In case you’re visiting Costa Rica, you’ll inevitably start your journey within the nation’s capital metropolis, San José. Whereas many individuals merely cease over within the metropolis on their option to the rainforests, the metropolis deserves a go to by itself.
Because the capital metropolis of Costa Rica is an up-and-coming vacationer vacation spot, yow will discover loads of sights and factors of curiosity that make it price a go to.
In our opinion, there are such a lot of underrated issues to do in San José, Costa Rica which can be nicely price your time! With numerous museums, church buildings, parks, and good eats, San José actually has one thing for everybody. Costa Rica is one among our favorite nations and one which we’ve been capable of discover at size.
Whereas it’s widespread that individuals don’t know all of the issues to do in San José, Costa Rica, this information ought to get you began with planning some fun-filled days within the metropolis.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Greatest Time to Go to San José
Like most locations within the tropics, San Jose, Costa Rica experiences two seasons, a dry and a moist season.
Typically, the dry season in Central America is between December and April is a a lot better time to go to by way of climate. Nonetheless, in that point, the warmth may be oppressive in San José, and vegetation dry and parched. You’ll additionally discover extra vacationers within the metropolis and costs shall be increased.
Might to November is the moist season which is a bit cooler and extra humid. Costs are decrease and the rainforests are at their most lovely shades of inexperienced. To fulfill within the center and discover a steadiness between value, crowds, and climate, we propose visiting within the shoulder season, both November/ December or June/ July.
The shoulder season can also be the best time interval to see a few of Costa Rica’s lovely nationwide parks and reserves, like Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park in La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, house to the well-known hanging bridges.
San Jose skyline
Greatest Issues to Do in San José, Costa Rica
Go to the Nationwide Theater
First opened in 1897, the Teatro Nacional or Nationwide Theater is a landmark of not simply San Jose, however Costa Rica as a complete. Whereas the outside might seem ornate, it’s nothing in comparison with the lavish inside designs and decorations. It’s a part of Costa Rican tradition.
Seeing a present on the Teatro Nacional is an actual deal with however if you happen to aren’t or in a position to do this, positively don’t miss a guided tour of the constructing which is included with the worth of admission.
Photograph credit: Costa Rica Tourism Board/visitcostarica.com
Tour the Metropolitan Cathedral
As essentially the most important non secular constructing within the metropolis, this is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San José, Costa Rica.
Though it’s a bit unimpressive from the surface, the church’s inside is gorgeous. It’s the second cathedral on the location, because the first was destroyed by an earthquake and later rebuilt.
Take a tour inside to get the historic and cultural scoop from an area information. For historical past buffs, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The cathedral, in downtown San Jose, is in-built a neo-classical model, providing a quiet respite from the noise of town exterior. It has required a whole lot of work all through its 140-year historical past, however it has turn into an essential a part of Costa Rica’s historical past. Simply be sure you’re respectful if you happen to cease in. It’s nonetheless an energetic church, and also you don’t wish to interrupt a service.
Stroll By way of the Mercado Centrale
Of all of the issues to do that may be our favorite. The Mercado Centrale, or central market, is a feast for the senses with its lengthy aisles of fruit stands, knick-knack and gadget distributors, and shows of Costa Rican souvenirs.
Within the San José central market, you should purchase issues like cigars, espresso, and cacao or just wander the central market, taking within the sights and sounds. It is a nice option to assist artisans and native store house owners throughout your journey.
Mercado Centrale. Photograph courtesy of Scott Alexander through Flickr CC
Go to the Museums
Nationwide Museum of Costa Rica
There are lots of San Jose, Costa Rica museums, and for a lot of guests to San Jose (particularly the historical past buffs), the Nationwide Museum of Costa Rica is a significant spotlight. The Nationwide Museum welcomes guests in a vibrant manner, as the primary exhibit company walkthrough is the butterfly backyard.
The museum constructing is definitely that of an outdated Costa Rican military navy fortress, with cannons and bullet holes nonetheless seen alongside the partitions. It’s really a bit of San Jose’s historical past. Inside, you’ll discover shows organized by totally different matters, together with colonial historical past, faith, and geology.
San Jose’s Nationwide Museum catalogs the historical past of Costa Rica from the sixteenth century to now, together with ongoing anthropological analysis and documentation of the nation’s pure historical past. Ticket charges for the Nationwide Museum are affordable, as tickets for adults are about $11 and $6 for college students. In case you are touring as a household, kids can attend free, and entry is free on Sundays.
