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Things to see in San Jose

Attractions

Museo del Oro Precolombino (Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold)

Beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, in downtown San José, is one of Costa Rica’s cultural treasures, the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold. The museum, an inverted, underground pyramid, sits on the site of the former Central Bank and earlier, one of Costa Rica’s first churches. The museum dramatically displays more than 1,600 pieces, the oldest dating to the third century AD. Later pieces follow the development of Costa Rican culture through the Spanish conquest. Tours are offered in English and other languages. The Museos del Banco Central complex also has a Numismatic Museum, displaying coins from throughout Costa Rica’s history.

Address: , Calle 5, Avenida Central y segunda, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2243 4202.
Opening times:

Daily 0915-1700.

Website: http://www.museosdelbancocentral.org
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (National Museum of Costa Rica)

The rounded yellow turrets of century-old Bellavista Fortress, rising just east of downtown, are still riddled with bullet holes. They have been left there to commemorate the 1948 Civil War that rendered the former military barracks obsolete. Revolutionaries abolished the military, and gave the building to the National Museum of Costa Rica. Today, it boasts excellent archaeological exhibits, with ornate matates (stone corn grinders) and the mysterious stone spheres for which Costa Rica is famous. The Spanish Colonial period, coffee boom, and modern Costa Rica are also covered. And, yes, there is a beautiful view over the capital city.

Address: , Calle 17 between Avenidas Central and 2, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2257 1433.
Opening times:

Tues-Sat 0830-1630, Sun 0900-1630.

Website: http://www.museocostarica.go.cr
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Parque Nacional

At the centre of San José’s political district, this shady park and its classy collection of monuments is a popular spot for businesspeople enjoying their lunch al fresco. The park, a gift from the government of Mexico celebrating independence from Spain, is centred on a huge statue depicting Costa Rica’s 1856 defeat of filibusterer William Walker. It’s close to several other sites and monuments, including the supreme court’s inexplicably Egyptian-themed plaza, Parque Morazán and the Temple of Music.

Address: , Avenida 1 and Calle 17, San Jose,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Barrio Amón

Heavily damaged in the 1888 fire that destroyed much of San José, the historic neighbourhood of Barrio Amón was rebuilt during the wealthiest and most architecturally creative decades of the coffee boom. Today, the old mansions display an ornate mix of neo-colonial, art deco, federalist, Porfiriano, and other era architectural styles. Many of the buildings are quite well maintained, and several have been remodelled into hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The neighbourhood is quite nice during the day, attracting businesspeople and bohemian types, but gets a bit sketchy after dark – stay alert.

Address: Bordered by Avenida 13, Avenida 7, Calle 9, and Calle Central, Barrio Amón, San Jose,
Telephone:
Opening times:

Daily.

Website:
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: No
UNESCO: No

Museo Para la Paz (Museum for Peace)

The Museum for Peace, operated by the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, was supposed to be a much grander affair, tracing the entire history of peace. Today, it has a small exhibit about two-time Costa Rican president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias, and you’ll need to knock on the door to see it. It’s too bad, because Costa Rica’s notably peaceful history, in a region regularly rocked by violence, is worth further study. Here, at least, you’ll learn about the 1988 Esquipulas Peace Agreement, which helped end decades of violent conflict in Central America.

Address: , Corner of Avenida 2 and Calle 13, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2222 9191.
Opening times:

Mon-Fri 0730-1630.

Website: http://www.arias.or.cr
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museo de Jade (Jade Museum)

Arguably the most important collection in Costa Rica, the Jade Museum displays some of more than 8,000 pieces dating back to around 500BC. The museum moved to a spacious new five-storey building on the west side of the Plaza de la Democracia in 2014. it’s worth visiting to see Central America’s largest collection of jade, most of it originally imported from Guatemala by Costa Rica’s original residents. Other artefacts – ceramics, shells, fabrics, and more – are also on display.

Address: Plaza de la Democracia, Calle 13 y 13 bis, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2521 6610.
Opening times:

Daily 1000-1700.

Website: http://www.museodeljadeins.com
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museo de los Niños (Children’s Museum)

The Children’s Museum was originally built in 1906 as a military barracks, hence the medieval castle-style façade. After the 1948 civil war, the building was repurposed as a museum. Most tours at least go by the striking edifice, and it’s definitely worth a visit for families with young children. Exhibits include all sorts of activities and interactive displays designed to teach kids about history, science, music, and earthquakes.

Address: , Calle 4, al norte de la Avenida 9 , San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2258 4929.
Opening times:

Tues-Fri 0800-1630, Sat-Sun 0930-1700.

Website: http://www.museocr.org
Admission Fees:

Yes.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Galeria Namu

A treasure trove of indigenous artwork and handmade crafts, the walls of Namu dazzle with sculptures, pottery and Boruca ceremonial masks of every hue. The gallery supports folk and tribal artists from across Costa Rica and operates a fair trade practice that sees the artists immediately and fairly remunerated for their work.

Address: , Avenida 7 between Calles 5 and 7, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2256 3412.
Opening times:

Mon–Sat 0900–1830; Sun 1300–1700 (Jan-Apr only).

Website: http://www.galerianamu.com
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Museo de Arte Costarricense (Museum of Costa Rican Art) and and Parque La Sabana

San José’s largest greenspace, Parque La Sabana, anchors the bustling west end of the city. Originally, however, this shady expanse of football fields, small lakes, gardens, and even a canopy tour, was once the international airport. The gorgeous, mission revival-style Museum of Costa Rican Art was once the airport terminal. The museum reopened in 2010 after a lengthy restoration, and was exhibiting its exceptional collection of paintings and sculptures for free; this might change. Also in the park, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales LaSalle (LaSalle Museum of Natural History) has kid-friendly displays about Costa Rican wildlife and ecosystems ecology.

Address: contiguo a la estatua de León Cortés, Parque La Sabana, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2256 1281.
Opening times:

Tues-Fri 0900-1600; Sat-Sun 1000-1530.

Website: http://www.musarco.go.cr
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Catedral Metropolitana

San José, an impoverished agrarian village during the height of the Spanish colonial period, lacks the grandiose Catholic churches boasted by other Latin American capitals. It’s still worth stopping by the simple but harmonious 1871 Metropolitan Cathedral, overlooking San José’s original Central Park. The façade is pretty enough, but step inside – the Moorish tiles, fine stained glass, and ornamentation all seem to echo the rainforest. A sculpture in the gardens commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit.

Address: , Avenidas 4 and 2 and Calles Central and 1, San Jose,
Telephone: +506 2221 3820.
Opening times:

Daily.

Website: http://www.arquisanjose.org
Admission Fees:

No.

Disabled Access: Yes
UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT)

Address: Saturno, Calle 68A, San Jose, 777-1000
Telephone: +506 2299 5800.
Opening times:

Mon-Sat 0900-1700.

Website: http://www.ict.go.cr

ICT has offices all over the country, including a booth at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, and next to the Gold Museum downtown.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Featured Hotels

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Hotel Milvia

About 3km (1.8 miles) east of downtown San José, but connected by convenient bus service, is the university town of San Pedro. Tucked away on a quiet side street, you’ll find this sunny, immaculate B&B, with lovely gardens, big balconies, and cheerful common areas decorated in outstanding paintings and sculptures. Sleek lines and bright colours give the 90-year-old former plantation house a clean European feel, and breakfast is outstanding.

Hotel Aranjuez

Hidden away in Barrio Aranjuez, a historic residential neighbourhood about 15 minutes from downtown on foot (take taxis at night) is San José’s best bargain. The rambling, old structure has relaxed sitting areas, polished wooden rooms ranging from basic to almost palatial, and wonderful, shady gardens you could easily get lost in. Make reservations in advance, particularly for the cheaper rooms, as the hotel is popular with Costa Ricans.

Hostel Bekuo

This festive, mosaic-tiled hostel is in Barrio Los Yoses, located about halfway between downtown San José and San Pedro’s student nightlife district, Calle de la Amargura. A dozen other great bars, clubs, and restaurants are within stumbling distance. The simple spot has lots of tourist information, Wi-Fi, movies, open kitchen, a game room, and nice gardens out back, making it a fine place to enjoy San José.

Hotel Grano de Oro

The luxurious grand dame of San José’s hotel scene is named for the “Grain of Gold,” an old Tico (Costa Rican) nickname for coffee. Though this world-class boutique hotel offers every modern comfort, the style is that of Costa Rica’s caffeinated heyday, the boom years between the 19th and 20th centuries. The Victorian exterior’s soaring lobby, with a renowned restaurant, serves 34 excellent rooms, each beautifully designed and decorated.

Hotel Posada del Museo

Rising from the hustle and bustle of San José’s political district, this rambling, antique-filled 1928 mansion is a treasure. Accommodations are simple but well decorated, and more expensive rooms are considerably larger, with better views. The polished tropical hardwood construction lends a warm glow to the hotel, but also squeaks a bit at night. Attached Café de la Posada is outstanding, the perfect place for quiche, coffee, and the best people-watching in town.

Hostel Pangea

This popular hostel in the fashionable Barrio Amón district has long been a top stop on the Gringo Trail. Amenities include a swimming pool, rooftop bar, breakfast, internet access, private rooms, and shuttles to well maintained partner hostels all over the country. It’s a great place to meet other travellers and plan your further adventures, and is surrounded by several other cheap San José hotels if it doesn’t suit you.