San Jose, Costa Rica

San José has been the capital of Costa Rica and the seat of national democracy since 1823.  It is located in the Central Valley at 1,253 meters (4,111 feet) above sea level, between the central mountain chain. The metropolitan city has nearly 1 million inhabitants and is surrounded by residential zones and both national and international commerce.

Unlike other Central American capitals, San José is not a colonial city.  However, the heart of the city is historically renowned for its contemporary buildings and parks filled with the exquisite greenery that flourishes in Costa Rica.

San José did not become a city until the 1800’s during the colonial period, and since that time, it has seen many changes.  The most significant of these was the modern building boom of the 1950s and 1960s, which brought about many changes in the infrastructure.  Thanks to its successful economy based on coffee exportation, San José was the second capital in the Americas to install electricity (1884).  Its main objective was the cultural and intellectual development of its population, knowing that the future would bring positive results thanks to the initiatives of Costa Rican leaders and visionaries.

In the heart of San José, you will find the National Theater, Cultural Square, Central Park, Cathedral and the Gold and Jade Museums.  These sites of interest are all located within an area of 4 blocks, where there is also a long avenue filled with stores and restaurants.

San José, Costa Rica is a cosmopolitan capital with many natural attractions and cultures, where the very life of Costa Rica is present in every corner of the city. Visitors fall in love with San José, and thousands of foreigners have actually made it their new home.

Bars and Nightlife

For going out, San José offers places where restaurants and clubs come together, such as El Pueblo, which is located in the Tournon district.  El Pueblo is a large club mall complex with colonial architecture, Mediterranean, Italian, and Costa Rican restaurants, and bars/clubs.

El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte is one of the most famous bars in San José and has been the favorite place for travelers for decades.

Castro’s Bar is a classic Costa Rican bar/club.  The music varies throughout the night from Salsa and Merengue to Reggaeton and occasional electronic music.

San Jose attractions

National Theater

Right in the heart of San Jose, alongside the Plaza de la Cultura, is the imposing National Theater. Designed by Belgian architects and decorated by Italian Artists, the 1,000 seats stone and metal structure offers performances by the world´s most famous of artists. Don´t miss seeing its fabulous gold gilt interior and be sure to have afternoon coffee in the theater´s Café.

Gold Museum

The Gold Museum is found below the Plaza de la Cultura, to the rear of the National Theater. A permanent display of more than 2,000 pre-Columbian gold artifacts and temporary art exhibits make a rich experience.

National Museum

Due south from the park, across the Av Central, is Plaza de la Democracia and the National Museum, housed in the historic old Fuerte Bellavista. Only in peace-loving Costa Rica would they name a military installation “Forth with a Beautiful View”. The yellow old Castilian fort was constructed in 1887 and used as the nation´s military headquarters until the abolition of the armed forces in 1948.

Notice the side walls and look up at the balustrades to see all the gun shot holes around the gun slits, evidence of the serious nature of the 1948 Civil War.

The Museum has 4 sections: The first features archeological artifacts from Costa Rica´s pre-Columbian peoples and their history. Precious gold figures and jewelry are housed in a separate Sala de Oro. Another section of colonial life features artifacts and displays of the first Spanish conquistadors and early mestizos. Historic photos and implements from the recent past are featured in the last area. Located in the central courtyard you ´ll find a good example of the traditional brightly painted oxcarts.

The San Jose Zoo

A quick jaunt into the Barrio Otoya up Calle 9 leads the Parque Zoologico Simon Bolivar, the local Zoo, it´s been transformed into a pleasant stop with enhanced landscaping and much-improved conditions for animals. Good stop for kids.

Children Museum

Children´s Museum is located in a huge converted old fort that served as the city´s prison for many years. This large yellow fortress with crenellated walls and towers is at the north of Calle 4. It has free, hands-on interactive exhibits and activities. Art exhibitions and concerts for adults in the National Auditorium are also held here.

Post Office

The Post Office is another baroque building. It is home to an interesting stamp museum with free admission.