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Why visit San Jose
Architecture
San Jose features a fusion of architectural styles ranging from Colonial-era mansions to modern skyscrapers. Because of this variety, you could spend days discovering the interesting buildings and homes that line the city’s streets and neighborhoods. Here are some gems we think are worth observing.
National Theater of Costa Rica
This fine example of Colonial-Era design was built between 1890 and 1897 using money collected from taxing coffee exports. Inside, the theater stages plays, dances, operas, classical concerts, and other major events. Catch a show or just marvel at this National Theatre while in San Jose.
Metropolitan Church
This church in San Jose is the city’s principal Catholic cathedral and features a distinctive neoclassical exterior. Inside, you’ll find an ornate cupola ceiling, an 1891 Belgian pipe organ, and gorgeous stained-glass windows from the Champigneulle Factory in Paris. We suggest you stop here to take in the beauty found at this sacred site.
Metallic Building
Marvel at this completely metal building which serves as a children’s school. The Edificio Metálico, or Metallic Building, was actually constructed in Belgium, transported and assembled in San Jose in 1896. Visitors to this unique structure say that you can still see the numbers and letters that the workers used to help put the building together. If you have some free time while walking around downtown San Jose, visit this iconic site.
Yellow House
This national monument with its striking ochre colored façade is an important part of San Jose’s architectural and political history. The building now houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but during the early 1920s, it served as the Presidential Office. We suggest taking a moment to observe this culturally significant government building while on your tour.
Attractions
Even if your stay in San Jose is short, you’ll find the city has a variety of exciting things to keep you entertained. Whether you wish to catch some sun in one of the several parks or browse the marketplace for fresh fare, San Jose has an appeal that you won’t want to miss. See why and visit some of these local attractions.
Central Market
Experience daily Costa Rican life and take a stroll through this bustling marketplace. Lose yourself in the market’s labyrinth of lanes as you come across fresh produce and local cuisine. This cultural experience is a must if you are visiting San Jose.
La Sabana Metropolitan Park
Breathe in the fresh air and walk amongst the sun-dappled paths in this peaceful park. La Sabana is the largest park in the city and is known as “the lungs of San Jose.” Within La Sabana’s grounds, you’ll find a lagoon, various museums, and sporting facilities. We suggest having a picnic or taking a jog here if you have some down time.
Biesanz Woodworks
In Escazu, a suburb of San Jose, you’ll find this impressive fine woodworking shop. The shop is run by celebrated artisan, Barry Biesanz, and features exquisite bowls and other decorative containers that are made with the utmost care and concern for the wood used. This craftsman’s studio may pique your interest if you are looking for a unique side trip and an original piece of art to take home with you.
Galeria Namu
See the incredible artwork of indigenous and folk artists from Costa Rica and Central America at this small gallery space. The gallery prides itself on being fair trade, meaning every artist featured gets paid equitably. Stop by to see some authentic handcrafts, paintings, jewelry and more.
Museums
San Jose offers several cultural sites, including several notable museums perfect for a morning or afternoon of enrichment. Discover pre-Colombian history, marvel at stunning artwork, or walk amongst the dinosaurs. Carve out some time if you can and visit these fascinating museums.
Jade Museum
Learn of Costa Rica’s link to this semi-precious stone and take a tour of this museum. See the largest collection of pre-Colombian jade artifacts in the world and discover the range of hues and transparencies of this ornamental mineral. The museum also features beautiful ceramic, stone, and gold pieces. Most of the information is presented in Spanish, so we suggest brushing up on the language if you decide to go!
National Museum of Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s illustrious history and spend a day exploring the National Museum of Costa Rica. The museum is housed in the Bellavista fortress, originally a military barracks built in 1917. Discover the country’s natural and cultural heritage as you see artifacts, cannons, and ornate furniture dating back to pre-Colombian times. Head to the museum’s courtyard for spectacular views of San Jose.
Natural Sciences Museum
You can travel back a few millennia and bring out your inner-paleontologist when taking a tour of this museum. San Jose’s Natural Sciences Museum provides travelers with a day of discovery, where reconstructed skeletons of extinct beasts are displayed alongside beautiful butterfly specimens. We suggest building this into your itinerary if you have a free day in the city.
Costa Rica Art Museum
Inside of La Sabana Park you’ll find this museum featuring more than 6,000 pieces of art in a variety of mediums. See special rotating exhibitions as well as permanent works from Costa Rican, Latin American, and international artists. We recommend visiting this museum after a leisurely day walking around the park.
