San Jose: Costa Rica’s wonder

Posted February 8, 2016

When you think about visiting Costa Rica, you usually think of driving out a couple of hours to visit some of our gorgeous beaches, go on a hiking trip through our luscious rainforests or even go on a weekend getaway to a mountain cabin and enjoy some fresh crispy air. But you don’t necessarily need to leave the city to do some great sightseeing and get to know some of Costa Rica’s wonders. There are tons of places to go to and visit in the capital that will literally blow-your-socks-off.

Although some of San Jose’s areas may not be as nice, there are some areas that are a must when it comes to really getting to know the past and present of the most “pura vida” country in the world.

There are many museums you can visit for a low price, and they are all pretty close to each other. Our best picks are the Museo del Jade (Jade Museum) and Museo de Oro (Gold Museum) for their incredible collection of pre-Columbian pieces. The Museo del Oro is even a subterranean concrete building, making it one of the coolest buildings to visit in the country.

: Restaurante Gaff, Costa Rica

: Museo de los niños, Costa Rica

: Arte precolombino Costa Rica

San Jose is also known for its breathtaking theaters. If there is one place you definitely can’t miss to go to, is the Teatro Nacional (National theater). Its construction dates back to 1891 and has neo-classical architecture and furnishings. During the day (and for a small fee) you are able to go up to the theater’s Foyer and balconies.

Although Costa Rica is famous for not having an army, curiously there are two historic buildings that were formerly penitentiaries or military barracks which are well worth visiting. The Museo del Niño (Children’s Museum) was formerly the country’s Central Penitentiary for about 80 years. It was then abandoned for about 12 years and then remodeled. Before it became the Museo National (National Museum), this building was originally constructed as a military barrack and fortress. Both of these awesome museums still keep a couple of its original jail cells which you can go into – spooky!

Besides it’s numerous historic buildings, San Jose also has the most delicious restaurants and coffee shops were you can get some great lunch or dinner. Our best recommendations for restaurants are: Grano de Oro, Tin Jo, La esquina de Buenos Aires, Café Miel, Picnic and Ram Luna. If you would rather go for a beer or two and a great meal then you can go to the Stiefel Pub, EL Gaff, The beer factory, Jazz Café or Yellow Submarine.

You don’t need to travel far to get to know some of Costa Rica’s wonders; most are right in the middle of San Jose.