The city of San José, capital of Costa Rica, is one of the world’s fast-rising tourist destinations. The city serves as Costa Rica’s cultural epicentre and is home to dozens of art galleries, performance venues, and restaurants that celebrate the country’s rich legacy. The city isn’t a major metropolis, but it has everything you may want to fulfil your vacation fantasies. Join ViewCation as we tour through the best thing to do in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Visit The National Theater of Costa Rica.
Visiting The National Theater in San Jose is a must for any tourist. It is one of the city’s most prestigious landmarks and features beautiful European-style architecture. The National Theater opened its doors in 1897 and once served as the primary selling feature to entice wealthy tourists to the city and nation. Visitors to Costa Rica can now spend their time exploring the theatre and learning about the country’s history for only a small fee. The marble sculptures and other works of art in the foyer will take your breath away. Visit this wonderful symbol of national pride with the assistance of a knowledgeable guide and take advantage of the on-site cafe and souvenir shop after your tour.
Spend some time at Parque Metropolitano La Sabana.
In San José, this massive park is sometimes referred to as “the lungs of the city.” It’s a nice place for visitors to take a stroll or have a picnic and a popular place for locals to get some exercise and fresh air. It’s in the heart of San José, and it’s sometimes compared to New York’s Central Park. It’s a terrific area to people-watch on the weekend and take in some green space right in the heart of the city, despite the crowds.
Spend some time at the Central Market.
A visit to the San Jose Central Market is a must for any tourist in the area. The energy of traditional marketplaces is refreshing regardless of the time of day. It’s entertaining to observe the natives going about their daily lives, and you can also sample regional cuisine and buy unique keepsakes. Since it is one of San Jose’s most significant landmarks, most tours of the city make a stop here.
There are many stalls here, making it an excellent site to buy San Jose souvenirs. If you’re looking for a place to eat and you’re in the market, Soda Tapia has several options. Make sure you stop at La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora for some of the best ice creams in town.
The Municipal Craft Market next to the central market is the best place to pick up some additional mementoes. Dozens of local vendors are there to sell their handcrafted goods.
Explore Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Church).
The Catedral Metropolitana is a large and beautiful church in the centre of San José, and it is located immediately next to the National Park. The interior is far more elaborate than the unassuming facade, with intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and a Christ figure from the 17th century. It is a magnificent sight for visitors to San José, whether or not they are religious.
Explore amazing woodwork at Biesanz Woodworks.
In Escazu, on the slopes of Bello Horizonte, you’ll find Biesanz Woodworks, a bit of a hike away but well worth it if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir that blends sculpture and gifts. The shop is managed by the well-known craftsman Barry Biesanz, who employs ancient methods in which the natural grain patterns of wood are used to decide the final form of the item. Therefore, you may discover a wide variety of bowls, humidors, and containers in this section. The prices are higher than those of the Mercado Centrale’s trinkets, but the products’ outstanding craftsmanship more than makes up for the higher cost.
Enjoy the serenity at El Valle del Rio Orosí.
Orosi River Valley is a fantastic area to go to if you want to get away from the city for the day and do something exciting. The valley is located within Tapanti National Park, which offers activities like boat rides and white water rafting. On your way to the park, you’ll drive past staffee plantations and the lovely Costa Rican countryside on your way to Cartago, the country’s first capital. Be sure to stop at the oldest church in Costa Rica and relax in the park’s natural hot springs while you’re there. Don’t forget your camera; not only does Orosi have some excellent hiking routes, but the view from the peak is breathtaking.
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Tour San Jose Museums.
If you’re interested in learning about Costa Rica’s past, San Jose is home to a number of excellent museums, some of which are world-class.
History buffs and art connoisseurs alike must check to see the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum off their bucket lists. In terms of gold antiques, it has one of Latin America’s largest collections. Additionally, it houses around 1600 objects, some of which date back thousands of years. A large portion of the contemporary performances is the breathtaking art exhibitions. These exhibitions of art offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, transporting viewers to a breathtaking landscape of the Pre-Columbian era. In addition, there are stone and ceramic exhibits in the building’s bowels that guests can peruse.