The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
This underground gold museum is without doubt one of the most important San Jose, Costa Rica factors of curiosity. Inside, you’ll discover a whole lot of gold artifacts preserved from Pre-Columbian occasions, together with Costa Rica’s first-ever coin. For historical past and goldsmithing fanatics, that is positively top-of-the-line issues to do in San Jose.
Near 700 items of gold are on show within the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, together with varied ceramic and lithic pre-Columbian artifacts. You possibly can be taught in regards to the evolving metalworking and goldsmithing methods of the area, in addition to how these customs have been modified by contact with different cultures. A ticket will price you $12 or $16, relying on if you happen to’re a pupil or not, and likewise consists of entry to the Numismatic Museum.
Cat produced from gold. Photograph courtesy of
Pace of Life Excursions through Flickr CC
Plaza de la Democracia
When you’re visiting the museums in San Jose, it’s price testing the Plaza de la Democracia, a monument constructed by the Costa Rican authorities to commemorate 100 years of Costa Rican democracy. It’s between the Nationwide Museum of Costa Rica and the Jade Museum, with lovely views of the mountains round San Jose.
There are some sculptures and benches within the plaza, and never a lot else, however it’s an ideal place to sit down and calm down between museum visits.
The Jade Museum
In case you’re a fan of gems or geology, you’ll love San Jose’s Jade Museum. The Museo del Jade homes the biggest jade assortment on this planet and operates with the mission of preserving Costa Rica’s archeological heritage. They provide quite a lot of instructional assets, in addition to guided excursions geared toward educating kids.
The Jade Museum in San Jose homes 5 everlasting displays, in addition to momentary displays that periodically change. It’s one other nice concept if you happen to’re touring with your loved ones. Kids youthful than twelve can enter the Jade Museum for simply $2, and kids 5 years outdated or youthful get in without cost.
Shows on the Jade Museum in San Jose, Costa Rica. Photograph courtesy of
Michael Goard through Flickr CC
Kids’s Museum of Costa Rica
Of the various San Jose museums, the Museo de Los Ninos, or Kids’s Museum, is among the many most unusual. It goals to encourage studying and experimentation amongst kids, and it does this with over 40 interactive displays. The displays cowl historical past, artwork, sciences, and know-how, so yow will discover one thing that your baby shall be considering, it doesn’t matter what they like. A ticket prices about $5.
Museum of Costa Rican Artwork
With over 6,000 works spanning many alternative inventive mediums, the Costa Rican Artwork Museum is one among San Jose’s prime sights for these considering up to date artwork.
Constructed within the Nineteen Thirties, the Museum of Costa Rican Artwork is housed in a neo-colonial constructing that was as soon as Costa Rica’s first worldwide airport. The constructing is an fascinating a part of Costa Rican historical past and now holds up to date artwork from each visitor artists and Costa Rican artists.
It’s open each day besides Monday, and admission is free to the general public.
Attend the La Feria Verde
In case you occur to be on the town on a Saturday, don’t miss La Feria Verde, top-of-the-line issues to do in San Jose if you happen to’re an eco-conscious traveler.
This market is stuffed with sustainable crafts, produce, and different merchandise, making it an superior purchasing spot. You can even discover scrumptious and regionally sourced meals right here, making it one of the vital distinctive actions in San Jose, Costa Rica.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park
Costa Rica is thought for its nationwide park system, however in fact, that isn’t the one kind of park within the county. Whereas the outdated airport terminal of La Sabana Worldwide Airport at the moment homes the Museum of Costa Rican artwork, the remainder of the land surrounding La Sabana has been repurposed into La Sabana Metropolitan Park. La Sabana Park is a public house, and it’s a fantastic space to stroll, sit and take a breather between actions, or get in a recreation of soccer.
The park features a lake with a fountain and a number of other sports activities fields and likewise homes the nationwide stadium. It’s situated in downtown San Jose, and it gives a much-appreciated little bit of leisure inexperienced house in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
Plaza de la Cultura
The Plaza de la Cultura is the principle plaza in downtown San Jose, and it typically hosts demonstrations, performances, and celebrations. The plaza is the place you’ll discover the Nationwide Theatre, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and different historic buildings, and it’s an excellent place to sit down down, take a break, and get in a little bit of people-watching. In case you’re trying to get some lunch, it additionally has a number of cafes and eating places.
Additionally, if you happen to cease by the plaza on an abnormal day, then you possibly can doubtless see all that it has to supply in about twenty minutes. In case you cease by whereas an occasion is occurring, although, then the Plaza de la Cultura may be extremely enjoyable.
