Sights in San José

★★★ Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

Housed in the former Bellavista Barracks — the building where the abolition of the army was decided in 1949. The bullet holes in the facade are still visible! The museum showcases Costa Rica's history from pre-Columbian cultures through the colonial era to modern democracy. Particularly noteworthy: the mysterious stone spheres (Esferas de Piedra) of the Diquís culture, which are UNESCO World Heritage.

In the courtyard, there is a beautiful butterfly garden, and from the upper floor, there is a panoramic view over the city to the surrounding mountains. The museum also has changing exhibitions on topics such as ecology and indigenous cultures.

Calle 17, Avenidas Central/2, San José. 2,500 CRC (approx. 4 USD), free on Sundays! Tue–Sat 8:30–16:30, Sun 9:00–16:30. Closed on Mondays.

★★★ Mercado Central

Since 1880, the culinary heart of San José — and the best place to experience authentic Tico cuisine. In the narrow aisles, fruit stands, meat counters, spice vendors, and small sodas serve steaming Casados for 3,000 CRC (5 USD). The black coffee here costs 500 CRC (less than 1 USD) and is better than in some hipster cafés.

The market is a labyrinth on half a city block — over 200 stalls are spread across winding aisles. Here you can find everything: fresh medicinal herbs, handmade leather belts, Tico souvenirs, tropical fruits you've never seen before (be sure to try Guanábana, Cas, and Mamón Chino), and of course, the best sodas in the city.

Recommended stalls:

• Soda Tapia: One of the oldest sodas in the market, famous for its Casado with Carne en Salsa. 3,000–4,500 CRC.
• Marisquería La Princesa del Mar: Fresh ceviche and fish dishes in the middle of the market. The "Copa de Mariscos" (seafood cocktail) for 4,000 CRC is a feast.
• Café Central: The most traditional coffee stand — black Café Chorreado for 500 CRC, served in a cup that has probably seen 1,000 hands.

Avenida Central, Calles 6–8. Mon–Sat 6:00–18:00. Closed on Sundays. Keep valuables secure!

★★ Museo del Oro Precolombino

Located under the Plaza de la Cultura, this underground museum houses over 1,600 gold objects from the pre-Columbian era. Figures, jewelry, ceremonial items — the craftsmanship of the indigenous peoples was astonishing. The museum belongs to the Central Bank and is air-conditioned — a welcome contrast to the heat outside.

Particularly impressive are the eagle figures and frog pendants, which were worn as talismans, as well as the detailed explanations of the gold processing of the Diquís and Chiriquí cultures. In the same building is also the Museo de Numismática (Coin Museum) — included in the ticket.

Plaza de la Cultura, Calle 5/Avenida Central. 7,000 CRC (approx. 12 USD). Daily 9:15–17:00.

★★ Teatro Nacional

Costa Rica's most magnificent building, built in 1897 and inspired by the Paris Opera House. The coffee barons financed the construction with a special tax on coffee exports — so that first-class opera ensembles would finally come to San José. The interior with marble, frescoes, and gold leaf is impressive. The most famous painting in the foyer ironically shows a coffee harvest scene with bananas in the background — painted in Italy by an artist who never visited Costa Rica and apparently couldn't distinguish coffee plants from banana trees.

Regularly hosts concerts, ballet, and theater performances — and the tickets are surprisingly affordable (from 5,000 CRC / 9 USD). The café in the theater serves excellent coffee in a splendid setting.

Plaza de la Cultura, Avenida 2. Tours: 3,000 CRC (5 USD). Mon–Sat 9:00–16:00.

★★ Barrio Escalante

The hippest district of San José has transformed in recent years from a sleepy residential area into a gastronomic and creative hotspot. Old Victorian mansions now house craft beer bars, specialty coffee shops, fusion restaurants, and galleries. The Calle 33 is the epicenter: Here, one restaurant follows another, and on weekends, the district pulses with energy.

The best time to visit is Saturday or Sunday morning — then the Feria Gastronómica takes place, a street food market with dozens of stalls where you can eat your way through the culinary diversity of Costa Rica and the world.

Northeast of the city center, around Calle 33 and Avenida 11. Uber from the center: 2,000 CRC (3 USD).

★★ Museo de Jade

The largest jade museum in the world houses over 7,000 objects — jade was more valuable than gold to the pre-Columbian peoples of Costa Rica. The museum displays intricately carved pendants, axes, and ceremonial items that are up to 2,000 years old. The modern, five-story building at the Plaza de la Democracia is itself an architectural highlight with its jade-green facade.

Avenida Central, Calle 13. 5,000 CRC (approx. 9 USD). Daily 8:00–17:00.

★ Parque La Sabana

San José's green lung on the western outskirts — the old airport was located here until 1955. Today, the park is the recreational area for the Josefinos: joggers, soccer players, families, and lovers share the expansive green spaces. On weekends, there is a lively atmosphere. The former terminal houses the Museo de Arte Costarricense (MACC) with a remarkable collection of Costa Rican art.

Western San José. Park: free, 24h. MACC: 3,000 CRC, Tue–Sun 9:00–16:00.

★ Iglesia de la Merced

The most beautiful church in San José is somewhat hidden on Calle 12. The neo-Gothic brick facade dates from the late 19th century and looks as if it has been transplanted here from Europe. Inside, masses are regularly held, accompanied by an impressive choir. A place of tranquility amidst the urban chaos.