Costa Rica

Popular Things to Do and See in San Jose (Costa Rica)

San Jose is the national capital city of Costa Rica. It is one of the most important Latin American cities. The city is known for its varied history, rich culture, great food and happening lifestyle. It is also home to some of the finest works of architecture in Latin America. There are also numerous natural places to visit in San Jose where one can enjoy outdoor activities. Most well known natural San Jose attractions include Arenal Volcano and Tapanti National Park. These places are popular for outdoor and fun things to do in San Jose like hiking, camping and river rafting.

The city is also home to some of the largest museums and famous art galleries in Costa Rica. The nation’s national museum is among top things to see in San Jose. The museum is among top San Jose tourist attractions for the exhaustive number of artifacts exhibited here. Museums of Pre-Columbian Gold and Jade Museum are also well known for their exhaustive collections. Both of these museums hold superlative position in Costa Rica for terms of artifacts and collections. You will come across several best attractions of Costa Rica during San Jose sightseeing. The museum of Costa Rican Art is also among the best places to go in San Jose for those who practice, understand or admire art. It also gives great insight into the culture of the region and its people. You can check our top picks for places to see in San Jose in the section below. We have also prepared an exhaustive list of almost all the places to visit and things to do in San Jose, which is further divided into categories.

This Blog Post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything from that link then I may earn small part of commission and for that you do not need to pay any extra amount.

The Best 10 Tourist Places to Visit in San Jose, Costa Rica

1. National Theatre of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica)

This National Theatre was built in 1897 with an elegant European design and architecture. The interior design of the theater is one of the most lavish things to see in San Jose. You will see many ornate European elements like elaborate paintings, marble sculptures, regal furniture and so on. You will need about an hour to explore the architecture and interior of the National Theatre of Costa Rica.

National Theatre of Costa Rica

2. Arenal Volcano

This volcano is not only among top San Jose attractions, but also among top attractions in all of Costa Rica. You will need to take a 3 hour drive to reach this Volcano. There are also natural hot springs near the volcano which you can explore among places to see in San Jose. There are also many outdoor activities and hike trails which can be explored along with other fun things to do in San Jose. All in all you would need about a days time from San Jose travel to enjoy the Arenal Volcano.

I suggest you must Book a Full Day Guided Tour of Arenal Volcano in advance.

Arenal Volcano

3. National Museum of Costa Rica (Museo Nacional de Costa Rica)

The National Museum is one of the most important places to visit in San Jose. This museum gives you an insight into how civilization developed and evolved in the region. Not only do you learn about the history of Costa Rica, but also about the culture and traditions of the various people who lived here over the years. None of the other San Jose tourist attractions give such deep insight about the nation as this museum. You will need at least 2 hours to explore this museum.

National Museum of Costa Rica

4. Jade Museum (Museo del Jade)

The Jade Museum is one of the most interesting places to go in San Jose. This museum holds the largest collection of pre-columbian jade artifacts in the world. You would need at least an hour to explore this museum when you visit San Jose, Costa Rica.

Jade Museum

5. Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Precolombino)

This museum exhibits a variety of gold items from the pre-columbian period. The collection of artifacts here is largest of its kind in Latin America. This is again an important aspect of Pre-Columbian culture to explore during San Jose sightseeing. You will need at least an hour to explore this museum.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

6. Museum of Costa Rican Art (Museo de Arte Constarricense)

This museum exhibits the finest and largest collection of Costa Rican art in the country. It is among the best things to do in San Jose for artists and those who admire art. The museum is spread indoors and outdoors exhibiting sculptures, artifacts, paintings, photographs, engravings and more. You would need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

Museum of Costa Rican Art

7. Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose

The church is one of the most beautiful places to visit in San Jose. The interior of this church features wood carvings, stained glass windows and many other decorative elements. The figure of Christ in the church dates back to the 17th century. You will need at least 30 minutes to explore this church.

Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose

8. Iglesia de la Merced

This church is known for its gothic style architecture and is among the interesting things to see in San Jose. You would need 30 minutes to explore this church as well.

Iglesia de la Merced

9. Central Market

If shopping is one your list of fun things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica then this market would be perfect for you. You can get a huge variety of local items, but be prepared to bargain for the price. You would need about an hour in this market.

Central Market

10. Orosi River Valley (El Valle del Rio Orosi)

This river valley is great for exploring nature and enjoying some outdoor activities when you visit San Jose. One of the biggest attractions of this river valley is white water rafting. You would need at least half a day for the valley and to enjoy some of the best things to do in San Jose as far as outdoor adventures are concerned.

I suggest you should book a Day Trip to Orosi Valley with Irazu Volcano National Park.