Take a Meals Tour
If you wish to discover San Jose on foot and get some good meals, then you definitely’ll most likely take pleasure in taking a meals tour. The San Jose Bites and Sights Strolling Tour is an efficient one.
Over the course of some hours, a information will lead you and your group by the streets of San Jose, providing insights into the native historical past and tradition. You’ll begin the strolling tour with some espresso from an area cafe, proceed to the market to attempt recent fruits and veggies and discover the streets as you attempt empanadas. On the finish, you’ll end out the tour with a cease at a espresso and chocolate store, the place you’ll discover ways to put together espresso and empanadas whereas having fun with a tamal.
Attempt a Espresso Tour
In case you love an excellent cup of espresso, then you definitely’ll doubtless take pleasure in a tour of the Cafe Britt Plantation. You possibly can be taught the historical past of Costa Rican espresso, and get firsthand data of how espresso beans are grown, harvested, roasted, and changed into the beverage that so many individuals on this planet know and love.
Together with this distinctive look behind the scenes of a espresso plantation, you’ll additionally get the prospect to browse the Britt manufacturing facility retailer, order a customized drink from their espresso bar, and revel in a buffet lunch on the plantation’s restaurant. It can take about 5 hours and value about $150. The worth could also be a bit steep for some, however you’ll get your cash’s price out of it.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
A day journey from San Jose to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens may be an extended day, however it can even be wonderful, so long as you’ve acquired some good strolling footwear for the mountain climbing trails.
You’ll get the prospect to hike by the rainforest, admire the sweetness you gained’t get to see anyplace else, and see the white water rivers and waterfalls up shut. You’ll additionally get the prospect to see the native wildlife of their pure habitat and see them at quite a lot of displays alongside the best way. There’s an aviary, a hummingbird backyard, and a jungle cat exhibit, amongst others. You gained’t even have to fret about lunch, as there shall be a buffet.
La Paz Waterfall in Alajuela
Go to a Butterfly Backyard
There’s nothing fairly as magical as a butterfly, and the Spirogyra Butterfly Backyard has over 30 species. It’s inside a ten-minute stroll of the middle of San Jose, and also you’re welcome to only sit again, calm down, or perhaps learn a e-book whereas surrounded by the fantastic thing about the butterflies at each stage of their lives and the vegetation that maintain them.
You don’t must exit of your manner, because the backyard is throughout the metropolis of San Jose, and a few of the paths go all the best way to the river. Nonetheless, guarantee you could have clear instructions, or maybe take a taxi. The doorway may be troublesome to identify if you happen to’re new to San Jose.
Go on a Craft Beer Tasting Tour
You probably have a number of hours free within the night and are considering a novel San Jose metropolis tour, why not attempt a beer-tasting tour from a beer connoisseur who’s additionally a San Jose native? Over three and a half hours, you’ll hit up 4 totally different pubs, getting a pattern of a unique craft beer at every pub. Whereas on the strolling tour, you’ll be taught what makes craft beer totally different from industrialized beer and what beer is, its primary elements, its manufacturing, and its historical past. You’ll even get some tips on correctly pairing beer with meals.
A full meal gained’t be supplied on the tour, however you gained’t have to fret about going hungry throughout the stroll. You’ll get to attempt varied Costa Rican appetizers on the totally different pubs. You’ll end the strolling tour at Craic Irish Pub, which can also be an excellent place to maintain the enjoyable of the night going.
Attempt Out a Chocolate Workshop
Whereas additionally it is a restaurant and sweet store, La Casa del Cacao gives an hour-long chocolate workshop. Over the course of an hour, a chocolate skilled will stroll you thru the method of turning cacao into chocolate, ranging from grinding the beans. The store is within the heart of San Jose, so it’s straightforward to get to. You probably have a spot between occasions that you just wish to fill, scheduling a chocolate workshop shall be an effective way to take action.
For chocolate lovers in search of issues to do in San Jose, Costa Rica, it is a nice option to take pleasure in high-quality chocolate whereas studying in regards to the course of.
Take a Day Journey to Braulio Carrillo Nationwide Park
Only a 45-minute drive north of San Jose, Braulio Carrillo Nationwide Park is a good vacation spot if it is advisable to get out of town for the day. One of many largest and most various of Costa Rica’s nationwide parks, Braulio Carrillo, is house to over 500 species of birds and 150 species of mammals. It’s adjoining to La Selva Organic Station, which hosts scientists who analysis and promote initiatives in conservation.
