As the capital of Costa Rica, there are plenty of things to do in San Jose. As well as being the country’s largest city, one of its most striking features is its architectural mix of historic and modern buildings.
You will be able to stroll through the old town and discover its many attractions and monuments, as well as its beautiful streets and avenues. Get to know the Latin charm of its different neighbourhoods, as well as learn more about its history and culture in the various museums. Once you’ve finished exploring the city, you can head out into the surrounding area to discover some of the most beautiful spots in the country. You won’t regret it!
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Things to see in San Jose Costa Rica
Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral is the most important church in Costa Rica. Construction began in 1825, and its beautiful facade mixes neoclassical, baroque and Greek style that makes it really striking. It is considered one of the most symbolic buildings in the city.
This variety of architectural styles is mostly due to its numerous alterations due to the damage caused by earthquakes. Once there, you can admire its facade, as well as a statue in honour of John Paul II. You can also visit the interior of the cathedral, where you will find Hoffman’s tombs and can admire its beautiful stained glass windows and mosaics. Not to be missed.
Central Park of San Jose Costa Rica
Parque Central is the oldest public space in San José. As well as being the most central point in the city, it is a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike. Here you will find a large garden square where you can take a pleasant stroll.
This beautiful green area is full of palm trees, creating an inviting environment for you to stroll through the park. You will also have the opportunity to see a large flock of parrots. During your visit you will find the symbolic music pavilion and the Carmen Lyra Library, a place especially dedicated to children. One of the best things to do in San Jose Costa Rica.
National Theatre of San Jose Costa Rica
The National Theatre is one of the best places to visit in San Jose Costa Rica. This building has enormous historical and cultural value, being one of the most symbolic sites of the city.
You will be amazed by its slender exterior and beautiful architecture, as well as its interior. Discover the inside on a guided tour, where you will discover its various artistic performances, from plays to musicals. You can also choose to visit its document management centre, or the rooms where the works of the famous Enrique Echandi and José Luis López Escarré are exhibited. If you want to have a different kind of afternoon, this is the place to visit!
See the Plaza de Cultura
The Plaza de la Cultura is one of the most iconic places to see in San Jose, as well as being a meeting place for most Costa Ricans. This square is especially beautiful because of its striking buildings and its atmosphere.
This square, located just off the famous Central Avenue, was built between 1975 and 1983. You can enjoy a pleasant stroll around it and enjoy the atmosphere made up of live music and the smell of freshly brewed coffee from the cafes. In addition, you can find some of the most famous buildings of the city, such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum or the National Theatre. Be sure not to miss it.
Mercado Central of San Jose Costa Rica
One of the best things to do in San Jose Costa Rica is to visit the beautiful Mercado Central. Being one of the busiest spots in the whole city, there you can experience the real essence of San José, and see the authentic daily life of the locals.
Inside you can stroll around and see the different stalls, each one dedicated to a different type of food. You can get meat or fish to some of the most exotic fruits, as well as ready-made dishes from the famous sodas, which are little food stalls. Let yourself be carried away by the mixture of aromas and the frenetic rhythm of the market, where you will undoubtedly feel like a local. You will love it!
Avenida Central
Avenida Central is, without a doubt, the busiest and most visited avenue in San Jose. You can stroll along this street and enjoy its liveliness and commercial atmosphere, as well as its economic and cultural value.
In addition to finding numerous clothing and souvenir shops, you can visit one of the most iconic places in the city: the Central Bank. Next, you can take a stroll through the Plaza de la Cultura, where you will find the monumental National Theatre, and the Plaza de los Presentes. This avenue is also characterised by the beautiful colours of its buildings and gardens. It will become one of your favourite things to do in San Jose Costa Rica.
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden is, as its name suggests, a beautiful garden where you can find an infinite number of butterflies in a natural setting. It is one of the leafiest spots in the city of San José, and is located near the Simón Bolivar Zoo.
This garden is dedicated specifically to the breeding of butterflies, preserving and caring for this beautiful species. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale as you wander through one of the most beautiful natural spots in all of Costa Rica. It can be the ideal way to spend a morning, especially if you are travelling with children.