Other museums include the Jade Museum. Located on the Plaza de la Democracia, the museum houses the best collection of jade in the world, with more than 7,000 artefacts and pieces of jade.
The Children’s Museum is another exciting place, particularly for kids. The museum is housed in what was once a correctional facility and now has interactive exhibits and cultural and scientific demonstrations.
The National Museum is one of the museums with historical significance in Costa Rica. It is located in a former stronghold and is regarded as a cultural landmark because it was where the army was disbanded in 1948 under the leadership of President Jose Figueres Ferrer.
Lodge in premuim San Jose hotels.
Guests of San José’s finest hotels can look forward to world-class amenities and a variety of exciting activities, creating a vacation experience they will never forget. With 24 alternatives, travellers can discover opulent lodging in San José that is both convenient and stylish. San José is known for its museums and cafes, both of which should be explored. You may stay at a hotel near Central Park or the San Jose Cathedral, or you could choose a quieter location and a more luxurious suite.
The Gran Hotel: The Gran Hotel is centrally located, making it convenient for visiting the area’s many attractions, including the museums, national theatre, restaurants, banks, and stores. The hotel is really good and is now a part of the Hilton brand.
Hotel Presidente: A high-quality, state-of-the-art, centrally located, urban hotel. The hotel welcomes pets and has both traditional rooms and “concept” rooms, both of which are decorated in a unique and modern style.
Holiday Inn Aurola: Guests of the Holiday Inn Aurola can enjoy the hotel’s on-site restaurant, bar, and spacious indoor pool. Views of San Jose are spectacular from every room, and it’s within walking distance of downtown.
San Jose Barcelo: Barcelo is a lovely resort with a gym, a restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a racquetball court.
Feast at awesome San Jose Restaurants.
It’s crucial to sample as many of the city’s dishes as you can to get a feel for the local culture.
San Jose is a major city, so naturally, there are both foreign and domestic dining options to choose from. No matter how daring or conservative a diner one may be, they will find something to their liking in this utopia. Restaurants that offer a pleasant atmosphere, tasty food, and friendly service will guarantee their customers a good meal and a memorable experience. In addition to satisfying their hunger, foodies may also educate themselves on the history and culture of the area. And while Uber Eats and Globo do have a presence in San Jose, the true dining experience is only complete when you step foot inside a restaurant and lick your spoon or fingers. The following are recommendations for some of the best eateries in San Jose, Costa Rica.
The Septimo Sentido Gourmet is a charming eatery in Escazu serving delicious food created from scratch using only the finest ingredients. Offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices, as well as breakfast foods, sweets, burgers, and
coffee.
Restaurante Tiquicia. This Escazu restaurant in the hills provides a breathtaking panorama of San Jose and the surrounding area. It’s hard to believe that you’re still in the city of San Jose when you look out from this café. On Friday nights, local children perform traditional dances and songs while guests enjoy traditional cuisine and drinks. It is a great spot to take in the city sights, sample some authentic fare, and learn about Costa Rican heritage and customs. On Thursdays and Fridays, diners can enjoy “Noche Tica,” a dinner entertainment accompanied by a typical buffet.
Other interesting places include Barrio Escalante, which has great restaurants and vibrant nightlife, as well as Posada de las Brujas in Escazu, which provides affordably priced, hearty servings.
Take the kids to Museo de Los Niños.
The Children’s Museum is conveniently located and has engaging exhibits, making it a top choice among San José’s cultural attractions. Located on top of a hill in the form of a castle from the Middle Ages, the site is ideal for a family outing because of its picturesque vantage point over the city below. And there you have it. It is now time for us to hear from you. Let us know in the comments which of the activity on the list appeals to you the most. And, for those who have spent time touring San Jose, let us know what the experience was like. Remember to show your support by liking this video and subscribing to the channel. Enabling post notifications will ensure that you don’t miss any of our daily uploads. Catch you in the next one