What to do in San José

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.
A large stadium with a white roof and multiple tiers of seating.
A classical pavilion with a dome and columns, surrounded by trees and urban buildings.
A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a flag.
A yellow building with a flag, steps, and a fence.

Things to do

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

Rp531.305
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

Rp1.535.874
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

Rp987.603
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Rp625.065
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

Rp2.410.965
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose

Rp3.018.171
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Manuel Antonio National Park Sightseeing and Wildlife Day Tour from San Jose
Day trip Tortuga Island - From San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Rp1.768.041
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José
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What to do in San José

Stay near popular San José attractions

A cityscape with a stadium, residential areas, and mountains in the background.

Sabana Park

8.8/10 (1,549 reviews)
This urban oasis serves as San José's green lungs with tree-lined paths and an artificial lake. Explore the Costa Rican Art Museum within the park or join locals for weekend sports on the expansive fields.
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Where to stay in San José

Find the best San José areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A cityscape with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent stadium, and mountains in the background.

Amón

If you're spending some time in Amón, Casa Amarilla and TEOR/éTica are top sights worth seeing.

A large stadium with a metal framework and rows of seats.
Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton

La Sabana

While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Center of Art and Culture.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Center of Art and Culture.

A historic building with a red roof, a large flag, and a plaza with trees and a checkered pavement.
Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Catedral

If you're spending some time in Catedral, National Museum of Costa Rica and National Theater of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from San José

A lush green valley with a lake and a mountain in the background.

Alajuela

A mountainous landscape with a city in the valley, lush greenery, and a clear sky.

Tarbaca

A waterfall in a lush green forest with clear water.

La Garita

A herd of cows grazing on a grassy hillside with trees in the background.

Curridabat

A large white church with a bell tower, surrounded by a green field and residential buildings.

San Joaquin de Flores

A cityscape with a mountain in the background under a cloudy sky.

Ciudad Colon

Frequently asked questions

Is San José worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in San José is visit National Theatre. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's history and dining.
How do I spend a day in San José?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge, spend some time discovering San José's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San José?
National Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in San José and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San José?
You can easily tour leading attractions like National Theatre, Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge with a three-day getaway in San José. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Ciudad Cariari.
Is San José a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San José is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between National Theatre and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge. Then take a stroll through Carmen, located 2 kilometers from downtown, and Uruca, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in San José with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in San José with kids.

What to do in San José for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in San José for adults including Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa.
Are there free things to do in San José?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San José is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Sabana Park is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.