Amón Neighbourhood
Barrio Amón is one of the most historic areas to visit in San Jose Costa Rica. In addition to having some of the most important monuments of the city, in this neighbourhood you can enjoy a unique colonial style and complete safety.
The streets of this area exude an elegance that is unparalleled in the whole city, as well as harbouring history in each of its corners. Its buildings and houses have a high architectural value and a neo-Victorian style, some dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. During your walk through this area, you will probably come across some ceramic murals, which represent certain traditional scenes of the country. On the other hand, you will also see some of the most important buildings in the area, such as the Castillo del Moro, the Casa Verde or the Hotel Don Carlos.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around San Jose Costa Rica
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is one of the most beautiful natural sites in the country. Located in the province of Limón, the park is about 260 kilometres from the city of San Jose. Although the journey to the park can be long and complicated, it is definitely worth it.
This impressive tropical forest is mainly made up of canals and an abundance of vegetation surrounding them. The characteristic climate of this park is humid and rainy, so it is important to be well prepared. You can enjoy a myriad of excursions ranging from safaris, boat rides along the canals or a tour of the many nature trails. And, of course, you’ll have the chance to meet the turtles that are the park’s namesake. Quite the adventure!
Cartago
Cartago is a beautiful city located in the middle of an amazing mountainous environment, in the Talamanca mountain range. It was the first capital of Costa Rica, but was later succeeded by San Jose.
During your visit you can discover its different landmarks and symbolic buildings, including the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, the Municipal Museum and the Ruins of Cartago. In addition, in the surrounding area you will find stunning natural landscapes that will make your trip to this city a totally unique experience. If you want to find out more, read our post: Things to do in Cartago Costa Rica.
Poás Volcano
Poás Volcano is a must-see if you’re travelling to San Jose. Located just 50 kilometres from the city, this volcano is one of the most important national parks in the country.
Covering an area of up to 65 square kilometres, this park surrounds the enormous volcano, which is 2,700 metres high. It has an impressive crater up to 300 metres deep and one kilometre in diameter, offering a truly impressive sight. In fact, it is considered the largest geyser-like crater in the world. This volcano is still active, although it has been dormant for quite some time, so it is safe to visit. On your excursion you will enjoy breathtaking scenery, surrounded by different types of ecosystems and a wide range of animal species.
What to see in San Jose Costa Rica in 2 days?
- Admire the Metropolitan Cathedral
- Visit the National Theatre
- Go down the Avenida Central
- Escape to the Poás Volcano
- Go to the Mercado Central
What to see in San Jose Costa Rica in 4 days?
- Walk through the Amón Neighbourhood
- Visit Tortuguero National Park
- Discover the Plaza de la Cultura
- Wander around the Central Park
- Enjoy the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
- Escape to Cartago
Tips for a trip to San Jose Costa Rica
- Bring enough summer clothes as temperatures are usually high.
- Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for your excursions.
- Bring sunscreen, the days are very sunny.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to San Jose Costa Rica
To get to Poás Volcano from San Jose, you must go by car. You have to take the General Cañas highway and get to Alajuela. Once there, take route 721 and follow the signs that will take you directly to the volcano.
The best time to travel to San Jose is from February to April, as the weather is dry and sunny, allowing you to enjoy both the city and the natural surroundings.
To get to Tortuguero National Park, you must first drive to the Tortuguero docks and park your car in one of the car parks. From there, you will have to continue by boat to get to know the park in depth. You can book different excursions.
An adult ticket costs about $7.00, equivalent to about €5.85. A children’s ticket costs $5, equivalent to €4.18.
How to plan the things to do in San Jose Costa Rica?
Along with referring to this blog post, you can find more suggestions on the Passporter website. There you will find a wide variety of ideas and inspiration on what to see and what to do in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Thanks to the app, you can order your selection in order of preference and organise your routes through this beautiful province. If you don’t have the Passporter app yet, download it and use it to organise your next trips.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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