Free Things to Do in San Jose
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in San Jose
Best Free Things to Do in San Jose
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
Types of Attractions
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32 places sorted by traveller favourites
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Speciality & Gift Shops
Showing results 1-30 of 32
What travellers are saying
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN2,142 contributionsThis is an authentic experience. Indoor bustling market in the center of downtown San Jose with vendors selling all sorts of items including fruits and vegetables, flowers, clothing and electronics. This place is filled with locals and tourists like me are few, but I felt comfortable here. There are several places with a counter and seats to grab some food so make sure you take advantage of trying some local fare while here.Written January 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Monica MSan Antonio, TX23 contributionsHoly cow it’s a great place in the historic airport building. Art indoors, out and built into the amazing woodwork in the building itself. Great variety of mediums - art installations in fabric and video in addition to sculptures, drawings, paintings and photographs. Pleasantly surprised to see art from as recently as 2022 on display. Certainly a long way from an old, stuffy, stereotypical art museum. Plan for 1-1.5 hours & take a taxi or an Uber unless you are already near La Sabana park or the University of CR.Written January 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kizzyjennyllanelli108 contributionsA nice park with paved paths, a lake, sculptures made from wood and concrete, sitting areas, a running/cycling track, a snack shack, trees and bushes and amazing birdsong.Written November 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Colin FToronto, Canada879 contributionsI've gone in a couple of times for a few minutes of contemplation and prayer, for those who want a respite from the busy streets of San Jose. It's not one of the grand cathedrals of the world but pleasant nonetheless. I found it a nice way to give thanks and centre yourself amidst all the hustle and bustle.Written May 5, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wayphian H6 contributionsJen our tour guide was great and extremely informative! We saw some many different birds, insects and trees. The best part was seeing the baby sloth. The university campus is beautiful as well.Written June 14, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsI stumbled upon this place while walking back to my hotel. There are lots of beautiful hand-made stuffs to buy here and take home.
I was surprised to see that prices of goods are in US $ and they are quite expensive and not within my travel budget for souvenirs. For example, small embroidered sling bags are $20! I just looked around here and did not buy a thing.
Come here for the experience but be prepared to pay high prices!Written November 30, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN2,142 contributionsMain plaza in the center of Downtown San Jose where the National Theater (Teatro Nacional) and Pre-Colombian Gold Museum are located. The plaza itself isn't remarkable.Written January 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- County-HunterTacoma, WA3,054 contributionsWe walked through the park because it was right next door to the Metropolitan Cathedral and we wanted a picture of us with the SJO Vive sign. Otherwise, there wasn't much to see here. Plenty of people, locals and tourists both.Written August 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jennifer NSan Diego, CA2 contributionsThe beer and food were fantastic! They do not open until 2pm and luckily we arrived there at 1:50pm, so not a long wait. There is no tour of the facility, but I highly recommend going for lunch or dinner.Written January 15, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Companion6055010 contributionsA cut above the usual tourist curios. Very helpful salesman (Irishman from Quebec living in San Jose) who went over the collection and took the time to explain the objects. Great range in prices from small gifts to major art work. Not far from all the museums in San Jose, worth the tripWritten November 20, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- R who travelsBrighton, UK379 contributionsWorth a stop en route to the markets. A busy street with lots of cars - walking may we’ll be quicker than a cab. Sculptures are a good interesting distraction to walk around.Written April 13, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsOn November 27,2022, I noted vendors setting up their wares here for the Feria. I briefly walked around but did not buy anything. Learned that the feria is on Sundays when they closed some streets for this festivity.
Around 10::00 am, the parade showing various types of bulls used at the farms here in Costa Rica began. It started near the Iglesia dela Merced, went down Avenida 2 and ended at the area where the Feria was going on.
It was fun watching all these exciting things in one location. By the way, they were located at a plaza near the National Museum and General Assembly Building.Written November 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsAfter taking pictures of its facades, I decided to go inside, following the short line of people. I inquired about buying some postcards and they directed me to the right direction ( left side office that opens at 8:00 a.m.)
There is nothing much to do inside after finishing my purchase.Written November 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsI admire the wooden ceilings, stain windows and colorful walls of this church. On both sides of the Main Altar are two smaller ones with religious statues. The sidings, floorings, balusters , organ, etc remind me of some beautiful churches that I have visited in Europe.
Since no mass was going on during my visit, I was able to discreetly take some pictures. I said my prayers before leaving.
Note: There is a small park located in front of this beautiful churchWritten November 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LolaGo1Washington DC, DC5,804 contributionsIn addition to this attraction, the Morazan Park has statues of some famous Costa Ricans. Near it are sculptures of Angels’ Wings where one can pose for a selfie photo. There are big trees and healthy-looking shrubs and plants near this attraction.
It would be nice to see when they have some musical shows using this attraction.Written November 29, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.