San José

Costa Rica

Friday, August 29, 2025

Sunrise

5:26 AM

Sunset

5:48 PM

About

San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis nestled in the heart of the country's central valley. Known for its friendly locals, lively atmosphere, and stunning architecture, San José offers visitors an authentic taste of Costa Rican culture. From the bustling markets and colorful street art to the delicious cuisine and vibrant nightlife, there is something for everyone in this unforgettable city.

30 Best Places to Visit

1. National Theatre of Costa Rica

A magnificent neoclassical building that opened in 1897 and is home to the country's most important cultural events.
2. Gold Museum

One of the most visited museums in the country, featuring an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
3. Mercado Central

A bustling market filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisan crafts.
4. La Sabana Metropolitan Park

The largest and most popular park in San José, with walking trails, sports fields, and a lake for boating.
5. Jade Museum

A state-of-the-art museum featuring the largest collection of jade artifacts in the world.
6. Plaza de la Cultura

A busy square in the heart of the city, home to several historic buildings and a popular meeting spot for locals.
7. Costa Rican Art Museum

A modern museum showcasing the best of Costa Rican contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
8. San José Cathedral

A stunning gothic-style cathedral that dates back to the late 19th century.
9. La Paz Waterfall Gardens

A nature park located just outside of San José, featuring beautiful waterfalls, exotic plants, and wildlife.
10. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

A museum housed in a beautiful old fortress, showcasing the history and culture of Costa Rica from pre-Columbian times to the present.
11. Multiplaza Escazú

The largest shopping center in Costa Rica, with over 350 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
12. La Garita Botanical Garden

A botanical garden featuring over 2,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants.
13. Poás Volcano National Park

A popular national park featuring the Poás Volcano, one of the country's most active and dramatic volcanoes.
14. Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

A national park located just outside of San José, featuring lush rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
15. Museo de los Niños

A children's museum housed in a former prison, featuring interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages.
16. Lankaster Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden featuring over 3,000 species of tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias.
17. Parque España

A large park located in downtown San José, featuring a playground, sports fields, and a lake for boating.
18. Spirogyra Butterfly Garden

A butterfly garden featuring dozens of species of exotic butterflies from all over the world.
19. Parque Morazán

A small park located in the heart of the city, featuring a playground, fountains, and a beautiful bandstand.
20. Zoologico Simón Bolívar

A small zoo located in the heart of San José, featuring animals from all over the world, including monkeys, jaguars, and crocodiles.
21. InBio Park

A nature park located just outside of San José, featuring a butterfly garden, botanical garden, and reptile exhibit.
22. San José Municipal Market

A traditional market located in the heart of the city, with vendors selling fresh produce, meat, and seafood.
23. Iglesia de la Merced

A stunning baroque-style church that dates back to the 18th century.
24. San José Central Park

A small park located in the heart of the city, featuring a beautiful fountain and plenty of benches for relaxing.
25. Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo

A contemporary art museum featuring exhibitions and programs by some of Costa Rica's most innovative artists.
26. Parque de la Sabana

A large park located just outside of San José, featuring a jogging track, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing.
27. Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels

A beautiful basilica located in Cartago, just a short drive from San José.
28. Casa Amarilla

A historic building located in the heart of the city, known for its bright yellow facade and historic significance.
29. Pre-Colombian Gold Museum

Another museum housing an impressive collection of pre-Colombian gold artifacts.
30. Museo Dr. Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia

A museum showcasing the life and achievements of former Costa Rican president Rafael Angel Calderón Guardia.