San Jose, Costa Rica is the center of activity for travelers who are beginning or ending their journey through this incredible country. While it isn’t the most glamorous place to explore, it is full of historical and cultural experiences if you have a couple of days to kill before moving on to your next destination, like the beautiful Tamarindo on the west coast. This 10 things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica article will give you the top fun things to do and see while you’re in town!Â
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Getting around San Jose, Costa Rica
Bus
The public bus is the cheapest but most time-consuming way to get around San Jose with prices ranging from ($0.35-1.15 USD) depending on where you’re traveling to. The most used buses are on Avenida (avenue) 2 and 3 or the Cementerio/ Sabana bus that goes from Parque la Sabana to downtown.
Walk
Many visitors who stay downtown wonder if it is safe to walk around. The short answer is yes, during the day. I always recommend using Uber or a Taxi once it gets dark. Things can be disorienting while visiting a new city and taking transportation rather than walking limits the potential for something going wrong. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings and use common sense while walking around (no flashy jewelry, not too much cash, etc).
Uber
I prefer using Uber because I love being able to track my entire trip, see the name of the person, and know exactly how much money I will be paying which leaves no room for someone to take advantage of me due to a language barrier, etc.
Taxi
Taxis are abundant in the city. While there are official rates, taxis are sneaky and tend to turn their meters off if they see that a tourist is wanting a lift. It helps to know that the official rates start at around 750 CRC or $1.50 USD per km, you should use this starting rate to decide the cost of your taxi and be firm with how much you are willing to pay before getting in. The country’s official taxis in Costa Rica are orange or red.
10 Things to do in San Jose Costa Rica
Take a Free walking tour in San Jose
The first thing we love to do when we are in a new city is going on the free walking tour so we can learn from a local where the hidden gems are for good food and drinks. If you are staying at a hotel you can book through the front desk or you can use popular companies like Strawberry Tours or Carpe Chepe. Even though the tour says ‘free’ it is always courteous to tip your guide!
Hike up La Poas Volcano
La Poas is an extremely popular option for visitors who aren’t interested in walking around the city of San Jose and would rather explore! What makes it so unique? It is an active volcano in a cloud forest and has the largest geyser in the world! If you are lucky during your visit and the clouds clear, you will see the gorgeous acidic lake with blue water.
La Poas is about an hour and a half away from San Jose and has been voted as one of the top national parks to visit in the country! Be sure to purchase tickets beforehand as only a certain number of visitors are allowed in the park daily. Entrance fees are $15 for adults. Visitors have 45 minutes inside the park. If you visit La Poas in the morning you may have a better chance of seeing the blue lake as cloud coverage increases at around noon.
Explore La Paz Waterfalls and Sanctuary
Let’s take another day trip outside of the city! This day trip takes us an hour and a half away from San Jose to La Paz waterfalls and garden. La Paz has been deemed as the most popular attraction in San Jose! It offers four beautiful waterfalls and an animal sanctuary that is the largest in the country!
This is the perfect day trip if you are looking for an easy walk to some beautiful waterfalls and easy access to discovering some of Costa Rica’s most unique animals including rescued jaguars! The entrance fee is $44 which is used to continue the care for the animals and the waterfalls surrounding the sanctuary.
Discover the Doka Coffee Plantation
Costa Rica is known for its incredible coffee. It is one of the few places I will drink my coffee black because it is just too good. Visiting the Doka Coffee Plantation allows you to experience how coffee is made from beginning to end and see how important Doka Coffee is to the Costa Rican economy as well as the coffee drinkers who love it all over the world!
The Doka Coffee Plantation is a tour you can do first thing in the morning as it is only an hour away from San Jose, and the tour only lasts an hour. A lot of tour companies will actually add a visit to La Poas or La Paz waterfalls onto this tour because it is so quick, which is perfect for travelers who only have a short time in San Jose.
Pre-Colombian Museum of Gold
Some people aren’t interested in hopping in another van and heading out of the city for a day trip. Which is why visiting the Gold Museum is a great option for a morning or afternoon activity in the city. The Pre-Colombian Gold Museum is just $11 to enter and is full of multiple floors full of indigenous artifacts that date back to the beginning of AD. The museum has also created reenactments of the different time periods so that you can understand how the culture has changed in Costa Rica. It reminded me of the many museums in Mexico City. If you are a history buff this one’s for you!
National Museum of Costa Rica
Another exciting museum where you can learn all about the country’s rich history. The National Museum has various displays of pottery, sculptures, jewelry, a garden full of local butterflies, and more. The admission here is $9 USD, making it an affordable way to learn more about Costa Rica. A lot of people like to visit the Gold Museum and the National Museum in one day!
Check out the Central Market (Mercado Central)
Mercado Central is a yellow building. This market has been around since the late 1800’s, making it one of the oldest cultural landmarks in the country! It is also the biggest market in San Jose and takes up a full block which means you will have the opportunity to see how locals like to shop and eat! Mercado Central has what feels like countless food stalls selling typical Costa Rica meals like meat, rice, and soups!
While walking around I suggest you buy some of the local fruits and vegetables (just be sure to wash them thoroughly before consuming). If you are wanting to buy some Costa Rican coffee, this is the place to do it for a good price! The market also has a variety of spices, herbs, and of course, Costa Rican souvenirs. Bring home a hat, coffee cup, T-shirt, or painting! If you are interested in visiting this market you should use a Taxi or Uber, it’s much less complicated than trying to drive on your own.
Experience the National Theater
Hearing the name the National Theater of Costa Rica doesn’t do justice for just how beautiful this building actually is. The building started construction in the 1800’s and every single room has been crafted with excruciating detail. When you are walking around you feel like you have been transported back in time. The theater even offers shows for its visitors! I highly suggest you pay for a tour guide so that you can learn as much as possible about this incredible place. The theater has multiple murals drawn across its ceilings, in addition to sculptures from various European artists.
Enjoy San Jose’s best Restaurants
Who doesn’t like to eat? Not to mention that trying out a city’s best restaurants can be the quickest way to discover what local life is like. If you are around the Gold Museum you should try out Stiefel Pub if you like craft beer, or try out Restaurante Silvestre downtown. If you are overwhelmed by choices when you open your Google search, don’t hesitate to ask your tour guides or front desk staff at the hotel you are staying at. Also, try Cafe de Los Deseos for a modern hip vibe or Restaurante Kalu in the Escalante neighborhood.
Walk around the National Center of Art and Culture
San Jose is known for its museums, which is why we couldn’t leave out the National Center of Art and Culture Museum. The building is massive, a full block to be exact. This area is thriving with activities including various performing arts centers, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art which hosts local Costa Rican artists. The entrance fee is $3.
Read More About Costa Rica:
Best Things to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
20+ Costa Rica Bucket List Ideas
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Author Bio
This is a guest post by Sam of Lez Travel for Life. Sam is short, sassy, and has always dreamed of stepping outside the 9-5 life. She feeds every street animal she comes across. during her travels. She and her wife are currently renovating a campervan so they can hit the road with their three furry friends and travel across North America.
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Costa Rica is one of the dream destination in my bucket list, and I am very excited to travel there. I wan’t aware tht San Jose itself has so many beautiful spots to explore. Would definitey visit these along with the other places. Keep Sharing!
Costa Rica is so nice! Really want to visit there!