Top Things to do in San Jose
Things to do in San Jose, Province of San Jose: The Best Cultural Tours
Vibrant and packed with Victorian mansions, Costa Rica's rowdy, bustling capital was built on the profits of the coffee trade and working "golden bean" plantations still surround the city. Try freshly roasted local beans at Mercado Central. For shinier gold, visit the Museo del Oro. Many renovated landmarks now house stylish hotels. Usually viewed as a hub, rather than a destination, nightlife is concentrated in Spanish village-inspired El Pueblo. Don't miss the elegant 1897 National Theater.
Restaurants in San Jose
1. San Jose City Tour Half Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This tour immerses you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history by experiencing the beautiful museums and historical sites of San José.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Round trip transportation from San Jose, Bilingual guide (English/Spanish), Entrance fees to Gold Museum and National Theater, Coffee Break , In case the Gold Museum is closed, we will visit the National Museum
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities
Reviewed By 926RonS
The place didn't disappoint. The numerous waterfalls and trail was great experience. Definitely worth-visiting.
2. Bites and Sight with Gold Museum From San José
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover the secrets behind handicrafts, herbal remedies, and fresh produce at Borbon and San Jose Central Market Become a mixologist of natural Costa Rican drinks and an expert on more than 30 local exotic fruits and vegetables Savor several tasty seasonal samplings of Costa Rica as well as its famous organic coffee See a side of San Jose known only by locals and not found in guidebooks.
Inclusions: Guide, Lunch, Food Samples, Round Trip Transportation from San Jose, Tour operate with a minimum of 2 people.
Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic Beverages, Children under 6 years old are not allowed.
Reviewed By 926RonS
The place didn't disappoint. The numerous waterfalls and trail was great experience. Definitely worth-visiting.
3. Between Volcanoes: Irazu and Turrialba (Private or Groupal)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
We love to run this Experience since it feels like taking family friends on a Day Trip. The roads and route we choose let us showcase the countryside of Cartago Province, and the families and communities that live around this 2 beautiful volcanoes. The cool climate contrast with the warm and traditional people that inhabits these multicolored farmlands. AS AN EXTRA DESTINATION OF THE TOUR WE CAN: a) visit the "coffee country" of Aquiares Town and farms or b) visit the Basilica Of The Angels, the most important church in downtown Cartago. Other additional stops can be done, but we don´t want to give too many spoilers;)
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees, Binoculars and fieldguides
Exclusions: National Park Entrance Fee (adults $15; kids $5), ($8-$14pp)
Reviewed By christinam4676
I was whit marcelo and a travel-friend in Osa Peninsula for 4 days. Because of Covid costa Rica had only a few tourists. We could make a individual tour in the Jungle. My fokus was wild, not touristic, authentic, calm places, learn about nature and animals. And marcelo made my treams true! We stayed in la tarde in bungalows in front of the primary rainforest for 2 nights. We made tours at morning, afternoon, sunset and night. I loved the walk in the wild jungle whit unknows paths. Then camping at matapalo in front of the beach. We saw a little bit of lumineszenzia in the sea. Then in the small and not popular reservat ' centro biologica de osa'. In this days we saw many animals and we got interesting facts, also about threes and other plants. We got fhotos made whit our phone and marcelo's monocular. So, thank you very much marcelo!
4. Walk and Taste San Jose's Markets and Specialty Coffe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We'll start our little adventure at Parque Morazan's kiosk ("Templo de la Música"), and then walk along Central Avenue for a few blocks. We'll walk through the alleys and food stalls of the Central Market and Borbón Market, a more underground spot compared to the Central Market. Dragon Music is a retro music store in the middle of Borbón Market, where you can find used vinyl, CDs, magazines, and more. We'll taste some flavors of the city, from specialty coffee, seasonal fruits to empanadas and more.
Inclusions: Specialty Costa Rican coffee tasting, Costa Rican style empanadas, seasonal tropical fruits and some other market flavors.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By ravioliprimo
We had a great time on our tour with Alexander. Educational, fun, great exercise, and an exciting way to see San Jose. From my initial phone call, Roberto was very accommodating for us on short notice, and arranged a tour for our time schedule. We really enjoyed the stop at cafe machado, too, for a local, expert coffee experience. Highly recommended for an active tour.
5. San Jose Walking City Tour Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This Small Group Walking City Tour is an excellent introduction for first-time visitors to the country or anyone who wants to experience Costa Rica's capital city. The tour features the best of San Jose's history, architecture, gastronomy, must-see places and locals' favorite spots. Explore the city's central area, parks, boulevards and discover a piece of world history hidden there. Stroll around the East side's trendy neighborhood with its well kept european style houses, small cafes and restaurants.
Inclusions: Professional guide
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks
Reviewed By 616CRTO
Jorge (Jay) is extremely knowledgeable and customer-focused. He was a great communicator with regard to organizing and meeting, answered our wide-ranging questions, and adapted the tour to our interests. We learned a ton about San Jose & Costa Rica. i highly recommend!
