Things to Do in San Jose, Costa Rica - San Jose Attractions
Things to Do in San Jose
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See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Jose.
- fromper adult$165
Full-day Toursfromper adult$179
Food & Drinkfromper adult$34
Full-day Toursfromper adult$155- fromper adult$51
- fromper adult$115
Walking Toursfromper adult$33- fromper adult$149
Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$209
Full-day Toursfrom$263per adult$250
Other Top Attractions around San Jose
*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.
What travelers are saying
- Virginie PRamsgate, UK158 contributionsThis is an amazing and splendid place you need to visit when you are in San Jose. We went to the café located in the Theatre after our visit and greatly enjoyed a meat sandwich (it was recommended by the person who served us and it was excellent).Written April 22, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Excursion113637420446 contributionsA very interesting museum in San Jose which tell the history and culture of pre-Columbian people in the area through their artistry with metals, particularly gold. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the museum.Written March 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BLN7423 contributionsGreat little museum with excellent displays and solid interactive extras. Educational and fun. Highly recommended.Written March 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NonnyYork, UK27 contributionsWe spent a very enjoyable 3 hours wandering around the museum & butterfly garden learning about the history & development of Costa Rica. The building itself is historically interesting & there is plenty of seating in the shady courtyard area. Well worth the visit.Written March 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NonnyYork, UK27 contributionsSmall but excellent free exhibition in a beautiful historical (former airport) building with outside sculptures. Well worth the short trip out of the city centre.Written March 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Quinten JiskootAmsterdam, The Netherlands550 contributionsColourful place, ideal for people watching, grabbing some snack, have lunch, or just enjoying this busy highlight in the center of San José.Written December 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LenH0647Garrison, NY15 contributionsIt was excellent with 2 qualifiers. It is really for younger kids (8 or under) and most of the exhibitions are in Spainish although many of the guides speak EnglishWritten August 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nadina PNew York City, NY353 contributionsThis was definitely the most authentic jungle experience I ever had--I don't know if there's a way to get one quite like it. It's hard to really describe the drive up; I wouldn't call it a dirt road. it's more like rock with dried dirt from the rainy season. If you come in the dry season, I recommend an SUV, though 4WD is still better. This is the only place we went in Costa Rica where we used 4WD in the dry season. In the wet season, I don't see how you could come here without it.
The park itself is incredible; you hear all kinds of sounds, though I didn't see much wildlife. Something did growl at me, though!
The plant life is incredible. The hike is not as hard as I thought it would be, and Copey was completely worth it. That said, the return hike from Copey was a bit rough for maybe a Kilometer, so keep that in mind.
We got there right at 8am and didn't see another soul again until we were nearing the entrance; even so, there were only 2 other cars in the parking lot. Everyone I did see appeared to be a local.
There are bathrooms at the entrance, but only at the entrance, so be prepared for that.
The staff is very hospitable; the person we encountered did not speak any English, but he spoke very slowly and used the map to tell us a bit about the trail. Between my French and Italian, I understood enough--he was a very helpful person.
Overall, if you are in good enough health and willing to brave the drive, DO NOT skip this! And if you are worried about your ability to do a proper hike, at least go up to Barva; I thought the trail was reasonably easy up to that point.
Be warned, the weather in the area is really unpredictable; we were just barely able to see the laguna, and we got no views at all from Barva. It was still worth it, but mentally prepare yourself for that.Written April 1, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ian C11 contributionsA beautiful oasis of tranquility in San Jose with the optional walk down to the river an unexpected bonus. Well worth a visit and highly recommended.Written April 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Iris KWarrington, UK31 contributionsWe were saddeened that there was no lake but this was made up for by the fabulous Museum of Costa Rican ArtWritten February 23, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The_Wanderer1992Columbia, MD1,838 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 November 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- loubob155Trinidad, CA5 contributionsIf you are looking for a high end art souvenir from Costa Rica, this is the place. Small, but well curated. Conall was very well informed about the art works featured.Written February 20, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Jose
- The top attractions to visit in San Jose are:
- Teatro Nacional Costa Rica
- Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
- Jade Museum
- Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
- Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
- The best outdoor activities in San Jose according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Pura Vida Adventures
- Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
- Parque La Sabana
- Parque Nacional Park
- Spirogyra Butterfly Garden
- The best day trips from San Jose according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Full Day Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Plantation Experience
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner
- Poás Volcano, Café Doka and Peace Falls Day Tour
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife Refuge Tour from San Jose
- Visit toTortuga Island with Lunch from San José
- The most popular things to do in San Jose with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- ILT Costa Rica
- COSTA RICA TRAVELLING TOURS BY AMANDA
- Costa Rica Shuttle
- Morpho Vans
- Coral Reef Tours