Quick Summary:

  • What is Costa Rica’s capital city like?
    • San José is the modern, vibrant capital of Costa Rica, where rich history blends with modern commerce and architecture.
  • How does San José reflect its colonial past?
    • The city’s colonial history is evident in its beautiful ornate buildings, such as the neoclassical National Theatre.
  • What cultural attractions can visitors explore in San José?
    • San José is the country’s cultural center and is home to numerous museums preserving Costa Rican history, including:
    • The Costa Rican Art Museum
    • The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
    • The National Museum of Costa Rica
    • The La Salle Natural Sciences Museum
  • Are there urban parks in San José?
    • Yes, the city has beautiful urban parks where locals go to exercise, have a picnic, take a lunch break, destress, or meet friends.
  • Which are the most popular parks in San José?
    • The most popular parks include La Sabana and downtown Parque Nacional Simón Bolívar.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Costa Rican Art Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Costa Rican Art Museum | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of lesniewski - Fotolia.com

2. La Sabana Metropolitan Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
La Sabana Metropolitan Park | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of RukiMedia - Fotolia.com

3. Museo de Jade

Museo de Jade | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of Steve100 - Fotolia.com

4. Museo de los Ninos

Museo de los Ninos | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of Syda Productions - Fotolia.com

5. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of Fotolia.com

6. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of Contemporary Art and Design | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of schankz - Fotolia.com

7. Natural Science Museum La Salle

Category: Kids & Family
Natural Science Museum La Salle | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of phaitoon - Fotolia.com

8. San Jose Central Market

Category: Shopping
San Jose Central Market | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of amelie - Fotolia.com

9. Simon Bolivar Parque Zoologico y Jardin Botanico Nacional

Category: Kids & Family
Simon Bolivar Parque Zoologico y Jardin Botanico Nacional | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of Fabiano - Fotolia.com

10. Teatro Nacional Costa Rica

Teatro Nacional Costa Rica | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Courtesy of Mihai-Bogdan Lazar - Fotolia.com

11. Museus del Banco Central de Cost Rica

Museus del Banco Central de Cost Rica | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Museus del Banco Central de Cost Rica

12. Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo

Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© esdelval/stock.adobe.com

13. Parque La Sabana

Parque La Sabana | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Michelle/stock.adobe.com

14. Spirogyra Butterfly Garden

Category: Activities
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Susan Rydberg/stock.adobe.com

15. Galeria Namu

Galeria Namu | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© Galeria Namu

16. Amon Neighborhood

Amon Neighborhood | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© duarte33/stock.adobe.com

17. Parque Okayama

Parque Okayama | Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
© hannah jarman EyeEm/stock.adobe.com

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