Things to do in San José

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San José
San José
San José
San José
San José
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Most popular activities in San José

Tours & day trips

See all 192 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,353 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 56 activities
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Activity duration is 14 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 23 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥29,815 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 45 activities
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥30,919 per adult
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot SpringOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 44 activities
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥21,296 per adult
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 31 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,353 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

What to do in San José

Discover the most popular places to visit in San José

San Jose showing mountains and forests

Central Park

You can find out about the history of San José with a visit to Central Park. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Central Park
Autódromo

Parque Viva

Learn about the events happening at Parque Viva during your trip to Guacima. Take in the festivals while you're in the area.

Parque Viva
Coffee tour

Hacienda Alsacia

Enjoy an outing to Hacienda Alsacia during your stay in San Isidro.

Hacienda Alsacia
National Theater

National Theater

You can get tickets for a performance at National Theater during your trip to San José. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

National Theater
Costa Rican typical country side sandals

Mercado Central

During your trip to San José, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Mercado Central. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this vibrant area, or seek out the local tours.

Mercado Central
The latest war facility in Costa Rica, ironically where the army wa abolished in 1948. #sky #clouds

National Museum of Costa Rica

You can spend time studying the exhibits at National Museum of Costa Rica in San José. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.

National Museum of Costa Rica

National Stadium of Costa Rica

Catch an event at National Stadium of Costa Rica during your trip to San José. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

National Stadium of Costa Rica

Sabana Park

Explore the great outdoors at Sabana Park, a lovely green space in San José. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its fascinating museums.

Sabana Park

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

During your visit to San Rafael, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Multiplaza Mall Escazu. Amble around the area's picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San José

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Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barrio Escalante
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La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping, and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater.

La California
central american games

La Sabana

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

La Sabana
San Jose showing mountains and forests

Hospital

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital
central american games

Mata Redonda

If you're spending some time in Mata Redonda, National Stadium of Costa Rica and Estadio Nacional are top sights worth seeing.

Mata Redonda
Passing by 3rd Street. Loved the art #travel #trip #outdoors #streetart #getaway #phototravelers #traveler #costarica #art&color #sign

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and National Center of Art and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen

Popular day trips from San José

Alajuela

Alajuela

Photo by Sha

Escazu

Photo by Timothy Miles

Heredia

Photo by Kenneth Paige

Santa Ana

Photo by Garrett Britton

Patarra

Photo by Garrett Britton

Tres Rios

Photo by Garrett Britton

Ciudad Colon

Photo by Amy Cristine

Fraijanes

Frequently asked questions

Is San José worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in San José is visit National Theater. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's history and dining.
How do I spend a day in San José?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge, spend some time discovering San José's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San José?
National Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in San José and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San José?
You can easily tour leading attractions like National Theater, Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge with a three-day getaway in San José. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Ciudad Cariari.
Is San José a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, San José is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between National Theater and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge. Then take a stroll through Carmen, located 2 kilometers from downtown, and Uruca, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San José with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in San José with kids.

What to do in San José for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in San José for adults including Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa.
Are there free things to do in San José?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San José is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Sabana Park is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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