine your trip to the market with other fascinating places to visit in San José.

10. Church of Our Lady of Mercy, another church to visit in San José, Costa Rica

The Church of Our Lady of Mercy is a Neo-Gothic cathedral that stands out for its valuable architectural heritage. Though it may not be among the most renowned places to explore in San José, I think spending time examining it is worthwhile.

From afar, you’ll notice the church’s tower that was built in a German Gothic style, which stands apart from the other constructions. To get the optimal perspective, go to Parque Braulio Carrillo, which is directly facing the cathedral, granting unblocked views.

Inside the building, there is a sizable central aisle and the primary altar, which is quite impressive. Taking a closer look, ancient stone columns reaching to the ceiling can be seen, as well as three striking stained glass windows.

The church prominently features a large image of the Virgin of Mercy and the renowned Agonizing Christ, a striking work created by artist Manuel María Zúñiga, who precisely carved the naked Christ using his own body as a reference.

11. Morazán Park, another place to visit in San José, Costa Rica

Morazán Park is one of the prime spots to visit in San José since cultural activities or public events are often held there. While its chief attraction is the Temple of Music, the park also has various green spaces worth exploring.

Among other objects, you can see the sculpture dedicated to Simón Bolívar, as well as other monuments of important historic figures like Domingo Faustino Sarmiento and Bernardo O’Higgins. While there aren’t any major attractions here, if you happen to be nearby and looking for a spot to get some fresh air and rest, this is a good choice.

12. National Museum of Costa Rica, another fascinating museum to visit in San José, Costa Rica

Visiting the National Museum of Costa Rica is one of the top attractions in San José, as this is one of the most intriguing museums in the country. Here, you can immerse yourself in history and explore a range of exhibits. Plus, the museum is housed in the old Bellavista barracks, where the Costa Rican Army was officially dissolved.

If you take pleasure in visiting museums or seek something to do in San José on a rainy day, this location is worth your time. A significant collection of meaningful items spanning pivotal moments in the nation`s chronicles can be found here. For instance, you can view the vehicle the Pope used during his visit to Costa Rica. The museum also features a butterfly garden and an insect exhibition, making it a great choice when bringing children.

Bear in mind that entrance charges $11 per individual, and the museum is shut on Mondays. The remainder of the week, it’s accessible from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the exception of Sundays, when it’s accessible from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

13. Teatro Popular Melico Salazar, another famous theater in San José, Costa Rica

The Teatro Popular Melico Salazar is the city`s second most notable theater, and while it may not be as splendid as the National Theater, it remains an interesting location to visit in San José.

The theater was constructed in 1927 and is named in honour of the renowned Costa Rican tenor, Melico Salazar. Despite having a simpler architectural style, the theater is one of the largest in the country, with a 1,180-person capability. Moreover, it’s mostly known for hosting dance performances.

14. Jade Museum, a must-see museum in San José, Costa Rica

As a historic city, it lacks surprise that exploring the museum is one of the top things to do in San José. I must add another museum to our list: the Jade Museum. This is one of the most visited attractions in the city, featuring five floors of pre-Columbian artifacts. Of course, the institution is named for its collection of jade, a lovely precious stone that’s characteristic of Costa Rica.

The Jade Museum is located in the Plaza de la Democracia and welcomes visitors Monday – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission costs $16, and one should require only a couple of hours to tour the exhibition. Personally, I prefer the Gold Museum, particularly for shorter trips to San José.

15. Visit the historic Amón neighborhood, a free thing to do in San José

Finally, you cannot go to San José without visiting the historic neighborhood of Barrio Amón. This is one of the most essential areas in the city and includes the location between Central and 9th Streets, and 7th and 13th Avenues.

The neighborhood was established by Amón Fasileau-Duplantier, a prominent businessman in the coffee industry during the early nineteenth century and into the twentieth century. One of the richest families in the country, the Josephine family, moved into the barrio. The nobles constructed their homes with spectacular architectural designs including wooden beams and expansive terraces.

As one walks through these streets, they will see that it’s a very distinctive place to visit in San José. Each narrow pathway and corner tells a narrative. For example, between the third and seventh Streets, you’ll find some aged ceramic murals representing traditional depictions from daily life.

Even though all the structures are charming, you can’t miss the Green House on the corner of 5th Street, or the Don Carlos Hotel on 7th Street, which boasts an intriguing mix of Art Deco and Neoclassical styles. I also recommend visiting the Castillo del Moro, an old Mudejar-style Episcopal Palace with an illustration of Don Quixote on its façade.

Best excursions from San José

Undoubtedly, the best approach to explore Costa Rica is by renting a vehicle. This will give you the most flexibility, so you can personalize your itinerary and travel at your own tempo.

” An option allowing exploration of vehicle rental choices with possible cost savings is presented

Now, if you can’t or don’t want to drive, don’t worry. Some of the finest excursions in Costa Rica leave from San José and go all over the nation. If you need some ideas, here are some of the most intriguing options:

Irazú Volcano, city of Cartago and Orosi Valley

Exploring the Irazú Volcano is a must when traveling in Costa Rica. As the highest volcano in the nation, it will take your breath away, so I suggest reserving a tour to see it yourself.

I find this excursion appealing, as it allows glimpses of Irazú’s most splendid panoramas. The tour also includes a stop in Cartago and the Basilica of the Virgin of the Angels, a much frequented religious site among local residents.

