San Jose

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Top 10 attractions in San Jose

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National Museum of Costa Rica
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Museum of Costa Rica

6.1
5.0/5
6 reviews
National Museum of Costa Rica is located in the heart of San Jose, next to Plaza de la Democracia. The yellow fortress-like building is a piece of history in itself: the outer walls still bear bullet marks from the 1948 civil war. On December 1 of that same year, José Figueres Ferrer famously swung a sledgehammer against the western wall of the barracks to announce the abolition of the army. Later, the barracks were officially converted into a museum, transforming from a military fortress into a cultural space. The visit begins at the butterfly garden near the entrance. The central courtyard displays several Diquis stone spheres; these perfectly round prehistoric stone spheres are highly recognizable artifacts of Costa Rica, and their discovery sites were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2014. The museum's exhibitions follow a chronological timeline: the Pre-Columbian hall uses hundreds of artifacts, such as pottery, jade carvings, and grinding stones, to tell the story of the life and beliefs of the inhabitants before the arrival of the Spanish; the Gold Hall displays animal-shaped gold ornaments and miniature shaman figures; the Colonial and Republican History halls use old photographs and artifacts to show how coffee, bananas, and the railway changed the country; in the exhibition area converted from old prison cells, graffiti carved by prisoners in the 1930s and 1940s still remains on the walls. After viewing the exhibitions, you might want to head to the second-floor terrace and the central courtyard to overlook downtown San Jose.San Jose · 1.3 km from downtown
National Theater of Costa Rica
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Theater of Costa Rica

5.9
4.9/5
8 reviews
National Theater of Costa Rica is a Neoclassical-style theater. Its opening performance was Gounod's opera "Faust". Construction funds mainly came from taxes levied on coffee exports at the time, and this theater, born from the coffee trade, embodies the memories of Costa Rica's golden age of coffee. The theater has an elegant exterior, with statues of playwright Calderón de la Barca and composer Beethoven standing on the main facade, while the three sculptures on the roof symbolize dance, music, and fame, respectively. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior: marble staircases with gold decorations, crystal chandeliers, exquisite sculptures, and 19th-century-style furniture can be found throughout the halls, and the auditorium can accommodate 1,140 seats. The ceiling mural "Allegory of Coffee and Bananas" was painted by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa and depicts the scene of coffee and banana cultivation and export at that time. This painting was once printed on the Costa Rican 5-colón banknote. The theater remains an active performance venue today, with groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra performing here year-round. The theater is located right next to the Plaza de la Cultura, and downtown attractions such as theGold Museumare within walking distance.San Jose · 860m from downtown
Central Avenue

Central Avenue

4.4
Central Avenue is a vibrant area in the capital, San Jose, that attracts both tourists and locals. The avenue is lined with various shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it an ideal place to experience city life. Street performers and vendors here add to the rich local atmosphere, where visitors can purchase handicrafts and souvenirs. Central Avenue is also a great place for cultural exploration, with several museums and historical buildings along the way, such as the National Theater of Costa Rica and the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica. Visitors can stop at these locations to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and art. This avenue is easily accessible and perfect for exploring on foot. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes. The cafes on Central Avenue serve authentic Costa Rican coffee, making them great places to rest and savor local flavors.San Jose · 1.8 km from downtown
Parque Diversiones

Parque Diversiones

4.2
Parque Diversiones is a theme park in San Jose and one of the largest entertainment and leisure venues in the country. It is located near the city center, covers a large area, and offers a wide variety of entertainment facilities and activities, suitable for visitors of all ages.San Jose · 6.3 km from downtown
La Sabana Metropolitan Park

