The city of San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, is one so often overlooked. With a reputation for being hectic, loud and sometimes lawless, trepid travellers tend to be in and out as quickly as possible, fixated on reaching the Central American country’s famed beaches and jungles in record time.
But to dismiss San José as merely a gateway to Costa Rica’s natural wonders would be a grave mistake. This metropolitan heart of the country pulses with an energy all its own, where colonial architecture stands proudly alongside contemporary art spaces, and where centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with modern urban life. In the maze-like streets of its historic neighbourhoods, you’ll find everything from bustling markets and innovative art galleries to third-wave coffee shops serving some of the world’s finest beans.
The city’s renaissance over the past decade has transformed once-overlooked districts into thriving cultural hubs, while maintaining the warm, hospitable nature of its people and their fantastic food culture. The ‘Chepe’ – as locals affectionately call their city – offers a fascinating glimpse into Costa Rica’s urban soul, far removed from the tourist-trodden paths of its coastlines and rainforests.
Don’t make the same mistake countless others have. Be brave, and you’ll be richly rewarded. Here are 7 of the best things to do in San José, Costa Rica.
Visit The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
If bling be your thing then you’ve come to the right place. We’re not talking about the gaudy, ostentatious displays of wealth beloved of E! Entertainment stars. Rather, some of the best artefacts and examples of pre-Columbian gold on the planet, some of which hark back over 1500 years, are housed here.
Located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this archaeological collection belongs to the Museum of the Central Bank and contains nearly 4000 objects. It’s also a neat look into the history of what is now known as Costa Rica, but was previously inhabited by pre-Columbian civilizations.
One of the must-see exhibits is Costa Rica’s first coin, the Media Escudo, which marked the county’s transition from the exchange of precious stones to a more fully-fledged economic system using currency. Fascinating stuff, and the building is gorgeous too.
Visit The Museum of Contemporary Art & Design (MACD)
Housed in a striking former liquor distillery, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s historical attractions. The museum showcases cutting-edge works from both Costa Rican and international artists, with rotating exhibitions that challenge conventional artistic boundaries. The industrial architecture of the building itself is worth admiring, and the museum’s commitment to fostering dialogue about contemporary Central American culture makes it a fascinating stop for art enthusiasts. Don’t miss the museum shop, which features unique pieces from local artisans and designers.
Explore The Barrio Amón Historic District
Take a leisurely stroll through one of San José’s most charming neighbourhoods, where 19th and early 20th-century architecture tells the story of Costa Rica’s coffee boom. This historic district is home to beautifully preserved mansions that once belonged to the city’s coffee barons, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels, art galleries, and quirky cafés.
The area’s Victorian and neoclassical buildings, painted in vibrant colours, provide excellent photo opportunities. Pop into Casa del Cuño, a restored mansion that now houses various cultural exhibitions, or simply wander the tree-lined streets to discover hidden architectural gems and trendy local boutiques.
Marvel At The National Theatre
Speaking of gorgeous buildings, the National Theatre is one of Latin America’s most beloved feats of architecture, and well worth a visit if you’re in San Jose for even a day. Opened in the late 19th century, the venue has attracted composers, playwrights, singers and performers of worldwide repute, but it’s equally famed for its lavish ceiling murals, as well as a statue of Beethoven and a monument to Chopin at the entrance. A neoclassical national treasure, indeed.
San Jose After Hours
The Costa Rican capital has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene which feels both more boisterous and more upmarket each time we return to the city. Most partygoers tend to head to El Pueblo and its surrounding activity, which has a handful of happening bars and clubs all under one roof. Be aware; it doesn’t really get going properly until midnight.
South east of the city, Pepper Disco Club is perhaps the liveliest place to cut some rug, and is considered one of the premier clubs (a word of warning; ‘nightclub’ refers solely to strip clubs here, so just go with ‘club’ if you’re asking a local for tips) in Central America, spinning electronic, house and techno pretty much 24/7. If you’re looking for something a little more lowkey music-wise, then the Jazz Club San Pedro is a great place to listen to live music and enjoy a more sedate experience.
San Jose is also famed as being something of a gambling destination, with a clutch of casinos in the city serving those up for combining a night out with some table time. The Concorde Casino at the Irazu Hotel is perhaps the most iconic, with over 250 slot games, some with free spins available, and 9 tables. Or, the Grand Casino at the Sheraton Hotel boasts three dedicated poker tables. For those a little green around the table, it might be worth a little low stakes practice beforehand.
Get Stuck Into The Local Cuisine & Coffee
They say that to get under the skin of any city, you have to get stuck into the cuisine and eat as the locals do, and that’s certainly true here in San Jose. At the aforementioned Mercado Central, it’s pretty much obligatory to visit La Sorbetera, one of Latin America’s first homemade ice cream producers, and beloved of locals and tourists alike. They churn out some of the finest vanilla ice cream we’ve ever tasted, but don’t stop there; the shaved ice is super refreshing too.
Having already had dessert and rather doing things in reverse, head to Soda Tala, the definitive snack bar of the city, which does superb tortillas and ground beef hash, with lashings of the country’s beloved chilera, Costa Rica’s take on chilli sauce.
Or, head to the neighbourhood Barrio Escalante where foodies flock in their droves each evening for the various hip cafes and bars. For something a little more formal, try out the area’s best restaurant Al Mercat, which serves up whatever is fresh from the market, family style but done with finesse. Lovely.
And while in a country so famous for its coffee, make sure you drink a few cups of the good stuff. Cafe del Barista, close to the Calderon Hospital Guard, is perennially popular, and the Underground Brew Cafe, in that foodie mecca Barrio Escalante we already mentioned, does great coffee and pumping electronic music; a great mix if you ask us. The city’s cool crowd seem to agree.
Go Shopping At Mercado Central
If you’re like us and when visiting a new city you simply love to get lost in a market, checking out the local fresh produce and shopping for souvenirs, then Mercado Central, San Jose’s biggest market, will be right up your alley. Alley is the operative word here, as the market is a hectic tangle of little lanes.
Hawkers will tug at your sleeve, offers and counteroffers will be exchanged and the friendly banter of barter will ring in your ears, but that’s all part of the fun, right? Be sure to drop into some of the Mercado’s ‘sodas’ (snack bars, essentially) and check out the artisanal, handmade leather goods and traditional Costa Rican clothing; the embroidered white shirts and dresses are particularly lovely.
If you have deemed it time to leave the city, then why not head to Corcovado National Park next?
