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The Best Things to Do in San Jose

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Top attractions in San Jose

Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz
Waterfall
Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz , Vara Blanca
4.4
Enjoy the lush natural environment of Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz, wandering over 3.5 km (2.1 mi) of beautiful hiking trails through cloud
Tours from $48
Poas Volcano
Volcano
Poas Volcano , Poas Volcano National Park
4.1
Observe firsthand the geothermal forces that created much of Costa Rica at Poas Volcano. Located within a national park, this active stratovo
Tours from $24
©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours , Jaco
4.9
We suggest booking in advance.Select from 5 top choices.
©
Zipline
Zipline , Jaco
4.7
We suggest booking in advance.Select from 23 top choices.
Tours from $62
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum ©
Specialty Museum
Pre-Columbian Gold Museum , San Jose
4.4
Inspect and observe thousands of artifacts from throughout the country's recorded history at Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. Located underground b
Tours from $66

Recommended San Jose tours

FROM $38 BOOK WITH VIATOR San Jose Walking Tour: Food, History and Architecture
5.0
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $38 »
FROM $195 BOOK WITH VIATOR Full Day Jaco Jungle Adventure Pass
5.0
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $195 »
FROM $79 BOOK WITH VIATOR Aerial Tram and Zipline Tour from Jaco
4.9
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $79 »
Trip Planner :  Central America  /  Costa Rica  /  Province of San Jose  /  San Jose Metro  /  San Jose  /  Things to do in San Jose

San Jose

4
Theaters · History Museums · Specialty Museums
Many things to do in San Jose allow travelers to experience the rich past of Costa Rica's vibrant capital. Far more than a shopping destination for locally grown and locally made products, Central Market (Mercado Central) is a good place to take in the city's lively atmosphere. Sitting within Bellavista Fortress, National Museum (Museo Nacional) offers an introduction into centuries of Costa Rican history. Nature enthusiasts can trek through a lush tropical rainforest of Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo, while adrenaline seekers can choose between many river rafting, canyoning, and rappelling tours. For a memorable souvenir created by local artisans and craftspeople, stop by Galeria Namu.

Side trips from San Jose

Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz
Waterfall
Jardins da Cachoeira de La Paz
Vara Blanca
4.4
Duration: 4 hours
Poas Volcano
Volcano
Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano National Park
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Canyoning / Rapelling Tour
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
Jaco
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
©
Zipline
Zipline
Jaco
4.7
Duration: 3 hours

Hidden gems in San Jose

Carpe Chepe ©
Beer Tasting / Tour
Carpe Chepe
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Top Travel Costa Rica ©
Scenic Drive
Top Travel Costa Rica
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
Museo de Arte Costarricense ©
Art Museum
Museo de Arte Costarricense
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Galeria Namu ©
Art Gallery
Galeria Namu
4.9
Duration: 1 hour

Parks in San Jose

Parque La Sabana ©
Park
Parque La Sabana
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Parque Nacional Park ©
Park
Parque Nacional Park
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden ©
Nature / Park
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
4.1
Duration: 2h 30 min
Plaza de la Democracia y de la Abolición del Ejército ©
Park
Plaza de la Democracia y de la Abolición del Ejército
4.3
Duration: 2h 30 min

Shopping in San Jose

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Lincoln Plaza
Shopping Mall
Lincoln Plaza
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
El Sotano ©
Civic Center
El Sotano
4.8
Duration: 4 hours
Central Market (Mercado Central) ©
Flea Market
Central Market (Mercado Central)
3.8
Duration: 2h 30 min
Va de nuevo
Gift & Specialty Shop
Va de nuevo
5.0
Duration: 30 minutes

Kid-friendly things to do in San Jose

Museo de los Ninos ©
Children’s Museum
Museo de los Ninos
4.4
Duration: 3 hours
Parque Diversiones ©
Theme Park
Parque Diversiones
4.4
Duration: 2h 30 min
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle ©
Science Museum
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Pueblo Antiguo
Theme Park
Pueblo Antiguo
3.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

Featured attractions

Syltravel Day Tours ©
Sightseeing Tour
Syltravel Day Tours
5.0
Duration: 6 hours
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle ©
Science Museum
Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min
Irazu Volcano National Park ©
Volcano
Irazu Volcano National Park
Province of Cartago
4.0
Duration: 2h 30 min
©
Adrenaline / Extreme Tour
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Jaco
4.7
Duration: 2h 30 min

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Places to visit with San Jose

Perez Zeledon Trip planner BEST FOR: Nature / Park, Waterfall, Garden Carara Trip planner BEST FOR: National Park, River Rafting / Tubing San Gerardo de Dota Trip planner BEST FOR: Waterfall, National Park, Garden San Carlos Trip planner BEST FOR: Nature / Park, Spa, Thermal Spa Santa Ana Trip planner BEST FOR: Zoo, Specialty Museum, Gift & Specialty Shop

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Where to stay in San Jose

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum ©
You'll find the majority of San Jose's accommodations between Parque Metropolitano La Sabana and the botanical gardens. This area offers luxury chain hotels in the west, simpler guesthouses in the older section of town in the east, and budget-friendly hostels located on side streets, just off from the primary commercial thoroughfares. Many hotels have sprung up close to the airport, located northwest of the city.
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Recently planned trips to San Jose

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