15 best things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica

Serving as a vibrant gateway to Costa Rica's wildlife wonders, beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, lakes and volcano, San José — the capital city — is loaded with cultural experiences, and also lies within easy of some unforgettable day-trip destinations. To help you plan your trip, here are the best things to do in San José. 

1. Visit the National Theatre of Costa Rica 

Culture vultures wondering what to do in San José will want to explore the National Theatre  (Teatro Nacional).

Located in the heart of San José, this architectural gem dates back to 1897, with its neoclassical design, Italian marble and frescoes reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. 

Visitors can attend performances that range from classical music to contemporary plays, or join day-time guided tours to explore its opulent interiors. 

Basing yourself in the city? Discover the best San Jose hotels.

2. Meander the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, San José’s Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artefacts, 

The exhibits offer insights into the craftsmanship and societal roles of gold in ancient Costa Rican civilizations. 

Interactive displays and detailed descriptions provide a comprehensive understanding of the country's indigenous history, making it an educational stop for history buffs.

Another interesting area of the museum explores burial rituals, and the roles of women and shamans.

Wondering how much time you need in Costa Rica? Plan at least a week to experience San José, and to venture beyond to see some of the country's rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife.

3. Enjoy a flavorsome feast at Mercado Central

A bustling hub since 1880, Mercado Central (the Central Market) offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells.

You’ll want to devote a good few hours to checking out its narrow aisles lined with stalls selling everything from fresh produce and spices, through to handcrafted souvenirs.

Providing an authentic taste of daily life in San José, it's the perfect place to enjoy Costa Rican dishes like casado and gallo pinto at local sodas (small eateries).

Short on time, but don't want to shirk on experience? Try this 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary.

4. Uncover history in the National Museum

Housed in a former military barracks, Costa Rica’s National Museum chronicles the country’s journey from pre-Columbian times to the present. 

While the building itself serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's civil war (look out for the bullet-riddled walls), exhibits showcase everything from ancient archaeological artefacts and colonial-era items, through to the country's more recent democratic evolution. 

As such, it takes visitors on a fascinating journey through time. On that subject, to make the most of your time in Costa Rica, use our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

5. Be dazzled by the Jade Museum

Boasting the world's largest collection of American jade artifacts, the Museo de Jade spans delves into the significance of jade in Mesoamerican cultures across five splendid floors.

Showcasing intricately carved pieces that highlight the artistry and beliefs of ancient societies, a mix of interactive exhibits and modern displays make it both informative and engaging for visitors of all ages.

As no quarries of the stone have been found in Costa Rica, there’s something of a mystery around how pre-Columbian societies around these parts got hold of so much of it.

Wondering when to visit? The best time to visit San José is from December to April, during the dry season, with more country-wide detail in our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica.

6. Stroll La Sabana Metropolitan Park

Often referred to as "the lungs of San José," La Sabana is the city's largest urban park. 

Somewhat incongruously, this was San José’s airport until the 1940s. These days, the large expanse of green is home to the country’s best art museum — the Museo de Arte Costarricense — which is housed in the former airport terminal.

With pretty places to picnic, plus jogging paths and sports facilities, it’s a great place to come for an afternoon stroll beneath leafy trees, with a central lake and colourful modern sculptures speckling the green spaces. 

It's also a great place for little ones to let off steam, if you're heading to Costa Rica with kids. 

7. Be charmed by bohemian Barrio Amón

A historic neighborhood characterized by its early 20th-century architecture, Barrio Amón is an absolute joy for lovers of the finer things in life!

Picture yourself strolling tree-lined streets, with a backdrop of restored grand mansions, most of which now operate as galleries, boutique hotels and elegant cafes. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours at a leisurely pace.

Seeking more adventure? Discover the best hikes in Costa Rica, and the best Costa Rica adventure tours.

8. Sit pretty in pretty Parque Nacional 

Located in downtown San José, Parque Nacional is home to the National Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Rivas. 

Boasting lush greenery, walking paths aplenty, and shaded benches, it adds up to a peaceful retreat in the city center.

All of which makes it the ideal spot to relax and people-watch in between doing a light dive into Costa Rican history through the statues and monuments.

9. Shop in Avenida Central

A pedestrianized street stretching through the city center, Avenida Central is lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. 

As such, it’s kind-of San José’s vibrant artery, with a mix of modern retail outlets and traditional markets offering a snapshot of daily life.

10. Bliss out on nearby beaches

While the city doesn’t have its own beach, you can access several stunners on day trips.

For example, as revealed in our guide to the best beaches around San José, in around 1.5 hours you can get to Jaco.

Boasting a 3km stretch of golden sand, and surrounded by deep blue water and lush rainforest, Jaco is also a lively surf spot.

Thinking of traveling beyond San José to see more of the best beaches in Costa Rica? You’ll need to wise up on getting around Costa Rica.

11. Visit Poás Volcano National Park

One of the best day trips from San José, Poás Volcano is one of Costa Rica's most accessible active volcanoes. It takes around an hour to reach it from the city

Part of the Cordillera Central mountain range, and close to the Pacific coastline, trails lead through cloud forests, offering opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna. 

Meanwhile, its peak serves breath-taking views from an observation point, and you can also peer into its massive crater, which is often filled with a turquoise acidic lake.  

12. Explore Irazú Volcano National Park

Located near Cartago, Irazú is Costa Rica's highest active volcano. 

Famous for erupting on the day President John F. Kennedy visited Costa Rica on March 19, 1963, Irazú has been more or less calm ever since.

While its main crater is far less active than Volcán Poás, its deep depression is an undeniably dramatic sight.

On clear days, you‘ll be rewarded with sweeping ocean views from the summit, while surrounded by a surreal lunar-like landscape that offers a stark contrast to the lush rainforests. 

Into the idea of exploring volcanos? You’ll want to consider adding Arenal volcano  to your itinerary.

Served by the gateway town of La Fortuna, there are so many Arenal volcano hikes to enjoy, and Arenal volcano tours covering the likes of zipline adventures and canopy walks.

13. Go to the La Paz waterfall gardens

Just over an hour's drive from San Jose, La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a beautiful nature park that boasts one of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica, beautiful gardens and a wildlife refuge.

As such, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of San José. 

After walking a well-maintained trail to the stunning waterfalls, take time to see the likes of jaguars, toucans and monkeys in the refuge.

If La Paz casts a spell over you, stay overnight.

14. Uncover culture in Sarchí

Known as the cradle of Costa Rican craftsmanship, Sarchí is renowned for its vibrant oxcarts, woodworking traditions and bright folk art.

Around 1.5 hours from the city, here you can tour workshops to see artisans building and hand-painting iconic oxcarts (carretas) — a UNESCO-recognized cultural symbol — along with wooden furniture and souvenirs.

Don’t miss the world’s largest oxcart in the town square, and be sure to see the town’s striking red-and-green twin-towered church. 

Sitting on a hilltop, it’s one of the prettiest churches in the country. 

15. Day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park

Around three hours from the city, on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park — one of the best national parks in Costa Rica — is famed for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. 

While numerous hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, and deliver opportunities to see the likes of monkeys, sloths and tropical birds, the best beaches in Manuel Antonio offer opportunities to swim and chill. 

Rough Guides tip: ahead of your trip, it’s worth pre-booking the best Manuel Antonio National Park tours.

You’ll also need to set off early to make the most of your day trip.

For more pre-trip support and inspiration, browse our customisable Costa Rica itineraries, and discover the best places to visit in Costa Rica.

Not keen on planning? Contact our local Costa Rica travel experts, who can take care of planning — and booking — every detail of your perfect trip.