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

4.2
5.0/5
1 reviews
La Sabana Metropolitan Park is located in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, and is known as the green lung of San Jose. The park features trails suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling, and offers a pleasant environment shaded by trees. There is also a large artificial lake in the park where visitors can picnic or relax by the water. For sports enthusiasts, the park provides soccer fields, tennis courts, and basketball courts, where friendly matches often take place. On weekends, the park often hosts cultural events and markets, showcasing local handicrafts and food, which adds to the enjoyment of the visit. In addition, the park has a children's play area, making it suitable for families. Whether for a morning workout or an afternoon stroll, this is an ideal destination. The park's convenient location and rich activities make it an indispensable part of city life, attracting all kinds of people to experience it. It is not only a paradise for sports enthusiasts but also a haven for culture lovers, attracting countless visitors throughout the year.San Jose · 2.6 km from downtown
Plaza de la Cultura

Plaza de la Cultura

4.2
Plaza de la Cultura is the shining cultural heart of the city of San Jose, holding an irreplaceable role in the local cultural fabric and residents' lives. It occupies a prime location in San Jose's lively city center, surrounded by many landmark buildings that lend it a distinctive charm. With deep historical roots, it has been the city's focal point for cultural events and social life since it was built, witnessing countless important moments and carrying the collective memory of the people of Costa Rica. Stepping into the plaza, the open space feels immediately uplifting. The ground is paved with carefully laid stone, and walking across it you can feel the weight of history. The surrounding amenities are well developed. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and specialty shops line the plaza's perimeter. Plaza de la Cultura serves as a window through which people can gain a deeper appreciation of Costa Rica's history, artistic appeal, and local customs.San Jose · 899m from downtown
Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph of Costa Rica

Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Joseph of Costa Rica

4.2
The Cathedral of San Jose is a religious building with a long history and great cultural significance. This church combines neoclassical and baroque styles, and its appearance is solemn and elegant. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated, and the stained glass windows and exquisite wood carvings attract many tourists and believers to visit. As one of the landmarks in downtown San Jose, the Cathedral of San Jose is not only the center of religious activities, but also a window to understand local history and culture. Visitors can feel the tranquil atmosphere here and appreciate the details and works of art of the architecture. The church regularly holds masses and concerts, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the local religious culture. The Cathedral of San Jose is strategically located, with many bus lines passing by, making it convenient for tourists to arrive. There are also many cafes and restaurants nearby, where tourists can enjoy local cuisine after the visit. Whether you are an architecture lover or a cultural explorer, the Cathedral of San Jose is a place worth visiting, adding rich cultural connotations to the journey.San Jose · 714m from downtown
Costa Rica National Stadium

Costa Rica National Stadium

3.9
National Stadium Of Costa Rica is located in La Sabana Park and is a multi-purpose stadium.San Jose · 3 km from downtown
Children's Museum

Children's Museum

3.6
This museum is perfect for families and children. It is dedicated to providing fun and educational experiences for children, helping them learn about various subjects.San Jose · 1.6 km from downtown
Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

3.5
Braulio Carrillo National Park attracts visitors with its rich biodiversity and magnificent rainforest landscapes. Covering an area of ​​approximately 475 square kilometers, the park includes mountains, rivers and waterfalls, providing visitors with a variety of adventure experiences. Hiking is a great way to explore the park, and there are many trails in the park to suit visitors of all fitness levels. The Las Palmas trail is a popular one, along which you can see lush vegetation and abundant wildlife, including birds, monkeys and insects. The Barva Volcano within the park is a worthwhile attraction, and visitors can enjoy spectacular views near the crater. It is recommended to bring waterproof equipment and comfortable hiking shoes to cope with changeable weather and slippery surfaces. It is recommended to plan your trip in advance and bring enough water and food to have a good day in the park. Whether you drive or hike, Braulio Carrillo National Park provides an unforgettable natural experience.San Jose · 748m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in San Jose

Featured Day tours in San Jose

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2 Hour Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Playas del Coco
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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Palo Verde Boat Tours, Ortega
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4.9/5
· 279 reviews
Duration: 190 mins
English
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98.2% of travelers recommend
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Tortuga Island Full Day Tour from San José with Lunch
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4.5/5
· 266 reviews
Duration: 12–18 hrs
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Costa Rica San Jose Tortuga Island Join-in Tour with Meals (Minimum 1 Person)
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Full-day 1-day tour to Tortuga Island from San Jose, Costa Rica
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Duration: 9 hrs
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Featured Cultural experiences in San Jose

