We wouldn’t blame you if visiting a city was the last thing on your mind when heading to the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica: the beaches are plentiful, the rainforest is lush and the flora and fauna are as diverse as anywhere on Earth just waiting to be snapped in a photo. But for those keen to dig a little deeper into the history, culture and gastronomy that makes Costa Rica so magical, do spare a day or two to discover the capital city of San Jose and its carefully-curated museums, world-class eateries and colourful markets. Read on to discover what to do in San Jose to best enjoy your urban adventure in Costa Rica.
Discover the Capital’s Many Museums
Culture and history buffs certainly won’t be stuck for what to do in San Jose, thanks to the city’s eclectic mix of museums and galleries. Anyone keen to admire some pre-Columbian jewellery and precious metals metalwork can visit both the Gold Museum, which showcases one of the most extensive collection of gold and old currencies in the Americas, and the Jade Museum, which displays the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian Jade. Then there’s the Costa Rican National Museum, which displays a thought-provoking timeline of the nation’s history, from pre-Columbian times, through colonialism, industrialism and revolutions, to the present day. The museum also features an observation deck with panoramic views across the city skyline. Art aficionados can enjoy a trip to an old international airport terminal in downtown San Jose which has been skillfully transformed into a world-class art gallery showcasing some of the finest artworks from Costa Rican artists , such as Zuniga and Amighetti. And finally, families with youngsters will be happy to hear that the interactive Children’s Museum (housed in an old prison, no less) can keep kids entertained for hours on end with informative exhibitions, an earthquake simulator and even a gallery space that exhibits what life was like for former prisoners.
Explore the City’s Gastronomic Neighbourhoods
San Jose is home to its fair share of several barrios (neighbourhoods) that, once empty down on their luck or dangerous, have transformed into vibrant enclaves of culinary excellence. In Barrio Escalante - a former coffee plantation in the northeast of the city - you can sample gourmet food at pop-up restaurants, enjoy craft beers at breweries and get a taste of some of the finest coffee Costa Rica has to offer. The restaurants are far more varied than what you might find on the coast; you can enjoy Spanish tapas at Olio, Costa Rican-French fusion dishes at Kalú and Lebanese food at Faqra. If you fancy a spot of foodie window-shopping, head down Paseo Gastronómico (Calle 33) or browse the many street-food stands at Jardin de Lolita. Barrio Escazu - located to the west of downtown San Jose - is another of the city’s booming culinary hubs. The neighbourhood has been nicknamed ‘little USA’ for being the upscale commercial district of the capital. Travellers and locals alike flock to Kololo Ramen for top-quality Korean dishes, La Divina Comida for Peruvan fusion cuisine and the Taj Mahal for classic Indian specialties. El Mestizo Market and Santa Ana Town Centre are great options for those keen plenty of option all in one place - each market is home to a host of different restaurants, including steakhouses, sushi bars and Mexican restaurants.
Get Your Groove on in the City’s Pubs and Bars
If you’re scratching your head for what to do in San Jose when the sun goes down, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the nightlife in the capital is one among of the best in the country, offering everything from laid-back jazz sessions to dizzying disco venues. Beer lovers can pick from a variety of draft beers (a rarity in Costa Rica) at Craic Irish Pub or Costa Rica Beer Factory, both of which offer a casual and cosy atmosphere. Another top spot for a laid-back evening is Jazz Café, where you can enjoy an indulgent martini while listening to some live jazz and blues. And finally, those keen to dance the night away can easily do so in El Pubelo, a colonial-style complex located just north of central downtown that houses over 50 bars and clubs blasting Latin America’s chart-topping hits until the wee hours of the morning.
Go Shopping for Souvenirs
While shopping might not be at the top of your agenda when you’re lazing on the beach or deep in the rainforest, squeezing in a spot of shopping for Costa Rican souvenirs is an absolute must - so why not dedicate a few hours of a day in the big city to browse for trinkets? You can use your best Spanish to haggle for jewellery, clothes and kitsch souvenirs at the vibrant Central Market. Barrio Escalante is the place to browse for slightly classier mementos, such as boho-chic pieces of clothing from Buena Nena, locally-produced coffee and chocolates from Fresh Market and Latin American artwork from Holalola. The Municipal Crafts Market blends the best of both worlds - the arts and crafts can be a little cheesy, but beautifully made enough to warrant a purchase.
Take a Day Trip Into Nature
Costa Rica’s central capital was carved straight out of the rainforest, making it possible to enjoy some nature-based day trips out of the city. Located just 20 minutes from San Jose is Hacienda La Chimba, a lush coffee farm with fairly short hiking trails (3-6 miles) winding through the forest to some great viewing points, including one with a huge wooden hand overlooking the hills. Slightly further away from downtown San Jose - but no less day-trip-able - is the La Paz Waterfall Garden, a privately-owned property with five waterfalls, a butterfly garden and a bird sanctuary. And thanks to the tiny size of Costa Rica’s diminutive size, it is even possible to head to some of the country’s top destinations in just one day from San Jose, including Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano National Park. So even if you’re someone who can’t keep themselves entertained on the streets of cities for too long, San Jose can still be a great base for trips into the heart of the rainforest.