Things 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

Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

RM346
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

RM120
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

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

RM254
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

RM543
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

RM141
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting
Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

From San José: All-Inclusive Manuel Antonio Park & Beach Day

RM489
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From San José: All-Inclusive Manuel Antonio Park & Beach Day
San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets

RM157
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets
White Water Rafting Pacuare River From San Jose

White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From San Jose

RM503
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
White Water Rafting Pacuare River with Lunch From San Jose
Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose

RM664
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose
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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 cityscape with a prominent bridge, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

La Sabana

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

A panoramic view of a city with a prominent stadium, dense residential areas, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

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 Theater of Costa Rica.

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 Museum of Costa Rica.

A busy urban street with a large historic building with a green roof and columns.

Merced

If you're spending some time in Merced, Mercado Central and Mercado Borbón are top sights worth seeing.

An aerial view of a city with modern buildings, roads, and a mountainous backdrop.

San Antonio de Belen

A cityscape under a stormy sky.

Santa Ana

An ornate church interior with high ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of pews.

San Rafael de Heredia

A lush forest with a moss-covered tree trunk and a plant with pink and yellow leaves.

San Jose De La Montana

A waterfall in a lush green forest with clear water.

La Garita

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

San Joaquin de Flores

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 kilometres from downtown, and Uruca, which is roughly 3 kilometres 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.