Braulio Carrillo Nationwide Park has some spectacular mountain climbing trails and sights, together with the Barva Volcano and San Fernando Waterfall. In case you’d slightly not try a difficult hike, there are aerial tram excursions on the japanese facet of the park that supply fantastic views of the rainforest cover.
The place to Keep in San José
Journey Inn
Situated a bit exterior town to the northwest, the Journey Inn is without doubt one of the finest locations to remain in San Jose, Costa Rica if you happen to’re in search of a little peace and quiet.
Throughout your keep, you’ll take pleasure in a stunning pool, connoisseur meals, and heat hospitality. The inn vegetation their very own native backyard tracks their vitality use, and composts meals waste, making it a TripAdvisor GreenLeader licensed property on the silver stage.
A resort concierge gives shuttles from San Jose to Arenal Volcano Nationwide Park in La Fortuna, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Poas Volcano Nationwide Park, and a number of other extra sights.
Photograph through
Journey Inn
Resort Aranjuez
Together with its affordability and nice location, this resort is probably the greenest resort in San Jose. They’re at the moment one of many only a few inns on the town with the GreenLeader Platinum Degree standing, utilizing rainwater harvesting, photo voltaic panels, and fully banning plastic on the property.
At Resort Aranjuez in San Jose, you’ll discover quirky decorations, a stunning solar deck, and a few critically scrumptious meals together with a breakfast buffet.
Photograph courtesy of
Resort Aranjuez Fb Web page
Costa Verde Inn
The Costa Verde Inn in San José is a good alternative if you happen to’re in search of extra of a guesthouse expertise. Lodging listed below are easy however charming. You’ll really feel such as you’re tucked into the jungle at this resort, offering the proper quantity of ambiance.
Overlooking Escazu from Costa Verde Inn
Room at Costa Verde Inn
Chillout Otoya Downtown
Chillout Otoya Downtown is a enjoyable and comfy resort simply a few miles from La Sabana park in San Jose. There’s a shared lounge and a restaurant, the Cafe Otoya. The rooms include personal bogs with showers and free toiletries. Non-smoking rooms can be found.
There may be free Wi-Fi and a free airport shuttle. It’s additionally inside strolling distance of quite a lot of eating places, parks, and native San Jose sights, together with the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the Museo de Los Niños.
City Inexperienced Resort & Suites
City Inexperienced Resort & Suites is a San Jose resort that’s good for energetic company. It has a health heart, a sauna, and a on line casino on the property, and it’s inside strolling distance of over a dozen eating places, native sights, and parks, together with San Jose’s Central Park and Teatro Nacional.
Rooms embrace personal bogs, a mini-bar, a security deposit field, and a flatscreen TV, amongst different facilities. An a la carte breakfast is accessible every morning, and room service is accessible for company.
Luz de Luna Boutique Resort
If you’re visiting San Jose, Luz de Luna Boutique Resort is a good resort if you wish to sit again and calm down after an extended day of exploring town. There’s a restaurant and a bar on the property, room service is accessible, and a backyard terrace. There’s free parking and free Wi-Fi, non-smoking rooms can be found, and there are services for disabled company.
The resort can also be inside lower than 50 ft of the eating places Puro Peru, Sofia, and Luna Roja. The resort has its personal journey company that may organize an tour to a nationwide park and suggest different issues to do. It’s straightforward to get dinner on the finish of an extended day after which name it an evening, and have the ability to calm down in model again on the resort.
Nativus Artwork-Hostel
Nativus Artwork-Hostel is a good place to remain in San Jose, Costa Rica, however it’s finest for individuals who don’t thoughts having a little bit of firm. Solely a few of the rooms have kitchens in them. For everybody else, there’s a shared kitchen. Nonetheless, there’s room service, free parking and free wi-fi, services for disabled company, a terrace, and lots of breakfast choices. If you wish to wind down on the finish of the day, you possibly can play darts with different company.
An airport shuttle is accessible, and the hostel is inside strolling distance of a number of parks, San Jose sights, and eating places.
Resort Villa Los Candiles
Resort Villa Los Candiles is a chic resort in San Jose, with many advantages. There’s a bistro, a bar, gardens, and a swimming pool. There are services for disabled company obtainable, choose rooms have kitchens, and there are bilingual workers members obtainable for many of the day. In case you’re trying to calm down, there’s a golf course inside a few miles of the resort.
There may be free wi-fi, free parking, and room service. It’s additionally inside a few miles of a number of parks, San Jose sights, and eating places. It’s just some miles from each the Tobias Bolanos Worldwide Airport and the Juan Santamaria Worldwide Airport.
