Top Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - San Jose Attractions
Things to Do in San Jose
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Popular things to do
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Parks
Day Trips
4WD Tours
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Full-day Tours
City Tours
History Museums
Half-day Tours
Culinary Tour
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Dining Experiences
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Speciality Museums
Hiking Tours
Eco Tours
Ziplining
Sporting Events
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Likely to Sell Out
Top Picks
Luxury & Special Occasions
Family Friendly
Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
Thermal Spas & Hot Springs
Weddings & Honeymoons
Special Offers
Holiday & Seasonal Tours
Shopping Tours
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Jose.
Top Attractions in San Jose
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- CiscoTaxLexington, SC15 contributionsOur family with 4 teens went during posted tour hours however we were unable due to a practice. We still very much enjoyed coffee shop and atrium. We will return on another trip to see inside.Written 10 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sima M2 contributionsWe visited here as part of a San Jose city tour. I wanted my kids to understand the history and culture of CR prior to setting off on adventures and other experiences. This gives a chronological and historical understanding of the Costa Rican people and their rich culture. The museum has lockers for storing backpacks, etc, very clean bathrooms, security, and museum docents.Written 12 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AnnaHZAurora, CO40 contributionsWe enjoyed the temporary exhibition of Dali/Goya drawings as well as the permanent exhibit. Lots of information and artifacts, very well organized and nicely presented. The only thing I didn’t like: there was no café to have a drink and rest for a moment.Written 3 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CiscoTaxLexington, SC15 contributionsI took 5 teens to visit and none in our party spoke Spanish. We spent about 2 hrs. The butterfly exhibit was very well designed. The views from the top were stunning.Written 10 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mnzamoraCosta Rica179 contributionsWe were celebrating our wedding anniversary and wanted to visit a different national park in Costa Rica and close to San Jose. We decided to visit Braulio carillo and chose the second entrance of this park which is the easiest and most popular the Zurqui ranger station. It is just 12 miles (20 km) northeast of San Jose along the Guapiles Hwy (32) and we surprised with a mysterious but lovely animal (An anteater) that was hidden in a tree, this was the first time we ever saw an anteater in the wild such a lovely animal.Written 21 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- CiscoTaxLexington, SC15 contributionsWe visited 5 towns in CR and this market was a favorite. We actually returned 3 weeks later to visit again. The only downside is there is not posted hours online or around building.Written 10 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Colin FToronto, Canada878 contributionsI walked around the park after a trek from the central district. Traffic is very busy in this city. It's a great relief to have such a green space near the urban core. It could use some more thought about layout and perhaps add some more gardens and plaques to native plants, but otherwise very pleasant. Unfortunately, you have to pay to use the washrooms but that was minor. They were clean, which was appreciated, unlike some cities I could mention. I also like seeing the police patrolling regularly and have a lot of respect for the local force.Written 5 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Dan Gillotte107 contributionsTrip Advisor doesn't seem to have a listing for the Museo Penitencerio that shares space with the Kids museum but it's ultimately separate.
A small but informative museum reckoning with the terrible history of this prison. The museum recreates the conditions using original cells. It includes actual graffiti from the prisoners as well as statues of inmates with authentic artifacts of the the period.
The museum does a good job at taking responsibility for the atrocious conditions they allowed at this site.Written 18 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jennifer NSan Diego, CA2 contributionsThe beer and food were fantastic! They do not open until 2pm and luckily we arrived there at 1:50pm, so not a long wait. There is no tour of the facility, but I highly recommend going for lunch or dinner.Written 15 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Colin FToronto, Canada878 contributionsThis is an interesting collection of several contemporary artists in Costa Rica's cultural history. The building itself is intriguing to walk around and I spent some time sketching n the courtyard after looking at the work. It's free and the staff are helpful.Written 5 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ShelBOakville, Canada3 contributionsIf you want quality, not your average gifts/souvenirs/art this is the place. Not all vendors spoke English but easy to communicate. Prices quoted in USD but I requested to pay in colognes which was obliged.Written 27 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- vmv205San Jose, Costa Rica35 contributionsThis is an adventure park with a purpose. The park's motto is "healthy children help sick children". Costa Rica´s Children´s Hospital is financed by the profits of this park. So if you visit, you enjoy and leave a bit of your money for this excellent institution.Written 4 March 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Companion6055010 contributionsA cut above the usual tourist curios. Very helpful salesman (Irishman from Quebec living in San Jose) who went over the collection and took the time to explain the objects. Great range in prices from small gifts to major art work. Not far from all the museums in San Jose, worth the tripWritten 20 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Thomas DBangkok, Thailand39 contributionsVery enjoyable to sit on a bench and read in the peace and quiet in the middle of the park. Many trees have their names and description on a plaque.Written 3 July 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Benjamin RRexburg, ID656 contributionsThis small garden hosts many beautiful plants and butterflies. It is in a challenging location, but once there, it was very pleasant and restful. It is in the same general area as the Zoological Park, across the same canyon, but you have to travel all the way around on a bridge in order to find it.Written 27 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose
- The top attractions to visit in San Jose are:
- Teatro Nacional Costa Rica
- Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
- Jade Museum
- Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
- Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
- The best outdoor activities in San Jose according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Pico Blanco Hiking
- Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
- Parque La Sabana
- Parque Nacional Park
- Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
- The best day trips from San Jose according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
- Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
- Arenal Volcano & Baldi Hot Springs From San José
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens & Wildlife Refuge day tour from San Jose
- The most popular things to do in San Jose with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in San Jose on Tripadvisor