The 8 things to do in San José

On a trip to Costa Rica? Head to the capital San José to discover our selection of incontournable things to do in this real jewel of fauna and flora!

San José is the destination you will arrive at Costa Rica . Your first impression in the capital will be to discover the chaos in which you have just arrived: narrow streets filled with passers-by, cars, and buses spitting diesel smoke, dirty sidewalks, etc... in short you will quickly take refuge in your hotel. But it’s to be mistaken! San José also has its charms, calm places, markets and old quarters that deserve to be addressed. Another asset of San José: the city is located in the center of the country, which can allow you to radiate throughout Costa Rica over several days, with a breathtaking fauna and flora.

Here’s our selection of the best things to do and to see in the uncontourable San José!

1. The old quarters of San José

Barrios Soledad, Amon, Coca Cola and Otoya are the oldest neighborhoods of San José but also the most interesting. Markets (Central Mediterranean), parks, zoo (Simon Bolivar Zoo), and architectural monuments are a good start to start the visit of San José. For a total immersion, opt for a accompanied visit from a local, nothing better to discover the city from an authentic angle!

2. Local wildlife

Costa Rica hosts an abundance of beautiful butterflies. To delight the enthusiasts, nature excursions invite you to dive into the world of these Kaleidoscopic creatures for a few hours. Several gardens also open their doors: Spirogyra Butterfly Garden , you can learn more about Costa Rica’s natural history and discover the living contact between butterflies and their environment. There are also beautiful plants and hummingbirds for a real botanical experience!

To Butterfly Farm (close to butterflies), just south of Alajuela (30 min from SJ), you can walk in a closed garden while the butterflies beat wings. Here, up to 80 species of butterflies await you, plunging visitors into the different life phases of the species, from egg to kennel, to the cocoon. You will learn in particular that the cocoons themselves have shimmering colors and a movement that allows them to preserve predators... To get there, do not hesitate to opt for one of these bus excursions: scheduled daily from San José, they include the entrance ticket to the farm for a two-hour guided tour.

For weed explorers there is also La Paz Waterfall Gardens . It is an attraction that opens the doors of a huge butterfly garden (pretenably the largest in the world), and takes you to the tropical forest, along the La Paz River, to meet orchids, hummingbirds and beautiful waterfalls. An incredible walk of two to four hours that you are not ready to forget... If its price is higher than the other San José excursion, you should know that it is sincerely worth every Colón spent!

3. Bull races

♪ Ticos (costaricians) Corridas a la Tica which is here a popular sport. Here, blood bath and traditional death are not rigor! ♪ ticos prefer simply taquiner el toro in an arene: the 150 improvised turkeys go through the so-called race, to stay away from the bulls. The bravest type the bull’s back, passing through to get chased by the bull, a little as in the traditional race camarguaise .

4. Coffee in the National Theatre

Since 1897, the National Theatre , located in the heart of San José, is the number 1 pride of the Costa Ricans. Dressed in a sublime architecture, it is the meeting place of the locals and visitors who come to attend his shows. But the National Theatre is also its must-see Café! Inside, guests take the time to enjoy the country’s drink while enjoying the works that are exhibited there.

5. La Sabana Park

The Sabana Park is the largest park in the city. It is often described as Los Pulmones de San José . The reason is simple: on the weekend, thousands of people gather to relax and take the air. With its large difform pond and numerous sports facilities, this park has all the ingredients to spend a family time. Buy your snack in a local store ( pulpería ) and join the famous lung of greenery. You can also stop at Costa Rica Art Museum , formerly airport terminal when La Sabana was the main airport of the country.

6. The Tortuguero Reserve

What if you go to the discovery of Tortuguero's land? A true jewel of nature, this jungle hosts several species of turtles, amphibians, reptiles, birds, trees and plants! Through a boat ride on tropical waters, follow this incredible park that, from its banana plantations to its solitary beaches, invites you to discover one of the most beautiful faces of Costa Rica.

7. Volcanoes

Several volcanoes populate Costa Rican lands. None of them are in San José, which is why you need to plan a day trip or more.

Among the most incredible in Central America, Arenal , is breathtaking, especially at night, when it spits lava in the air. Closer to San José, we find the Turrialba, the Irazu (higher), and Poas (one of the most active). It is recommended to always go early in the morning, otherwise the point of view will be obstructed by the clouds almost every day.

8. The Valley of Orosi

Tranquil and picturesque, the Orosi Valley has many treasures. Whether they are the oldest church in Costa Rica, the ruins of Ujarras, the hydroelectric power plant in Cachi or the Casa del Soñador for coffee lovers, the place promises you to keep your memories! To access it, you can have your own means of transport or opt for one guided tour . In any case, plan a whole day.

How to get to San José?

The best way to get to San José remains the plane. Several companies provide the journey from France for a journey between 12h and 14h. Whatever the company of your choice, you should also know that all flights from the continent to Costa Rica include a stopover in North America. To find a cheap flight, visit our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in San José?

Popular neighborhoods with more luxurious residences, San José has several places to stay . If the historic centre seduces by its authentic charm, the periphery it enjoys a very popular economic dynamism. Whatever your choice, Compare hotels you will find a hotel at the best price. If you prefer an apartment or room in the living room, why not opt for a Airbnb ? The choice is wide, you only have to!

This is essentially and the most interesting to do in San José and its surroundings. Of course, your curiosity can take you to places that you will love and that are not mentioned here, and this is all the charm of Costa Rica. Did you go to San José?