Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

Established in 1837, the Public Garden was the first public botanical garden in America. No visit to the Garden is complete without a long cruise along the water or a cruise on the lagoon in the park’s famous swan boats.

Since 1991 Britt Coffee Tour has educated and entertained nearly 1 million coffee lovers from around the world by inviting them to their working plantation and roastery. Join the tour to find out why Costa Rican climate and diverse landscape provide ideal growing conditions for gourmet coffee beans. Foodies will appreciate the buffet lunch at the Don Próspero restaurant. Don't forget to take some freshly roasted beans home with you.

Malaga’s coastline runs right along the city, so you don’t need to go far for a swim. The main stretch starts near the port along the Paseo de Pablo Ruiz Picasso. La Malagueta is the most central beach — about 10 minutes from the Old Town — with dark sand, showers, toilets, and sunbeds for hire. You’ll spot the big Malagueta sign where everyone stops for photos. The beach is lined with chiringuitos, casual seafood spots where you can try grilled sardines (espetos) cooked over open fire. La Caleta, just a bit further east, is quieter but has the same setup — clean, calm water, and easy access.