Orosi River Valley

Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in San Jose

  1. Museo del Jade
  2. National Museum of Costa Rica
  3. Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
  4. Children’s Museum
  5. Museum of Costa Rican Art
  6. Natural Science Museum La Salle
  7. Costa Rican Center of Science & Culture
  8. Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose
  9. Historical Museum of Dr Rafael Angel Calderon
  10. Galeria Namu
  11. The Yellow House
  12. Iglesia de la Merced
  13. CENAC
  14. Iglesia de la Soledad
  15. Museu de Insectos
  16. Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaria
  17. Fortina de Heredia
  18. Museum of Popular Cultural
  19. Cathedral of Alajuela
  20. Edificio Correos
  21. Church Vazquez de Coronado
  22. Church of the Holy Christ of Agony
  23. Granja Burros de Portal
  24. National Theatre of Costa Rica
  25. Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
  26. Casa Amarilla

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in San Jose

  1. Arenal Volcano
  2. Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
  3. Centro de Conservacion de Santa Ana
  4. Cruz de Alajuelita
  5. Cerro Pico Alto
  6. Fossil Land
  7. Cerro Rabo de Mico
  8. Cerro Cedral
  9. Ark Herb Farm
  10. La Fortuna Waterfall
  11. Hot Springs
  12. Orosi River Valley
  13. Tapanti National Park

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in San Jose

  1. Parque la Sabana
  2. Parque Diversiones
  3. MADC
  4. Importadora Monge
  5. Parque Nacional Simon Bolivar
  6. Parque Central San Jose
  7. Parque Diversiones
  8. Bocaraca
  9. Casino Club Colonial
  10. Casino Fiesta Heredia
  11. Grand Casino Escazu
  12. El Sapo y La Culebra
  13. Ara Project
  14. Balneario Ojo de Agua

Shopping in San Jose

  1. San Jose Central Market
  2. Mercado Borbon
  3. Feria Verde
  4. La Casona
  5. Plaza Real Cariari
  6. San Pedro Mall
  7. Multiplaza Mall
  8. Avenida Escazu
  9. Avenida Central
  10. Caballo Loco Boutique
  11. Galeria Namu
  12. National Craft Market

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in San Jose

  1. Hiking
  2. Trekking
  3. River Rafting

Sightseeing in San Jose

  1. Plaza de la Cultura
  2. Plaza de la Democracia
  3. Parque de la Paz
  4. Parque Espana
  5. Parque Morazan y Templo de la Musica
  6. Okayama Park
  7. Plaza Gonzalez Viquez
  8. Parque Nacional
  9. Plaza Juan Mora Fernandez
  10. Estatua de Leon Cortes
  11. Central Avenue
  12. Hispanity Fountain
  13. John F Kennedy Park
  14. Campus Omar Dengo Garden
  15. La Divina Comida
  16. Itarar Ecological Park
  17. Juan Santamaria Park
  18. General Tomas Guardia Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in San Jose

  1. Park Cafe
  2. L’lle de France
  3. Cafe de los Deseos
  4. Raw co Juicery
  5. Drano de Oro
  6. Furca
  7. Andiamo La
  8. La Empanada
  9. Kalu
  10. Soda Tala
  11. La Divina Comida
  12. La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora
  13. La Esquina de Buenos Aires
  14. La Vasconia
  15. La Bodeguita del Medio
  16. Silvestre
  17. Le Chandelier
  18. Sikwa
  19. Freddo Fresas
  20. Al Mercat
  21. Chubascos
  22. Cafe de los Deseos
  23. Bacchus
  24. Chelles
  25. Maxi by Ricky
  26. Mantras Cafe
  27. Gallo Rojo
  28. Olio

Where to Stay in San José?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in San José. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in San José.

Luxurious Hotels

  1. Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
  2. Adventure Inn
  3. Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana
  4. Hotel Presidente
  5. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose – Costa Rica
  6. Hotel Grano de Oro
  7. Crowne Plaza San Jose Corobici Conf. Center
  8. Hilton San Jose La Sabana
  9. Park Inn by Radisson San Jose, Costa Rica
  10. Holiday Inn San Jose-Aurola
  11. Taormina Hotel and Casino
  12. Hotel Parque del Lago

Mid-Range Hotels

  1. La Sabana Hotel Suites Apartments
  2. Hotel Barcelo San Jose
  3. Santo Tomas Hotel & Wellness Center
  4. Best Western Plus San Jose
  5. Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas
  6. Irazu Hotel & Studios
  7. Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica
  8. Balmoral Hotel
  9. Isla Verde Hotel
  10. Apartotel Suites Cristina
  11. Hotel Dunn Inn
  12. Casa Conde Hotel & Suites

Budget Hotels

  1. Hotel Aranjuez
  2. Hotel Casa 69
  3. Hotel Fleur de Lys
  4. Colours Oasis Resort
  5. Costa Rica Guesthouse
  6. Hostel Casa Colon
  7. Hotel Casa Leon
  8. Selina San Jose
  9. Hotel Novo
  10. Gaudys Eco Hotel
  11. Capital Boutique Hostel
  12. Casa Aldea

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in San José

How to Reach San Jose?

By Air

The easiest option for San Jose travel is Juan Santamaria International Airport, situated about 17 kms away from the city center. The airport receives direct flights from Mexico City, Toronto, Paris, Panama City, Montreal, Los Angeles, Bogota, Guatemala, San Salvador, London, Zurich, Madrid, New York, Amsterdam, Lima, Frankfurt, Orlando, Chicago, Washington DC, and many more. You can get buses and cabs to reach all the places to visit in San Jose from the airport.

By Road

You can buses to visit San Jose from several cities from cities of neighboring countries. There are regular buses running from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua. Similarly, there are several trains running between several cities and connecting to San Jose.

By Water

Being a landlocked city, there are no direct water routes for San Jose travel.


Image Reference

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *