Pedestrians walking in a busy San Jose shopping district.

©Luis Alvarado Alvarado/Shutterstock

San José

While it's tempting to make a beeline for Costa Rica's luscious countryside, take some time to get to know San José, Costa Rica's humming capital city. Wander historic neighborhoods such as Barrio Amón, where historic buildings have been converted into contemporary art galleries, and Barrio Escalante, the city's gastronomic epicenter. Stroll with Saturday shoppers at the farmers market, join the Sunday crowds in Parque La Sabana, dance the night away to live music at one of the city's vibrant clubs, or visit the museums of gold, jade, art and natural history, and you'll begin to understand the multidimensional appeal of Costa Rica's largest city and cultural capital.

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  • SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA-MARCH 3, 2015: The National Theater in Costa Rica first opened to the public in 1897. It remains a top tourist destination today.; Shutterstock ID 265490903; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmore; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/POI

    Teatro Nacional

    San José

    On the southern side of the Plaza de la Cultura resides the Teatro Nacional, San José’s most revered building. Constructed in 1897, it features a columned…

  • 500px Photo ID: 76842259 - Museo Del Jade, San Jose, Costa Rica

    Museo del Jade

    San José

    This museum houses the world’s largest collection of American jade (pronounced ‘ha-day’ in Spanish), with an ample exhibition space of five floors…

  • Mercado Central

    Mercado Central

    San José

    Though josefinos mainly do their shopping at chain supermarkets, San José’s crowded indoor markets retain an old-world, authentic feel. This main market,…

  • SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA - MAY 17: Simon Bolivar square, monument to Simon Bolivar in San Jose, Costa Rica on May 17, 2014. The monument is located in the central part of San Jose city; Shutterstock ID 383541232; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: Digital Content/Sights

    Parque Nacional

    San José

    One of San José’s nicest green spaces, this shady spot lures retirees to read newspapers and young couples to smooch coyly on concrete benches. At its…

  • Spanish colonial era tower with battlements and multiple bullet holes, National Museum of Costa Rica.

    Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

    San José

    Entered via a beautiful glassed-in atrium housing an exotic butterfly garden, this museum provides a quick survey of Costa Rican history. Exhibits of pre…

  • One of numerous elaborate stained-glass windows inside Catedral Metropolitana.

    Catedral Metropolitana

    San José

    East of Parque Central, the Renaissance-style Catedral Metropolitana was built in 1871 after the previous cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake. The…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Neighborhoods

San José has changed a lot since 1821, when it was dubbed the new capital of Costa Rica. Get to know the city with this guide to its neighborhoods.

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Transportation

The capital of Costa Rica can be confusing and difficult to navigate, but it's always an adventure. Here's how to get around.

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Free Things to Do

Visiting Costa Rica’s capital won't break the bank if you know where to go. We've got the intel on the best free things to do in San José.

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Photo taken in San José, Costa Rica Photo taken in San José, Costa Rica 1280543854

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The best time to visit San José, Costa Rica

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