San José

Although San José is a relatively small city, it has a large number of cultural and educational attractions, among which stand out the National Theater, built between 1890-1897, and shelters the main cultural, artistic and political activities. The city is also ideal for short trips through the Carmen, Catedral, Merced and Hospital districts, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of several buildings that have been declared a National Monument, of cultural, historical or architectural interest, including the Post Office and Telegraph buildings, the National Theater, the Children’s Museum, and the Blue Castle, among others. Also, in San José you can find historic buildings such as the Melico Salazar Theater, National Museum, Metal Building, Children’s Museum, Costa Rican Art and Design Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Central Bank Museum (in the Plaza de la Democracia) and the new and renovated Jade Museum. The city also concentrates the majority of government services.

San José offers a large number of options for accommodations for all budgets, and a wide gastronomic offer, ranging from Bed & Breakfasts and the popular “sodas,” to the small restaurants offering local and fast food, as well as fashionable bars, complemented by various cinemas and theaters. The religious festivals and the popular festivities of the city in the month of December, are also some of the traditional activities that visitors can enjoy.