Manuel Antonio National Park

The natural scenery within Manuel Antonio National Park is unmatched, so you may want to consider this tour allowing you to explore the captivating trails through the lush tropical jungle ecosystem.

Additionally, the excursion includes a visit to the Crocodile Bridge, home to one of the largest crocodile populations in the country. Along the route, you’ll pass by some of the top beaches in Costa Rica like Playa Tárcoles, where you can admire the scarlet macaws.

Arenal Volcano

This trip aims to offer visitors a comprehensive experience. In addition to touring the Arenal Volcano, activities involve ziplining, hiking to the La Fortuna Waterfall, and relaxing in natural hot springs. It is an excursion not to be missed.

Poas Volcano

If you delight in spending time amid nature, you can visit another remarkable volcano in Costa Rica: the Poas Volcano.

This excursion takes you on a short walk to admire this beautiful crater. Afterwards, you can replenish your energy while enjoying a hearty meal and cool off at the La Paz Waterfall, which measures over 30 meters (98 feet) tall. The tour finishes with a visit to a local coffee farm.

Tortuguero National Park

If you’ve already read my guide to , you may want to experience it while visiting Costa Rica. This day trip from San José allows you to uncover all the magic of this protected area with the assistance of a naturalist guide, who will provide information about points of interest

This location houses over 135 animal species, but the most prominent are crocodiles and green sea turtles. Some endangered varieties like jaguars, manatees, sloths, coatis, and monkeys can also be found here.

Naturally, if more time permits, taking this three-day excursion is worthwhile. It will provide greater opportunity to thoroughly explore the Tortuguero waterways, allowing sighting of even more wildlife. Moreover, a visit to the Sea Turtle Museum is included. For those traveling from July through September, selecting the upgraded ticket permits witnessing the nesting of green sea turtles, undoubtedly one of the highlights of our Costa Rica trip.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Another one of my favorite tours is this excursion to the . As you cross the suspended bridges over the forest, you will attain magnificent perspectives of the mountainous surroundings. If fortunate, you`ll also notice local species like monkeys, toucans, and additional.

Carara and Tárcoles National Park

Carara National Park provides a prime setting for exploring nature through its network of trails catering to all fitness levels, allowing one to immerse themselves in the dense vegetation. I recommend this tour, which also offers boat rides along the Tárcoles River where glimpses of some of the most spectacular tropical birds worldwide can be seen.

Tortuga Island

Tortuga Island truly is a paradise on Earth, so you can’t miss it. This excursion includes a catamaran ride through the Gulf of Nicoya, where you’ll be amazed by dreamlike landscapes of golden sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters. My favorite part of the trip was seeing all the sea turtles and dolphins along the way. We also enjoyed live music, lunch, and an open bar of fruit juices on the boat.

Where to stay in San José, Costa Rica

If you’re unsure regarding where to remain in San José, I suggest lodging near the city center. While San José is safe, just like all cities, it’s not prudent to venture out at night. That is why I propose staying in the busier parts of town, near the primary points of interest. Below, you can view some of the finest hotels in San José, Costa Rica:”

• Urban Green Hotel & Suites: This is one of the best hotels in Costa Rica, so you can expect cozy rooms and good facilities, such as a fitness center and even a casino. It’s just a block away from the Plaza de la Cultura and offers free parking.

• Cando LivingApartments in CentralAvenue: If self-containment is what you seek, look into lodging in an apartment in Costa Rica. Positioned before the National Museum and a brief distance from the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Cando Living Apartments provide closeness to diversified shops and eateries while offering amenities like an equipped kitchen with fridge and microwave as well as an outdoor balcony space.

• Park Inn San JosebyRadisson: Just 500 meters (1600 ft) from La Sabana Park, this lodging has exceptional amenities, such as an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. In my view, it represents one of the high-end hotels in Costa Rica, and it’s conveniently situated in the city center.

In addition, if you’re working with a tight finances, be sure to check out our guide to the top hostels in San José for more low-cost options.

Where to eat in San José, Costa Rica

One of the best activities to engage in in San José is to sample the local cuisine and experience new flavors. Sightseeing is not just about visiting tourist spots, and trying the typical dishes of a new place is a wonderful way to delve into the culture. It’s one of my favorite parts of traveling, so if you don’t know where to dine in Costa Rica while visiting San José, check out these restaurants:

• Nuestra Tierra Restaurant: Specializing in typical Costa Rican meats, this eatery is the perfect place to experience the authentic local flavor. It’s next to the Plaza de la Democracia and has a welcoming atmosphere suitable for families, couples, and groups.

• El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte: This dining establishment has become a staple of San José’s nightlife, often featuring a residebt musical group for diners. It offers traditional dishes for lunch and dinner, though I advise visiting in the evening for the lively environment.

• The Corner of Buenos Aires: This Argentine eating establishment is an excellent place to savor roasted meat and an extensive assortment of salads, appetizers, and pasta. What`s more, it has an intriguing selection of red and white wines, so you can pick the ideal pairing for your meal. It’s merely a few meters from Morazán Park and is open daily.

Is San José safe?

During our time in Costa Rica we felt quite protected and fell for the people. However, we sensed differently in San José, so we aimed to visit all its attractions during the daytime hours and rest at night. The roads start clearing around 8:00 p.m., so if you`re out around this time, you`ll be more prone to unexpected happenings.

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