Things to do in San Jose

Top Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - San Jose Attractions

Things to Do in San Jose


From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in San Jose

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.

Other Top Attractions around San Jose

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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

  • amdgriggs
    Sheffield, UK1,594 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The glowing reviews are absolutely right: this place is a gem and the hour-long tour is both informative and fun. Hard to believe the amount of gold leaf! - and it’s great to be able to see much of the restoration taking place. The video about the auditorium floor, which can all be raised and lowered, is just one remarkable element. Listen out for the explanation for the separate entrance for those with tickets for the third circle top…! Highly recommended (& don’t miss the chance to have an excellent coffee & some equally excellent food in the wonderful theatre cafe next door - a timeless gem).
    Written 27 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Greenlakereener
    Vancouver, Canada647 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really enjoyed this museum. Besides having a good collection of gold objects and a huge gold nugget, there are displays about the history of Costa Rica and the development of their currency. It’s not a big museum and it only took about an hour to go through all the displays, but it is definitely worth a visit.
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Spirit M
    Pacific Grove, CA43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing collection of Jade and ceramics. Very intricate. Many date back over 1000 years. Wonderful displayed.. well worth the $15 fee that foreigners pay.
    Written 28 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Alicia
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I definitely recommend visiting this place. Aside from learning about the history of Costa Rica, you also get to walk through a garden of butterflies. At the time of my visit, there was also an "art" exhibition room of canvases and stones.

    Entry for an adult was CRC 5,750 or $11 where you'll spend roughly 2 hours (I made sure to check out every room and read all descriptions).
    Written 11 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Quinten Jiskoot
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands530 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Colourful place, ideal for people watching, grabbing some snack, have lunch, or just enjoying this busy highlight in the center of San José.
    Written 2 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • B M
    Miami, FL16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is in the heart of the city. Though it’s only 2 stories tall, they use the space to showcase various local artists work. I liked many of the pieces I saw with the limited time that I had. Very good exhibits.
    Written 18 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LenH0647
    Garrison, NY15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was excellent with 2 qualifiers. It is really for younger kids (8 or under) and most of the exhibitions are in Spainish although many of the guides speak English
    Written 13 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Iris K
    Warrington, UK31 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were saddeened that there was no lake but this was made up for by the fabulous Museum of Costa Rican Art
    Written 23 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan F
    Prairie Village, KS23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved this butterfly garden. Check out the website. I do recommend waiting to go until about 10:30 or 11 because the butterflies are sleeping until it warms up in there then become very active with sunlight. Lots of flowers to see and a trek down to river if adventurous!
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NoIberostarFan
    Wichita, KS840 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very easy access from the road and to the trail. We had a great hike and saw many birds and howler monkeys. You can stay for 15 minutes or a couple hours.
    Written 11 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Wanderer1992
    Columbia, MD1,824 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    While in San Jose, my husband and I stopped here. It's open to the public for free; however, donation boxes are around if you choose to donate. It's a clean, beautiful church. My husband was disappointed to find out that the pipe organ is not in use.
    Written 25 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • loubob155
    Trinidad, CA5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for a high end art souvenir from Costa Rica, this is the place. Small, but well curated. Conall was very well informed about the art works featured.
    Written 20 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.