Top Things to Do in San Jose - San Jose Must-See Attractions
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Things to Do in San Jose
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Theme Parks. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Theme Parks. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Jose.
- fromper adult€166
- fromper adult€109
Street Food Toursfrom€33per adult€29- fromper adult€154
Day Tripsfromper adult€147
Walking Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)€34- fromper adult (price varies by group size)€213
Private and Luxuryfromper adult€94- fromper adult (price varies by group size)€123
- fromper adult€186
Historic Sites
Victorian-era theatre with guided tours by actors in period costume, highlighting its history and architecture. Includes a butterfly garden and nearby cafe.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
History Museums
Historical museum set in a former fort, displaying a timeline of cultural artifacts, a butterfly garden, and local art exhibitions.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Flea & Street Markets
Bustling indoor market showcasing a tapestry of local goods, from handcrafted souvenirs to fresh produce, amid the lively ambiance of daily commerce.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
History Museums
Museum with a vast array of pre-Columbian jade and ceramics, interactive displays, and insights into indigenous cultures, set across five floors of cultural history.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Tranquil butterfly sanctuary with a contemplative walk and scenic trail to a waterfall. Features vibrant flora and the national butterfly amidst a serene environment.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Factory Outlets
Religious Sites
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.
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What travellers are saying
- stephanie hJacksonville, FL317 contributionsVery beautiful theater. The cafe was good too. Wish we could have done the tour but time didn’t allow. There is a small garden to walk through and a museum close by that you can go through if in the area.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RudySzymonChicago, IL1,666 contributionsThe museum not only shows the gold ornaments from the precolumbian area but also other kinds of artifacts. The top floor is the numizmatic museum of Costa RicaWritten 24 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RudySzymonChicago, IL1,666 contributionsMultiple exposition explaining the history of this country. In addition, a small space for butterflies and little botanical garden.Written 24 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RudySzymonChicago, IL1,666 contributionsPlace where you can buy any kind of souvenirs or many other things. Also, the place is full of many restaurants with typical local food.Written 24 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- AKtravelers22Juneau, AK567 contributionsLoved it here but only wish more signage was in English. I know it's not an English speaking country but the Gold museum has great interpretive screens with both. They are new however and May still be working on this.
Learned a lot and saw beautiful pieces.Written 13 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NoIberostarFanWichita, KS765 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.
- StephenCrossDublin, Ireland31,895 contributionsThis museum is located beside the main park, La Sabana. Decent size and make sure you check out the open area at the back. Free admission.Written 6 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Peter M4 contributionsA nice little butterfly garden a short walk from our hotel. My kids enjoyed it, and they have a few hiking paths that were lovely.Written 18 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Fidels98Mississauga, Canada101 contributionsIt is a nice park. Lots of kids and teenagers playing soccer. Also lots of joggers.
Felt quite safe as there were several police officers on motorcycles and in vehicles patrolling the park.
My wife is an avid birder. She brought here camera and was able to photograph 14 new birds.
Unfortunately the pond was quite dry, but still did see some water birds.
Would return.Written 8 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - WorldbutterflyBerkeley, CA179 contributionsWe had an afternoon to kill in San Jose before our flights out and picked up some great souvenirs at this central art market. It's well worth a trip if you find yourself in the same situation.
Reviews that say the place is full of tourist tack--you're right! Reviews that say you can find amazing, locally produced souvenirs here--you're right! There is truly the full range of products, from cheesy toucan magnets and every single type of "Pura Vida" t-shirt to original work from artists throughout the country. Our favorite stall was the Artesanias Con Identidad Costa Rica, an artist's collective that features work from over 100 local artists. There are handmade coasters, small painting, crochet and needlework, stained glass, textiles, jewelry--so many one-of-a-kind items. The stall is located fairly deep in the market, but not hard to spot because it features items that no one else has. But no matter what your taste you will find it here!Written 3 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - The_Wanderer1992Columbia, MD2,607 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.
- Dan Gillotte113 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.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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