Best Travel Guide San José | ArrivalGuides.com

San JoséGuide was updated: 2025-04-16

Costa Rica is a unique Central American country nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. San José, the capital, holds diverse activities for visitors and has an exciting urban life with art galleries, parks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The country is a worldwide-renowned travel destination praised for its abundance of wildlife, rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and national parks.

Do & See

San José is home to great world-class museums, lush parks, hip hostels with pools, and some seriously amazing restaurants. The most exciting neighbourhood of the city is Escalante — the hippest people are hanging out there. Besides having a vibrant urban life, San José is also the perfect starting point for day trips to many major destinations spread throughout the country. Hop on a bus and explore the local forest regions or a hike in the nearby mountains. The city's energetic and vibrant life and unique nature will make for unforgettable experiences.

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National Theatre of Costa Rica

With an architectonically impressive building dating back to 1897, the National Theatre of Costa Rica hosts a number of famous paintings and statues, as well as constantly-changing exhibitions featuring works by local artists. This is a place not to be missed by any art lover or history enthusiast. Hourly guided tours in Spanish and English take place between 9am and 4pm. Stop for lunch or grab a coffee at the theatre's cafe.

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Museum of Costa Rican Art

Located on the eastern edge of Sabana Park, the indoor-outdoor Museum of Costa Rican Art showcases the works of Latin American artists. The 1930s building is not big, yet cool and well managed, perfect for a short respite from the heat. The wooden room above the main gallery is a highlight. After that, spend some time in the shade of the sculpture garden.

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Metropolitan Cathedral of San José

Located right by Central Park, the Metropolitan Cathedral cannot be missed while in San José. The original building of the cathedral was lost in numerous earthquakes. The Metropolitan Cathedral’s current neoclassical design dates back to 1878.

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Jade Museum

Refurbished in 2014, the Jade Museum museum holds one of the biggest collections of jade exhibits in the world. Explore this archaeological museum and dive deep into the rich history and archaeological heritage of the region.

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National Park

Stroll under the lush trees of the San José National Park. On sunny days, many Ticos — as Costa Ricans refer to themselves — come here for picnics and lunch breaks. Along the way, you will come across historical monuments, such as the magnificent National Monument of Costa Rica.

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Parque Francia in Barrio Escalante

Parque Francia in the hip Escalante neighbourhood is a tiny but beautiful space with a small fountain at the centre. During the day you'll find people picnicking and just hanging out on the lawn in the shade of an enormous tree. Some days you can grab something delicious from a food truck. At nights you'll see a bohemian life — probably the most alternative hangout you'll find in San José.

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Population:	342,000 — the capital city 1.5 million — the urban area
Currency:	1 ₡ Colón (CRC) = 100 céntimo US Dollar is also accepted by many businesses
Emergency Numbers:	911 Ambulance: 128 Fire: 118
Newspapers:	In English: Tico Times — ticotimes.net Diario Extra — www.diarioextra.com La Nación — www.nacion.com La República — www.larepublica.net
Website:	www.visitcostarica.com »
Opening Hours:	General opening hours are from 8 am to 6 pm, though some businesses close as early as 4:30 pm. Big shopping centres stay open until 9 pm. Note that many shops and museums might be closed on Mondays.
Tourist Information:	San José Tourist Information Office Located in the east side of Juan Pablo II bridge, over the motorway General Canes, San Jose Open Mon–Fri 8am – 4pm +506 2299 5800