Costa Rica is home to some of the most amazing and diverse scenery on the planet—from its cool beaches to verdant jungles to its volcanoes to cloud forests. However, San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is also a worthwhile place to visit. A vibrant and bustling city all its own, San Jose is full of fun things to do for any traveler looking to experience ‘la pura vida’ (the Costa Rican phrase meaning ‘the pure life’) in this beautiful country known for its cool, friendly, and laidback vibes.
10 Museo Nacional De Costa Rica (National Museum)
Looking to learn more about Costa Rica’s rich history and culture? Then be sure to check out this lovely and informative museum housed in a former military fortress—an important symbol in a country that has no standing army. It is the oldest museum in the country and has for over 100 years been a cultural beacon for art, natural history, and archaeology.
- Don’t Miss: The butterfly garden; the Pre-Columbian exhibits; the 19th-century architecture
- Entrance Fee: Foreigners $11.00, Students $6.00
9 Teatro Nacional Costa Rica (National Theater)
One of San Jose’s most historic buildings, the National Theater is full of elegant and lavish furnishings including plenty of marble statues. Known as one of the city’s top tourist destinations, the theater (built in 1897) is still a fun spot to catch a show.
- Don’t Miss: the ornate architectural details throughout the museum; take a guided tour, available in both Spanish and English; grab lunch at the delicious on-site cafeteria Alma de Café (Soul of Coffee)
- Entrance Fee: Foreigners $10.00, Children under 12 enter free
8 Museo Del Jade (The Jade Museum)
The Jade Museum is a stunning architectural marvel in the heart of San Jose. Built to resemble a jade block, the museum consists of five levels filled with jade artifacts of archeological and historical importance; pre-Columbian historical artifacts; and more.
- Don’t Miss: the unique temporary exhibitions; the history of jade in the Americas; the pottery and other pre-Columbian artifacts
- Entrance Fee: Foreigners $16.00
7 The Costa Rican Center Of Science And Culture
Visitors say this is a great spot for families as it is educational and home to three separate museums including the National Gallery, Children’s Museum, and the National Auditorium. Located in the building that once housed the Central Penitentiary, it was inaugurated as a museum complex in 1994.
- Don’t Miss: El Museo de Los Niños (Children’s Museum), an interactive, educational, family-friendly museum; the 14 galleries of the National Gallery; the National Auditorium stage
- Entrance Fee: Free
6 El Central Mercado (The Central Market)
A great way to get that pura vida vibe, the Central Market is chock full of diverse vendors, stalls, and restaurants.
- Don’t Miss: the ice cream at the country’s first ice cream vendor; the authentic eateries; the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals
- Entrance Fee: Free
5 Take A Coffee Tour
Costa Rica is famous for being one of the top producers of coffee in the world, and a coffee tour is a wonderful way to learn all about the process—including growing, harvesting, and manufacturing. There are many coffee tours available, but visitors highly recommend the one from Britt Coffee Plantation—one of the top coffee producers in the country.
- Take A Tour: from $57.00 and up, including round-trip transportation to Barva de Heredia coffee farm, tastings, and lunch
4 Museo De Arte Costarricense
For a chance to check out some amazing contemporary Costa Rican art, visitors should check out this small museum located near the Parque La Sabana. A hidden gem for some of the best modern art and architecture in the capital, this museum is located on the site of the old San Jose Air Terminal.
- Don’t Miss: The largest collection of state art in the country, consisting of over 1500 pieces by Costa Rican artists; the international collection, including over 500 works from artists worldwide; the stunning architecture of the neocolonial building, on the site of the country’s first international airport; the outdoor sculpture garden
- Entrance Fee: Free
3 Cathedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Church)
This large church is a must-see for its elegant 19th-century architecture both on the outside and inside.
- Don’t Miss: The gardens; large sculpture of Pope John Paul II; the restored pipe organ; check out the nearby Parque Central, the oldest public space in San Jose
- Entrance Fee: Free
2 Plaza De Cultura
This public plaza is in the heart of downtown and is the site of many celebrations, public events, and performances in the city. Visitors say this is a great spot for unique photo ops.
- Don’t Miss: The nearby National Theatre, a great place to people watch; notable area architecture
- Entrance Fee: Free
1 Correos De Costa Rica
This architectural gem is a government building that hosts a post office, among other things. Worth visiting to admire the early 20th-century architecture that stands out from its surroundings
- Don’t Miss: Plenty of nearby street stalls, restaurants, and shops; the stamp collection shop; pick up a cool stamp and mail a postcard
- Entrance Fee: Free