A day in San Jose, Costa Rica
An Ideal Day in San Jose, Costa Rica’s city capital
My family’s history is rooted in the provinces surrounding San Jose in the Alajuela, Cartago, and Coronado regions. Each time we visit Costa Rica, we always stop by San Jose to visit the bustling Mercado Central.
Here’s my guide on how to spend a day in San Jose:
Some things to note:
My visits to Costa Rica are always family-centered, and we typically head to San Jose mid-day, so these recommendations are suitable for solo or group travel to Costa Rica’s capital.
The following recommendations are places that I have been, and I hope this serves as inspiration for anyone’s future travels to Costa Rica.
Transportation:
Typically, my family will take the public bus into San Jose, which drops us off a few blocks from Avenida Central. After a few hours of walking, we will take the bus back or request an Uber, which are readily available.
My mom walking towards the church where she was baptized in San Jose.
Museums/Galleries:
Museo de Jade - Pre-Colombian art, indigenous history, and an extensive collection of Central American jade
Museo Nacional de Costa Rica - Costa Rica history and culture, large indoor butterfly garden, pre-Colombian artifacts
Museo de Oro Precolombiano - Pre-Colombian gold artifacts and indigenous history
Teatro Nacional - 19th-century palace and auditorium
El Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo - Contemporary art
Galería Namu - Artwork from Costa Rica’s remaining indigenous communities. Items are available for sale with fair trade prices.
Parks:
Parque España - park in the Amón neighborhood
Parque Francia - park in the Barrio Escalante neighborhood
Markets:
Mercado Central - bustling indoor market with fresh produce, historic restaurants, and souvenirs. My grandmother sold fruit here before immigrating to the United States.
Feria Verde - organic farmers' market with specialty produce and agricultural products.
Organic and specialty produce at the Feria Verde like cacao and plantains
Food:
Café Rojo - Vietnamese cuisine meets Costa Rican food located in a historic 1900s building. Refreshing drinks and creative desserts.
Franco - all-day cafe with breakfast, lunch, coffee, cocktails, pastries, and a great backyard
Drinks at Café Rojo: Café vietnamita, agua de sapo (ginger lemonade with raw sugar), and rosa de jamaica con canela y clavo (hibiscus with cinnamon and clove)
Pastries and a cocktail at Franco: Strawberry coffee cake, profiterol with passion fruit cream, and a passion fruit cocktail
Stores:
- Tienda Eñe - gifts from local designers, ceramics, jewelry
