We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 71 San Jose Attractions »

National Theater (Teatro Nacional)

Second Ave. and Fifth St., San Jose, Costa Rica
506-221-1329
Ranked #2 of 36 attractions in San Jose
4.5 of 5 stars 131 Reviews
Type: Theatres, Historic Sites
Description: Since 1897, this elegant theater has been a source of pride.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

131 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    82
    41
    8
    0
    0
Date Rating
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

They offer classical music concerts free once a week! Awesome!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by jrferreras100 for San Jose
San Jose, Costa Rica
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2012

I went to a classical guitar concert, the acustic was quite well, but the building was worth the visit.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 17 more reviews by Nesterix1 for San Jose
Everglades City, Florida
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

In our first trip to Costa Rica, my family and I spent one night first at SJ. SJ Downtown is not an attractive city to tour around, but there is the "teatro nacional" an architectural gem in the heart of San Jose, it is a must stop tour when you are at San Jose.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Malaysia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012

I liked the red roof which is beautifully designed.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by BackpackingAlone for San Jose
Brevard, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

We were fortunate to be visiting the National Theater at the time of a performance of a very good storyteller (all in Spanish, of course). The classic building is a must-see attraction in San Jose. Don't miss it and be sure to read up on its history before you go.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Quertosomo for San Jose
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

The National Theater is far superior to anything I have ever seen in the states. Only in Europe would anything come close. Remarkable!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Vancouver, Canada
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2012

Have a coffee in the cafe and peek into the auditorium to save taking the tour. Good espresso too.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Lawrence, Kansas
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2012

Ok, so it's not why most people come to Costa Rica, but the symphony is amazing. We got lucky and got $8 tickets the night before our flight home and .... wow. Costa Rica's orchestra is one of the best I've heard (and I have heard many). This is so worth it!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Emily M for San Jose
Fort Worth, Texas
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

Like everything in Costa Rica you have to pay to get in, I think it should be free.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by blu817 for San Jose
latin america
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2012

love the surroundings, love the coffee, love the cake, not keen on Costa Rica prices

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed National Theater (Teatro Nacional) also viewed

Chirripo National Park
5 of 5 stars 26 Reviews
San Jose, San Jose Metro
Volcan Poas
4.5 of 5 stars 203 Reviews
San Jose, San Jose Metro
 
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
4.5 of 5 stars 142 Reviews
San Jose, San Jose Metro
Tropical Bungee
5 of 5 stars 14 Reviews
San Jose, San Jose Metro
 

Been to National Theater (Teatro Nacional)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage National Theater (Teatro Nacional), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »