San José

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Pedestrians walking in a busy San Jose shopping district.

©Luis Alvarado Alvarado/Shutterstock

Overview

While it's tempting to make a beeline for Costa Rica's luscious countryside, take some time to get to know San José, Costa Rica's humming capital city. Wander historic neighborhoods such as Barrio Amón, where historic buildings have been converted into contemporary art galleries, and Barrio Escalante, the city's gastronomic epicenter. Stroll with Saturday shoppers at the farmers market, join the Sunday crowds in Parque La Sabana, dance the night away to live music at one of the city's vibrant clubs, or visit the museums of gold, jade, art and natural history, and you'll begin to understand the multidimensional appeal of Costa Rica's largest city and cultural capital.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Teatro Nacional
San José
On the southern side of the Plaza de la Cultura resides the Teatro Nacional, San José’s most revered building. Constructed in 1897, it features a columned…
Museo del Jade
San José
This museum houses the world’s largest collection of American jade (pronounced ‘ha-day’ in Spanish), with an ample exhibition space of five floors…
Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática
San José
This three-in-one museum houses an extensive collection of Costa Rica's most priceless pieces of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including…
Mercado Central
San José
Though josefinos mainly do their shopping at chain supermarkets, San José’s crowded indoor markets retain an old-world, authentic feel. This main market,…
Parque Nacional
San José
One of San José’s nicest green spaces, this shady spot lures retirees to read newspapers and young couples to smooch coyly on concrete benches. At its…
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica
San José
Entered via a beautiful glassed-in atrium housing an exotic butterfly garden, this museum provides a quick survey of Costa Rican history. Exhibits of pre…
Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar
San José
It may seem ironic to visit a zoo in one of the most biologically rich countries in the world, but this is a popular spot with local families who pour in…
Catedral Metropolitana
San José
East of Parque Central, the Renaissance-style Catedral Metropolitana was built in 1871 after the previous cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake. The…

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02 / Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

San José isn't just the gateway to Costa Rica, it's got a wealth of culture and nightlife options on offer. These are the top things to do in the capital.

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Best Time to Visit

Choose the best time for your visit to San José, Costa Rica, with this guide to what's happening through the year.

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Transportation

The capital of Costa Rica can be confusing and difficult to navigate, but it's always an adventure. Here's how to get around.

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Free Things to Do

Visiting Costa Rica’s capital won't break the bank if you know where to go. We've got the intel on the best free things to do in San José.

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Best Neighborhoods

San José has changed a lot since 1821, when it was dubbed the new capital of Costa Rica. Get to know the city with this guide to its neighborhoods.