Things to do in San José

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.
A large stadium with a white roof and multiple tiers of seating.
A classical pavilion with a dome and columns, surrounded by trees and urban buildings.
A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a flag.
A yellow building with a flag, steps, and a fence.

Things to do

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

P1,831
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
Aerial Tram Experience: Rainforest Flyover & Nature Gardens

Braulio Carrillo National Park Aerial Tram Experience Pass

P4,800
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Braulio Carrillo National Park Aerial Tram Experience Pass
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

P2,154
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

P8,307
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

P11,384
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
One Day Tour -2 Activities

One Day Tour 2 Activities to choose (Zipline, ATV and more) from San Jose

P13,414
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
One Day Tour 2 Activities to choose (Zipline, ATV and more) from San Jose
Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

From San José: All-Inclusive Manuel Antonio Park & Beach Day

P8,307
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From San José: All-Inclusive Manuel Antonio Park & Beach Day
Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and stores From San Jose

Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and stores From San Jose

P8,722
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Doka, Grecia & Sarchi Oxcart Factories and stores From San Jose
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

P12,491
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring
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What to do in San José

Stay near popular San José attractions

A cityscape with a stadium, residential areas, and mountains in the background.

Sabana Park

8.8/10 (1,549 reviews)
This urban oasis serves as San José's green lungs with tree-lined paths and an artificial lake. Explore the Costa Rican Art Museum within the park or join locals for weekend sports on the expansive fields.
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Where to stay in San José

Find the best San José areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
A cityscape with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent stadium, and mountains in the background.

Amón

If you're spending some time in Amón, Casa Amarilla and TEOR/éTica are top sights worth seeing.

A large stadium with a metal framework and rows of seats.
Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton

La Sabana

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping, and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater of Costa Rica.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

A busy urban street with a large historic building with a green roof and columns.

Merced

While visiting Merced, you might make a stop by sights like Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón.

An aerial view of a city with modern buildings, roads, and a mountainous backdrop.

San Antonio de Belen

A rural landscape with green fields, a white fence, and houses in the background.

Heredia

A cityscape with a prominent cathedral, surrounded by residential buildings and mountains in the background.

Desamparados

An ornate church interior with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of pews.

San Rafael de Heredia

A cityscape with a prominent mountain in the background.

San Jose

A colorful, intricately designed ceiling with geometric patterns and floral motifs.

Sarchi Norte

A lush forest with a moss-covered tree trunk and a plant with pink and yellow leaves.

San Jose De La Montana

A large white church with a bell tower, surrounded by a green field and residential buildings.

San Joaquin de Flores

Frequently asked questions

Is San José worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in San José is visit National Theater. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's history and dining.
How do I spend a day in San José?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge, spend some time discovering San José's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San José?
National Theater is one of the top tourist attractions in San José and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San José?
You can easily tour leading attractions like National Theater, Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge with a three-day getaway in San José. On average, many travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Ciudad Cariari.
Is San José a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city center, San José is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between National Theater and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge. Then take a stroll through Carmen, located 2 kilometers from downtown, and Uruca, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San José with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in San José with kids.

What to do in San José for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in San José for adults including Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa.
Are there free things to do in San José?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San José is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Sabana Park is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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