Top Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - San Jose Attractions
Things to Do in San Jose
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See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Jose.
- fromper adult£132
- Food & Drinkfromper adult£27
- Full-day Toursfromper adult£143
- Full-day Toursfromper adult£124
- Full-day Toursfromper adult£155
- Full-day Toursfromper adult£124
- Walking Toursfromper adult£26
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£167
- fromper adult£41
- Full-day Toursfromper adult£210
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
- amdgriggsSheffield, UK1,594 contributionsThe 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GreenlakereenerVancouver, Canada647 contributionsWe 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Spirit MPacific Grove, CA43 contributionsAmazing 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alicia23 contributionsI 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Quinten JiskootAmsterdam, The Netherlands530 contributionsColourful 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- B MMiami, FL16 contributionsThe 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LenH0647Garrison, NY15 contributionsIt 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 EnglishWritten 13 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Iris KWarrington, UK31 contributionsWe were saddeened that there was no lake but this was made up for by the fabulous Museum of Costa Rican ArtWritten 23 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan FPrairie Village, KS23 contributionsLoved 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NoIberostarFanWichita, KS840 contributionsVery 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The_Wanderer1992Columbia, MD1,824 contributionsWhile 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- loubob155Trinidad, CA5 contributionsIf 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 2024This 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:
- Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
- Parque La Sabana
- Parque Nacional Park
- Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
- Parque España
- The best day trips from San Jose according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
- Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose
- Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Full Day Tour from San Jose
- The most popular things to do in San Jose with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- ILT Costa Rica
- COSTA RICA TRAVELLING TOURS BY AMANDA
- Costa Rica Shuttle
- Coral Reef Tours
- Arturo Sáenz-García - Costa Rica Transfers & Tours