Things to Do in San José, Costa Rica: The Perfect Start to a Self Guided Adventure

By Silvanna Pacheco, January 7th, 2026

While many travelers use San José as a quick transit point, the city holds the most concentration of Costa Rica’s history and culture. Most of the city’s “charm” comes from the late 19th century, when coffee exports made the nation wealthy. This gave rise to the National Theater and neighborhoods like Barrio Amón, where you can still see Victorian mansions built by coffee barons. Let our local experts design your perfect Costa Rican route starting in San Jose.

As the primary gateway to the country, San José serves as the ideal starting point for a Costa Rican adventure. If your flight arrives in the afternoon or evening, spending your first night or two in the capital is a strategic choice; it allows you to settle in and enjoy a vibrant urban atmosphere that provides a striking contrast to the rural rainforest and beaches you will encounter later. Also, it gives a historical context that makes seeing the rest of the country more meaningful.

History enthusiasts should head to downtown San José for its proximity to museums, while those seeking modern luxury and high-end shopping will prefer the upscale hills of Escazú. For a central hub with business-class hotels and easy access to the highway and to La Sabana Metropolitan Park, La Sabana is an ideal choice. Finally, food lovers shouldn’t miss Barrio Escalante, the city’s trendy culinary center; while it lacks traditional hotels, it is packed with artisan breweries and some of the city’s best dining options.

Costa Rica offers a rich variety of museums that highlight its diverse history, art, and indigenous heritage. Most of them are located within walking distance of each other in the city center. Here are some of the sites we highly recommend to visit:

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Located entirely underground beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this museum feels like entering a high-security vault. It houses over 1,600 gold artifacts dating from 500 AD to the Spanish conquest. Look for the life-sized gold warrior, intricate animal pendants (shamanic figures, jaguars, and frogs), and the Numismatic Museum on the ground floor, which traces the history of Costa Rican currency from coffee tokens to modern bills.

Museo del Jade
Housed in a striking five-story building designed to look like a raw block of jade, this museum holds the world’s largest collection of American jade, with nearly 7,000 pieces on display. You start with the history of jade processing and rise through exhibits detailing daily life, war, and spiritual beliefs.

Museo Nacional & Plaza de la Democracia
The National Museum is housed in the old Bellavista Fortress. The bullet holes from the 1948 Civil War are still visible in the towers, serving as a powerful reminder of the moment Costa Rica decided to abolish its army. This museum features a beautiful butterfly garden at the entrance and exhibits on Costa Rica’s archaeology (including pre-Columbian gold, stone spheres), natural history, and a comprehensive timeline of the country’s history from conquest to the present.

Teatro Nacional
The city’s architectural jewel. The Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica is more than just a performance venue; it is the ultimate symbol of the nation’s economic and cultural “Golden Age. Completed in 1897, its construction represents a pivotal moment when Costa Rica sought to align itself with European sophistication to showcase its stability and wealth on the world stage.

Beyond the famous theater, you’ll find the Edificio Metálico (a school made entirely of iron shipped from Belgium) and the Central Post Office, which remains a functioning neoclassical beauty.

Local Flavors and Markets

For the most authentic local experience visit the Mercado Central, a labyrinth of stalls founded in 1880. At the you will find “La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora” famous for their cinnamon-flavored ice cream, a tradition since 1901 and many local “Sodas” (a small, family-run restaurant) where you can enjoy a typical “casado” lunch (rice, beans, choice of meat, sweet plantains and vegetables). On the other hand, the Mercado Municipal de Artesanías is the best place for self-guided souvenir hunting, with local crafts, leather goods, and woodcarvings at a great price.

From San José, you are perfectly positioned to explore the Central Valley’s mix of volcanoes, cultural sites and charming towns. Our team can help you find the perfect accommodations to explore San Jose’s main attractions.

Poás Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Poás Volcano National Park is one of the most popular and accessible active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Its main crater is nearly a mile wide and often holds a stunning turquoise acid lake. We recommend an early visit to avoid the clouds that typically roll in by mid-morning. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is often paired with Poás, and features five waterfalls, a butterfly farm, a hummingbird garden and access to a jungle cat exhibit.

Hacienda La Chimba, Santa Ana
Located just 20-30 minutes from downtown San José, this is a favorite for active travelers. There is a “giant wooden hand” where you can take a perfect photo over the coffee hills. Beyond hiking, you can learn about the “Golden Bean” or try the Canopy Zip-line tour.

Cartago
Cartago is the historic capital located 30 minutes away from San José. Here you get to see the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, the most important religious site in the country. It houses the “Negrita,” a small black stone statue of the Virgin Mary. On the other hand, the Cartago Ruins, located in the central park, are the remains of a church that was repeatedly destroyed by earthquakes in the 1800s and finally abandoned. It is now a beautiful, roofless garden. In Cartago you will also find the Lankester Botanical Gardens operated by the University of Costa Rica. This is a world-class center for orchid research and features over 3,000 species of plants, including a serene Japanese garden.

Irazú Volcano & Orosi Valley
Irazú Volcano National Park is Costa Rica’s highest volcano offering the most beautiful views of the countryside of Cartago. The landscape at the top is moon-like and desolate, offering views of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on clear days. After descending the volcano, drive down into this deep, green valley called Ororsi, home to the San José de Orosí Church, the oldest church still in use in Costa Rica (built in 1743). The Orosi Mirador offers a panoramic view of the valley and the Reventazón River. Orosi is one of the top Birding Costa Rica destinations offering access to over 350 species across cloud forests and middle-elevation terrains.

Volcanoes & Coffee Trails
Experience the beauty of the Costa Rican volcanoes in this 10 day adventure package. You will enjoy the fun activities surrounding the volcanoes and learn about the local culture.

There are great coffee plantations near San José. Within an hour’s drive, you can explore the Doka Estate on the slopes of Poás Volcano, home to the country’s oldest working wet mill and a focus on traditional family processing. For a more interactive experience, the Café Britt Tour in Heredia blends education with professional storytelling and theatrical performances. Meanwhile, Hacienda Alsacia provides a modern, global perspective as Starbucks’ only research and development farm, featuring a visitor center with stunning views.

If you have only one day to spend in San José, we recommend starting at the Plaza de la Cultura which is the city’s most iconic public square and an essential starting point for any self-guided tour. The charm of the capital is often tucked away inside historic courtyards like Edificio Steinvorth, where you will find a delicious gourmet coffee shop.

Last but not least, remember to be safe. Stick to well-lit pedestrian places like Avenida Central and never go out late at night. Keep your valuables secure in crowded spots like the Mercado Central. Most “Ticos” do not use formal street names for directions so you should rely on apps like Waze, Google Maps, or GPSmyCity to stay oriented. Come and enjoy San José and its authentic people. Start planning your custom Costa Rica vacation today.