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Britt Coffee Tour from San José
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4.7/5
· 27 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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BarCrawl in Downtown San Jose
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Duration: 3 hrs
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San José by Night: Food, Drinks & Local Culture Tour
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Duration: 4 hrs
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San José Exclusive Bar Pub Crawl with Drinks and Club Entrys
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San José Highlights Audio Tour: Cultural Treasures and Historical Landmarks
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffe Tour
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4.9/5
· 2.5k reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcane Tour La Fortuna
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Duration: 90 mins
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Punta Arenas Audio Tour: City Wonders
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Duration: 45 mins
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Featured Food & drink in San Jose

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2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara
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5.0/5
· 66 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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66 consecutive positive reviews
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San Jose: Cacao & Chocolate Workshop
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
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5% off
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San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets
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4.9/5
· 912 reviews
Duration: 210 mins
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Coffee Farm tour, Poas Volcano Park and La Paz Waterfall
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Between Wheels and Flavors of San Jose
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Duration: 3 hrs
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San José: Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall & Coffee Tasting
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4.7/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 1 day
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Poas Coffee tour, La Paz Waterfall and Poas Volcano
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 10 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in San Jose

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Costa Rica San Jose: Manuel Antonio National Park 1-day tour
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Rafting Pacuare River One Day from Turrialba
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4.9/5
· 181 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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San Jose Walking Nature Tour: Sloths, Birds and Trees
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4.9/5
· 900 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
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1-day tour in Costa Rica - Poas volcano + Doka coffee estate + La Paz waterfall
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More things to do

What travelers say about San Jose

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099***50August 14, 2022
5.0
The overall environment is good, the facilities are complete, and it also meets the epidemic prevention standards. It's good

National Museum of Costa Rica

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5ODecember 1, 2025
5.0
Stepping into the marble hall of the Costa Rica National Theatre, I was immediately struck by the mural "A Harvest of Coffee and Bananas" on the ceiling—the smiles of the peasant women carrying fruit baskets on their heads made even the gilded crystal chandeliers seem humble. I discreetly touched the cracks in the red velvet seats; the pine frame from 1877 had been deliberately preserved during the renovation. During intermission, I slipped onto the terrace to watch a street performer dance reggae under the theatre's archway, his radio static clashing with the Mozart melodies drifting from inside the hall, echoing between the colonial-era columns. Most unforgettable was discovering a secret hidden in the orchestra pit floor: the conductor had each musician carve their initials, and a century later, those letters remained clear under the lights, like lingering echoes yet to be played.

National Theater of Costa Rica

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Gavin-BeijingFebruary 8, 2020
5.0
A beautiful and practical national park, next to the National Stadium built with Chinese aid, many people exercise in Savannah Park every day, playing football, running, playing tennis, roller skating, etc. Once I saw a group of people practicing acrobatics here. It is even more lively on weekends. Many people drive to the park for leisure, and all the catering vendors are out. The park is crowded and lively! There is a pond in the park with hundreds of red-billed ducks. There were only more than 20 six months ago. The environment is good and the animals reproduce quickly! The most interesting thing in the park is the squirrels. Living nearby, I have the opportunity to feed the squirrels and have the honor of seeing the various expressions and demeanors of the squirrels! If the ecology in Chinese parks is also so good, it would be great!!!

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in San Jose?

Don't miss these attractions in San Jose: National Museum of Costa Rica, National Theater of Costa Rica, and Central Avenue. If you like Day tours, try 2 Hour Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Playas del Coco. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Britt Coffee Tour from San José.

You can give 2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara and San Jose: Cacao & Chocolate Workshop a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 2 Hour Coffee & Chocolate Tour in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica San Jose round-trip Arenal volcano rainforest hot spring 1-day tour, and Palo Verde Boat Tours, Ortega. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 25, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in San Jose is around BHD 15.09 – BHD 117.34. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

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