6. San Jose hightlights and Hidden Gems With Locals
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Unmask the beauty of contemporary Costa Rican life on this walking tour of San Jose and Escazu. Get the low down on some of Costa Rica's local legends, freshest food and rustic restaurants on this San Jose tour that has you walking in holy footsteps and riding public transport for the ultimate insiders experience. Highlights: *Discover a tale of two cities, exploring the real local people in San Jose and Escazu, the “City of Witches" *Visit the legendary Porras *Walk the spiritual route of churches and learn the rich local history of catholicism *Experience the lively atmosphere of the Central Market, and ride like a local about public transport *Visit a legendary masquerade family, renowned for their traditional Costa Rican masks *Feast on authentic local cuisine in a 100-year-old restaurant *Enjoy a sample of traditional chicha *At the end enjoy a cup of coffee in this space of Art, Design and Gastronomy inside an old house, National Heritage in El Centro de Escazú
Inclusions: Feast on authentic local cuisine in a 100-year-old restaurant. Tradicional Costa Rican Tapas, In downtown Escazú, this art and design shop is ensconced in a 150-year-old house with adobe walls. There's also a lovely open-air cafe that serves up fresh coffee., Masquerade. Visit a legendary masquerade family, renowned for their traditional Costa Rican masks, Local Transportation from San José to Escazú, Visit the legendary Bakery Don Fernando, Visit the Central Market
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Beverages and alcoholic drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By G4395NXjennifers
We had limited time in San Jose but this tour was a great way to explore and taste the city. Love that it is locally owned and operated, and I can tell that Erik really cares about his business and customs. Erik is a knowledgeable and professional guide, he was great at communicating by email and WhatsApp and went out of his way to give us a private tour due to COVID concerns. He was also really understanding and accommodating when we were running more than a little late due to long lines at customs. I would classify this as more of a cultural tour with a walk through the markets as opposed to a true food tour, but we were able to purchase some amazing coffee and the restaurant at the end was delicious!
7. Coffee Experience, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 10 reviews
The best TOP Ranked tour from San Jose 3 destinations in one day. Coffee Experience, Unique Poas Volcano Crater and one most beautiful nature park and waterfalls. We will visit the Doka Coffee Estate for a delicious breakfast. Then we will be treated to a coffee tour in an actual coffee plantation where we will learn the ancient techniques used by the experts to produce some of the best coffee in Costa Rica and around the world. we will continue to Poas Volcano National Park, where there is a noticeable change in temperature and exuberant vegetation of the cloud forest. At La Paz Waterfall Gardens we will go through walking trails surrounded by lush tropical rain forest. Here we will appreciate flowing white rivers, spectacular waterfalls, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and hummingbirds. There are also, educational animal exhibits to enjoy such as the Aviary, the Butterfly Observatory, Hummingbird Garden, Serpentarium, Jungle Cats Exhibit, and the Frog Exhibit
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance Fee to Poas Volcano, Entrance Fee Coffee Tour, Entrance Fee La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Exclusions: Bottled water, Snacks
Reviewed By 407salehn
Picked us up at 5:40 A and served us a sorry ham sandwich at boarding around 8:30 what a terrible start of the day because of the early pickup we had no access to coffee or breakfast and it was only ham option for the morning. Our day went on without breakfast. Lunch served on the beach was limited and had no deserts or coffee afterward as this was offered with another tour company I went for the same trip two years ago.
8. San Jose Small Group Walking Tour by Carpe Chepe
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 43 reviews
Hang out with locals and enjoy the walking tour in San José. A great way to get immersed and learn more about Costa Rica’s capital, its history, iconic places and the “ticos” culture. Small groups. M-Sa 9:30AM and 3:00PM Meet at The National Theater of Costa Rica Our guides will be wearing a Yellow T-shirt
Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Hotel drop-off (selected hotels only), Snacks
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By LisetteHelena
We joined the pub crawl mid February with visiting friends from Argentina, the United States, Italy and The Philippines. It was a great way to spend time together, have our guests see some of San José, and learn more about Costa Rica from locals. We had previously joined Carpe Chepe for the free city tour, and since we had a good time then, we decided to sign up for this pub crawl. We were not disappointed. All of our friends enjoyed themselves and we got to discover some new places ourselves as well. We visited different bars and didn't have to wait in line at any of the these places. This was really nice because some of the bars had lots of people lined up outside waiting for their turn to go inside. The guides were very friendly, bilingual, and made sure everyone enjoyed their night out. They seemed to be having a good time themselves as well and they kinda just felt like part of our group! It sometimes took a while to get drinks, but other than that we had zero complaints. We would definitely sign up for this pub crawl again in the future, or try one of the other tours that Carpe Chepe offers. If you're looking for a fun night out, this is it!
9. San Jose Walking Tour: Food, History and Architecture
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 176 reviews
Learn about local life in San Jose through its architecture, history and food. This 3-hour walking tour shows you the typical lifestyle of the capital as you stroll through the streets with a knowledgeable local guide. Get to know the city through its grand markets and coffee history, ending at Mercado Central (Central Market) where you’ll sip Costa Rican coffee and sample some tasty food. Numbers are limited to 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience with a small group.
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, Food samples, Visit Borbons and Central market, Hands-on lesson on exotic plants, fruits, vegetables
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Additional food and drinks
Reviewed By Felix G
Relaxing tour with history and architecture. Good food and drink. Nice neighborhoods. Lively. Easy going pace. Accommodating.
10. Irazú Volcano, Orosi Valley, and Lankester Gardens Combo Tour from San Jose
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 8 reviews
This tour is the combination of the Irazú Volcano National Park and the Orosi Lankester Garden tours. To that end, the tour offers the mystique of the Irazú Volcano, and the enchantment of the lush gardens in Orosi.
Inclusions: National Park fees, Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned transportation
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By yvonnelK9366AS
Sloths, bats, monkeys, poisonous frogs ???? Gustavo our tour guide was wonderful. We had time to explore and learn. Very exciting experience. Gustavo really took care of us ????
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