Itineraries
Itineraries for San José are on the way.
Where to stay
The city center for first-timers on foot; Barrio Amón for historic streets near the museums; Barrio Escalante for cafés, restaurants and craft beer.
The areas: City center, Barrio Amón, Barrio Escalante.
Where to stay in San José: areas and adviceHotels in San JoséPlaces to see
All things to do in Costa RicaNeighborhoodBarrio AmónA historic district founded in 1892, with old homes such as the Castillo del Moro (Moor Castle).Entry: Free to visit
FoodBarrio EscalanteAn eastern San José district of cafés, galleries, restaurants and craft beer bars.Entry: Pay as you go
MarketCentral MarketSan José's old market, a maze of produce stalls, small shops and counters serving traditional meals.Entry: Pay as you go
MuseumJade MuseumA museum opened in 2014 holding the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade in the Americas.Entry: Pay at the door, [fee]
TransportJuan Santamaría International AirportCosta Rica's main international airport, in Alajuela on the western edge of the San José area.Entry: Free to visit
NatureLa Sabana Metropolitan ParkThe large metropolitan park on the west side of the city, on land donated by Father Chapui in 1783.Entry: Free to visit
ChurchMetropolitan CathedralSan José's main cathedral on Central Street, remodeled after earthquakes damaged the earlier church.Entry: Free to visit
MuseumNational Museum of Costa RicaThe national museum of pre-Columbian and Costa Rican history, entered from the Plaza de la Democracia.Entry: Pay at the door, [fee]
MuseumNational TheaterThe landmark theater built between 1890 and 1897, still the stage for concerts and plays.Entry: Guided tours, [fee]
MuseumPre-Columbian Gold MuseumThe Central Bank museums at the Plaza de la Cultura, best known for pre-Columbian gold work.Entry: Pay at the door, [fee]