THE 15 BEST Things to Do in San Jose


Things to Do in San Jose
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Nature and Wildlife Tours, History Museums. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Nature and Wildlife Tours, History Museums. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Jose.
- fromper adultC$256
- Street Food Toursfromper adultC$50
- fromper adultC$169
- Day Tripsfromper adultC$271
- fromper adultC$239
- Walking Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)C$52
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)C$329
- Day Tripsfromper adultC$227
- fromper adultC$288
- fromper adultC$236
Historic Sites
Victorian-era theater with guided tours in English and Spanish, actor-led insights, and periodic live performances. Includes an on-site café and exhibits on cultural history.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
History Museums
Historical site in a former army barracks with engaging exhibits on Costa Rica's past, from pre-Columbian times to the civil war, including a serene butterfly garden.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Flea & Street Markets
History Museums
Museum with a vast array of indigenous jade, pottery, and ceramics, showcasing pre-Columbian life. Features interactive displays, modern design, and informative screens across five floors.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Tranquil butterfly garden with a contemplative path, vibrant flowers, and a stream. Features educational material on butterfly conservation and a hidden waterfall.
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Factory Outlets
Religious Sites
Downtown sanctuary with serene ambiance, showcasing intricate stained glass and statues. Notably less ornate, yet its simple beauty and calm atmosphere invite reflection and admiration.
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Other Top Attractions around San Jose
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Sandy WVancouver, Canada1,925 contributionsI have three words: Take The Tour. The box office opened at 1 PM and we were able to take the first English tour at 2PM. We were a large group but the tour was excellent. I won't give it all away but you'll get some surprises during it. It was great fun and lasted an hour. The two hosts were excellent! Reasonably priced, too.Written January 28, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AKtravelers22Juneau, AK568 contributionsThe museum was interesting. Appreciated both Spanish AND English boards. Bottom floor was really interesting as was the $ floor.Written January 13, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jim1,561 contributionsThe Museo Nacional De Costa Rica costs USD 11 per foreign adult, and it is a great museum to learn about the history of costa rica. The museum offered a rich collection of artifacts and exhibits, and can easily get you entertained for several hours. Plus, the included bottlefly garden is super fun! If there is only one museum to visit in Costa Rica, we recommend the Museo Nacional De Costa Rica.
Please note that the museum closes on Monday. You may want to plan accordingly.Written October 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Damien BLeigh-on Sea, UK84 contributionsWe stopped by here whilst walking around the local area. We had a nice coffee and watched the locals go about their everyday life. Probably good for an hour or so.Written February 8, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AKtravelers22Juneau, AK568 contributionsLoved it here but only wish more signage was in English. I know it's not an English speaking country but the Gold museum has great interpretive screens with both. They are new however and May still be working on this.
Learned a lot and saw beautiful pieces.Written January 13, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nadina PNew York City, NY726 contributionsThis was definitely the most authentic jungle experience I ever had--I don't know if there's a way to get one quite like it. It's hard to really describe the drive up; I wouldn't call it a dirt road. it's more like rock with dried dirt from the rainy season. If you come in the dry season, I recommend an SUV, though 4WD is still better. This is the only place we went in Costa Rica where we used 4WD in the dry season. In the wet season, I don't see how you could come here without it.
The park itself is incredible; you hear all kinds of sounds, though I didn't see much wildlife. Something did growl at me, though!
The plant life is incredible. The hike is not as hard as I thought it would be, and Copey was completely worth it. That said, the return hike from Copey was a bit rough for maybe a Kilometer, so keep that in mind.
We got there right at 8am and didn't see another soul again until we were nearing the entrance; even so, there were only 2 other cars in the parking lot. Everyone I did see appeared to be a local.
There are bathrooms at the entrance, but only at the entrance, so be prepared for that.
The staff is very hospitable; the person we encountered did not speak any English, but he spoke very slowly and used the map to tell us a bit about the trail. Between my French and Italian, I understood enough--he was a very helpful person.
Overall, if you are in good enough health and willing to brave the drive, DO NOT skip this! And if you are worried about your ability to do a proper hike, at least go up to Barva; I thought the trail was reasonably easy up to that point.
Be warned, the weather in the area is really unpredictable; we were just barely able to see the laguna, and we got no views at all from Barva. It was still worth it, but mentally prepare yourself for that.Written April 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jazmin P4 contributionsThe Costa Rican Art Museum in La Sabana is free so definitely check it out! There is a sculpture garden, an indoor exhibit, and the Golden Room which is a room designed from bronze to depict Costa Rican history. Once you’re done you can walk around the National Soccer Stadium Park or head out to the center of San Jose City.Written June 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kate MBelper, UK35 contributionsA hidden gem run by real enthusiasts. A haven of calm and beauty. Tricky to find ( I’d recommend a taxi/uber) but well worth the effort. Quite small with plenty of stunning creatures as well as a trail down to the river.Written February 1, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fidels98Mississauga, Canada56 contributionsIt is a nice park. Lots of kids and teenagers playing soccer. Also lots of joggers.
Felt quite safe as there were several police officers on motorcycles and in vehicles patrolling the park.
My wife is an avid birder. She brought here camera and was able to photograph 14 new birds.
Unfortunately the pond was quite dry, but still did see some water birds.
Would return.Written February 8, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WorldbutterflyBerkeley, CA176 contributionsWe had an afternoon to kill in San Jose before our flights out and picked up some great souvenirs at this central art market. It's well worth a trip if you find yourself in the same situation.
Reviews that say the place is full of tourist tack--you're right! Reviews that say you can find amazing, locally produced souvenirs here--you're right! There is truly the full range of products, from cheesy toucan magnets and every single type of "Pura Vida" t-shirt to original work from artists throughout the country. Our favorite stall was the Artesanias Con Identidad Costa Rica, an artist's collective that features work from over 100 local artists. There are handmade coasters, small painting, crochet and needlework, stained glass, textiles, jewelry--so many one-of-a-kind items. The stall is located fairly deep in the market, but not hard to spot because it features items that no one else has. But no matter what your taste you will find it here!Written March 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - The_Wanderer1992Columbia, MD2,603 contributionsWhile in San Jose, my husband and I stopped here. It's open to the public for free; however, donation boxes are around if you choose to donate. It's a clean, beautiful church. My husband was disappointed to find out that the pipe organ is not in use.Written November 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.