Best Things to Do in San Jose

More about visiting San Jose

San José, the bustling capital of Costa Rica, sits high in the Central Valley surrounded by magnificent volcanic mountains and green valleys. Often bypassed by tourists heading straight for the beaches, it is a city rich in culture, history, and excellent museums.

The cultural heart of the city is the exquisite National Theater (Teatro Nacional), a late 19th-century architectural masterpiece with lavish interiors. Just a short walk away, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum offers a dazzling underground display of ancient indigenous artifacts.

To experience the local pulse of the city, wander through the bustling aisles of the Mercado Central. This vibrant, labyrinth-like market is the perfect place to sample authentic Costa Rican coffee, exotic tropical fruits, and traditional dishes at the small *sodas* (local diners).

Thanks to its central location, San José is the ultimate staging ground for day trips. You can easily arrange excursions to peer into the crater of the active Poás Volcano, visit the stunning La Paz Waterfall Gardens, or tour the lush coffee plantations that dot the surrounding highlands.