Costa Rica was always a huge dream for me, not only because it’s a destination for adventurous travelers but it’s considered one of the most amazing natural wonders of the planet. I had numerous hiking trails in my mind, and I must say this land is breathtaking! You are probably landing in San Jose – the capital city – so let’s dive and discover what to do in San Jose Costa Rica!
Wondering what to do in San Jose, Costa Rica?
San Jose may seem just another busy capital city, it’s a visiting card for almost every traveler to Costa Rica. What to do in San Jose to stay entertained? You’ll find a variety of attractions and activities to keep you satisfied.
First of all, if you are looking for the cultural scene and museums, the Jade Museum, historical buildings, and lively plazas are there to explore. For local cuisine, visit the Mercado Central.
There are numerous parks and green spaces within the city, but you will not be spending much of your time, since there are great outdoor activities like exciting day trips to nearby volcanoes or rivers for rafting.
San Jose general travel info.
- San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital is located at an elevation of 1171 meters.
- SAN JOSE AIRPORT: San Jose International Airport or Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO).
- CURRENCY: Colon. 500 CRC t ~ 1 USD.
- Numerous museums, including Tech Interactive and the San Jose Museum of Art provide unique insights into the country’s rich history and culture.
- San Jose is known for its beautiful parks, including La Sabana Metropolitan Park and Braulio Carrillo National Park.
- Costa Rican cuisine is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, with popular dishes including Gallo Pinto, Casado, Ceviche, and Tres Leches.
Is San Jose safe for tourists?
San Jose, Costa Rica, is generally safe for tourists, especially in tourist areas. Petty crime like pickpocketing and purse snatching is common, and it’s best to avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas.
The best time to visit San Jose, Costa Rica.
The best time to visit depends on individual preferences.
The dry season (December to April) offers sunny, warm weather and is suitable for outdoor activities. The wet season (May to November) is quieter and perfect for indoor activities.
Most popular adventure sports: Volcano hiking, ziplining, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking are popular activities in San Jose.
Is San Jose in Costa Rica worth visiting?
It’s worth taking a walk around the city to see the colourful buildings and feel the warm hospitality, but there are also great spots to see within a day’s trip from San Jose, like Poas Volcano.
Poas Volcano is one of the most magnificent active volcano craters in the world, located at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level. It takes only 1,5 hours to get to Poas from the bus station in San Jose.
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
The museum is not too big, so it won’t take up your whole day, leaving you plenty of time to explore more of the city! Afterward, I strolled through the scenic Barrio Escalante, famous for its artistic vibe and culinary delights. It’s like stepping into a creative playground! Make sure to stop by one of the local coffee shops, where you can sip on rich Costa Rican coffee, sourced right from local farms.
Two other interesting museum options are: The San Jose Museum of Art – a selection of local, national, and international artwork that encapsulates San Jose’s artistic scene.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum – a home to the most extensive collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts on the West Coast.
Try Costa Rican traditional food.
One of the most enjoyable things to do in San Jose is food tasting! Food is a significant part of any of my travel experiences, and San Jose did not disappoint!
My favourite dish in South America is Ceviche. It’s a seafood dish marinated in citrus juices. It may differ depending on the country, and the best I had was in the Galapagos Islands.
You also need to try Casado, which features rice, beans, and your choice of protein. Don’t miss trying Gallo pinto for breakfast; it’s the ultimate Costa Rican morning fuel!
Visit Mercado Central in San Jose.
For a unique dining experience, I recommend heading to Mercado Central. The little stalls offer everything from fresh produce to local delicacies.
The natural beauty of Parks and Gardens in San Jose.
Braulio Carrillo National Park, named after the country’s third president, is sprawled across nearly 50,000 hectares and is home to one of the last untouched rainforests in Central America.
The park is dominated by the dormant Barva Volcano, which towers 2,906 meters above sea level. The park is a shelter to over 150 different species of mammals, including jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys.
You can also come across an impressive diversity of birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park in San Jose spans over 72 hectares and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The park possesses an artificial lake, sports fields including the National Stadium, and several jogging paths.
The exciting nightlife in San Jose.
As the sun set, the nightlife in San José came alive. To experience an authentic San Jose vibe visit the Costa Rica Beer Factory. Additionally, there’s a rooftop bar that serves spectacular city views.
Must-visit restaurants?
- Restaurante Grano de Oro: Situated in a restored Victorian mansion in San Jose, Restaurante Grano de Oro offers Costa Rican cuisine with a European influence.
- La Esquina de Buenos Aires: Known for its excellent steaks and warm ambience, La Esquina de Buenos Aires brings the taste of Argentina to San Jose.
- Tin Jo: Tin Jo is San Jose’s oldest Asian restaurant that serves authentic and varied Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Where to go shopping in San Jose?
Shopping is always the best answer on what to do in San Jose, which is also a shopping paradise. Apart from the already mentioned Mercado Central, there are other places to go on a shopping spree in San Jose:
- For international designer brands, go to Multiplaza Escazu. It also has a good selection of restaurants and cafes.
- Avenida Central is a pedestrian street – a shopping hub with a mix of local and international stores. It’s a place to buy Costa Rican coffee or handmade crafts.
What Is the Best Time To Visit San Jose?
San Jose’s climate is largely tropical rainforest. From December to April, San Jose experiences its dry season. This is a time of clear, sunny days that are perfect for outdoor activities.
During wet season (from May to November), despite the rain and humidity, San Jose is less packed with tourists. This allows you to experience the city in a more leisurely and relaxed way.
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