Excursion options from San José

You will not be short of things to do in San José: from strolling down the Central Avenue to visit an interesting museum.

Excursion options from San José

You will not be short of things to do in San José: from strolling down the Central Avenue to visit an interesting museum.

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San José is the capital of Costa Rica. Although it is not Costa Rica’s main attraction, it does not hurt to know a little bit more about some of the treasures of the most important city in the country. You will not be short of things to do in San José: from strolling down the Central Avenue to visit an interesting museum.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SAN JOSÉ 

  1. Visit the National Theater

The National Theater of Costa Rica is the emblem of San José. Its most representative building. For that reason you will find it on many advertising posters. It is located in the very center of San José and it is its most important theater. It is of historical architecture and was finished in 1897. After more than 100 years of history, its functions as a theater remain intact. However, with the growth of tourism it has also become a major tourist attraction. We advise you to visit it inside and enjoy the details. You will realize that they spared no expense when building it. For this you will have to book a guided tour, available from Monday to Sunday from 9am to 4pm. It has a cost of $ 10. Without a doubt, the National Theater is one of the must-sees to do in San José. Note the very famous painting of a banknote, representing people doing business at the market in Limon.

  1. Stroll through the Plaza de la Cultura, an essential stop to do in San José

This square is one of the best known and busiest in San José. Partly because it is in the heart of the capital. And also because apart from housing the National Theater, in its basement is the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, one of the main attractions of the city. The Plaza de la Cultura was built in 1973, shortly after the National Theater of Costa Rica was recognized as a National Monument.

  1. Discover the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

As we have said, this important museum is located in the basement of the Plaza de la Cultura. It is a super curious visit to do in San José. There you will be able to enjoy more than 1500 objects made of gold that belong to the pre-Columbian people who lived in the current Costa Rican territory. It is a museum that is very well documented and explains the importance of objects in people’s daily lives. All the pieces in the museum date from between the years 500 and 1500.

  1. Enjoy the atmosphere of Avenida Central

Central Avenue is the oldest street in San José. Together with Second Avenue, it constitutes the central axis of the economy, culture and commerce of the capital of Costa Rica. Its central route, which occupies about 12 blocks, is pedestrianized. Since its foundation, the main businesses of Sa Jose were established there. And today this trend still continues: you will find more than 220 commercial establishments, especially clothing stores, shoe stores and restaurants.

  1. Get to know the Post Office Building, one of the main attractions to see in San José

Along with the National Theater of Costa Rica, the Post Office Building is one of the most emblematic of the Costa Rican capital. It was designed by a Catalan in 1917 and it is in the Neo-Renaissance style. Knowing this architectural gem is one of the essential things to do in San José.

  1. Discover the Central Market

Visiting the Central Market is another of the activities to do in San José that you cannot miss on your itinerary. It has been open since 1880 and has been declared a Cultural Heritage for its incredible tradition and identity. In its narrow alleys you will find more than 200 shops, stalls and restaurants. Without a doubt, a good place to get to know the local atmosphere. Be aware of pickpockets and do not go there in the evening.

  1. Escape to the Irazú Volcano

A unique excursion to do in San José is to go to the Irazú Volcano, one of the most beautiful in the country. With 3432 meters of altitude, the Irazú is the highest volcano in Costa Rica. It still remains active, although since 1994 no significant eruption has been observed. Visit it, enjoy its five craters and relax. The most impressive thing is to enjoy the turquoise volcanic water lagoon that has formed in the main crater. It is a kilometer in diameter!

  1. Enter the National Museum of Costa Rica

It is one of the most interesting museums in Costa Rica. Here you can see curious objects such as the car in which the Pope traveled when he visited Costa Rica or learn about the history of Costa Rica. There is also a butterfly farm and an insect exhibition, among other things.

  1. Visit Poás and its national park

Poás is one of the most interesting volcanoes in Costa Rica. Its main crater, 300 meters deep and 1.32 km in diameter, is one of the largest in the world. However, its appeal is not limited to the volcano. The park offers incredible trails full of biodiversity that will take you to various viewpoints.

  1. The Jade Museum

And another curious visit to do in San José is to visit the Jade Museum. It has a large collection of ceramic, gold and other objects, but its main attraction is that it houses the world’s largest collection of objects made with jade