It is a nice resort if you happen to’re in search of a quiet space, however nonetheless wish to be near San José, Costa Rica.
The place to Eat and Drink
Whereas there are numerous nice locations to eat and drink in downtown San José , Escazu is our favorite neighbourhood within the Costa Rican capital for eating. It’s essentially the most forward-thinking space in all the metropolis and consequently, yow will discover numerous vegan and vegetarian eating places right here to make your go to all of the extra sustainable.
Uncooked Co Juicery & Meals
It is a great spot to cease for a wholesome lunch or recent juice drink on a scorching day in San José. Uncooked Co Juicery & Meals has quite a lot of sandwiches, toasts, and superfood bowls to select from, together with espresso and baked items.
Photograph courtesy of
Uncooked co. Juicery & Meals Fb Web page
Árbol de Seda
Árbol de Seda is one other nice wholesome alternative for both lunch or dinner in San José. This restaurant is largely vegetarian and may be vegan upon request. They serve a mixture of dishes from Latin America and fusion delicacies.
Mirador Tiquicia
For dinner with a view, head to Mirador Tiquicia, an upscale restaurant on a hill overlooking downtown San Jose, Costa Rica. With a lengthy record of cocktails and conventional Costa Rican dishes, this restaurant is each genuine and fashionable.
Additionally they recurrently host performances on weekend nights, making a go to to this restaurant top-of-the-line issues to do in San José, Costa Rica.
Photograph courtesy of Mirador Tiquicia
Cocina Eclectica
This quirky restaurant is definitely much more like the lounge of a Costa Rica native. Joanna Stein calls this place house and opens up her doorways to guests to attempt her recent, home made cooking and infrequently customizes dishes to her company’ wishes.
For a really distinctive meals expertise, don’t miss the Cocina Eclectica whereas in San José.
Maxi’s By Ricky
In case you’re in search of genuine Caribbean meals, head to Maxi’s By Ricky in San José. Though slightly manner out of town heart, it’s definitely worth the journey for the wonderful rondón soup and different conventional dishes.
Photograph courtesy of Maxi’s by
Ricky Fb Web page
Mantras Veggie Cafe and Tea Home
As one of many finest vegetarian eating places in all of San José, Mantras serves up soups, salads, pasta, and extra, all fully meat free. Along with their common choices, in addition they have an ideal weekend brunch.
Cafe Rojo
With nice meals and affordable costs, Cafe Rojo is ranked quantity three of San Jose, Costa Rica’s eating places. They’re a wholesome cafe serving Asian and fusion dishes and low, within the central San Jose. They’re open for lunch and dinner, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Apotecario
In case you’re in search of an excellent drink in San Jose, then Apotecario can assist you. It’s a family-owned pub serving a number of totally different locally-produced brews and Costa Rican meals. They’re open for lunch and dinner and supply vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices on the menu.
Restaurante Silvestre
In case you’re in search of a option to really make a meal an expertise in San Jose, then Restaurante Silvestre is the correct alternative for you. The costs are a bit steep, however they’ve earned the worth tag, as they’re Michelin starred. They’re solely open for dinner, and so they have a full bar. They serve dishes from throughout Central America, together with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
How A lot Time do you Want in San José?
San Jose shouldn’t be an enormous metropolis and is simply digestible in a few days. To correctly expertise San Jose and see all the principle highlights, we suggest between 1-3 days.
Nonetheless, there are a selection of day journeys and San José, Costa Rica actions that you just may wish to attempt. For instance, a visit to the Waterfall Park and Wildlife Sanctuary or a Rafting Journey Tour on the Sarapiqui River will take extra of your time. If you wish to do a few of these day journeys, give your self nearer to five days within the metropolis.
Streets of San Jose, Costa Rica
A Observe About Security
San José is unfortunately not identified for being a very secure metropolis. Throughout the day, town is usually crowded and pickpocketing is sort of widespread, particularly in touristy areas. It may be particularly harmful in downtown San Jose at night time, so keep away from strolling at midnight if potential.
That being stated, you possibly can decrease your threat if you happen to train warning and use widespread sense. With so many locations to go to in San José, Costa Rica, it could be a disgrace to overlook them in lieu of the remainder of the nation. Having been a number of occasions, we nonetheless extremely suggest a visit to San José and hope you add it to your Costa Rica itinerary as nicely.
Have you ever ever been to Costa Rica? Did you go to the cities or the rainforests?