San José

San José, Costa Rica's capital city, sits in the Central Valley surrounded by volcanic mountains. This urban center has both 19th-century buildings and contemporary structures, with attractions like the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the National Theater, and the Central Market. San José serves as a starting point for many visitors before they venture out to Costa Rica's beaches and rainforests.

Location and Climate of San José

San José lies in Costa Rica's Central Valley at an elevation of about 3,800 feet (1,160 meters). The city has a tropical climate with temperatures typically ranging from 65-75°F (18-24°C) year-round. San José experiences a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November. The moderate climate and central location make San José a convenient place to begin exploring Costa Rica.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

National Museum

The National Museum is housed in the former Bellavista Fortress, built in 1917. You'll find exhibits on Costa Rica's history, archaeology, and natural history spread across multiple floors. The museum includes a butterfly garden and a collection of pre-Columbian stone spheres from southern Costa Rica.

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

Located beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this museum contains over 1,600 gold artifacts dating from 500 AD to 1500 AD. The collection shows the metalworking techniques and cultural significance of gold for pre-Columbian societies in Costa Rica.

Jade Museum

With over 7,000 pieces on display, the Jade Museum has the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts in the Americas. The exhibits explore jade's cultural, economic and religious importance throughout Costa Rica's history.

National Theater

Completed in 1897, the National Theater is known for its elaborate design. You can see the interior with its marble staircases and gilded ceilings on a guided tour or by attending a performance.

Parks and Green Spaces

La Sabana Metropolitan Park

This large urban park covers over 175 acres. You'll see people jogging, picnicking, and playing sports around the lake and sports facilities. The park also contains the Costa Rican Art Museum.

Morazán Park

This downtown park centers around a decorative bandstand known as the Temple of Music. Benches and walking paths make it a relaxing spot in the city center.

Okayama Park

This Japanese-style garden was a gift from San José's sister city of Okayama, Japan. Stone lanterns, a red bridge, and carefully pruned plants create a calm atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Food and Dining

San José's restaurants range from traditional Costa Rican sodas to upscale international eateries. You can go to the Central Market to try local dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) or casado (a typical lunch plate). For more diverse options, visit the restaurants in Barrio Escalante, an area known for its variety of cuisines.

Central Market

This large indoor market has been operating since 1880. You can walk through the narrow aisles to find fresh produce, spices, and small eateries serving traditional Costa Rican food.

Barrio Escalante

This neighborhood east of downtown has become popular for its restaurants. You'll find international cuisines alongside modern interpretations of Costa Rican classics.

Getting Around

San José has a public bus system that can take you to most parts of the city and surrounding areas. You can also use taxis, but make sure to use official red taxis with yellow triangles. Uber operates in San José as well. For exploring the city center, walking allows you to see the streets and buildings up close.

Day Trips from San José

San José's location makes it easy to take day trips to nearby places:

• Poás Volcano National Park: You can see one of the world's largest active volcano craters, about 1.5 hours from San José.
• Irazú Volcano: Costa Rica's tallest volcano offers views of the surrounding landscape on clear days.
• La Paz Waterfall Gardens: This private ecological park has waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife exhibits.