Things to do in San José

Activities, attractions and tours

San José
San José
San José
San José
San José
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Most popular experiences in San José

Tours & day trips

See all 202 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 448 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 59 activities
Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner

Activity duration is 14 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 23 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 769 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 51 activities
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.2 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 798 per adult
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History & culture

See all 45 activities
ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

ISLA TORTUGA DESDE SAN JOSÉ

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 550 per adult
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Water activities

See all 31 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 448 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

What to do in San José

Popular places to visit

San Jose featuring forests and mountains

Central Park

You can find out about the history of San José with a visit to Central Park. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Central Park
Parque Viva

Parque Viva

Learn about the events happening in Parque Viva during your trip to Guacima. Take in the festivals while you're in the area.

Parque Viva
Hacienda Alsacia

Hacienda Alsacia

Enjoy an outing to Hacienda Alsacia during your stay in San Isidro.

Hacienda Alsacia
National Theater

National Theater

You can make plans for a show at National Theater on your trip to San José. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in this vibrant area.

National Theater
Mercado Central

Mercado Central

During your trip to San José, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Mercado Central. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this vibrant area or seek out the local tours.

Mercado Central
National Museum of Costa Rica

National Museum of Costa Rica

You can spend time exploring the galleries in National Museum of Costa Rica in San José. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this vibrant area.

National Museum of Costa Rica

National Stadium of Costa Rica

Catch an event at National Stadium of Costa Rica during your trip to San José. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

National Stadium of Costa Rica

Sabana Park

Explore the great outdoors at Sabana Park, a lovely green space in San José. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its fascinating museums.

Sabana Park

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

During your visit to San Rafael, you can enjoy retail therapy at Multiplaza Mall Escazu. Amble around the area's picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.

Multiplaza Mall Escazu

Areas of San José

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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.

Barrio Escalante
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La California

4/5(1 area review)

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.

La California
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La Sabana

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

La Sabana
San Jose featuring forests and mountains

Hospital

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital
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Mata Redonda

While visiting Mata Redonda, you might make a stop by sights like National Stadium of Costa Rica and Estadio Nacional.

Mata Redonda
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Catedral

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

Catedral
Photo by Garrett Britton

San Antonio de Belen

Photo by Kenneth Paige

Santa Ana

Photo by Allan badilla

San Jose De La Montana

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.