Best of San José City Tour
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Best of San José City Tour

Active
(5 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover San José like never before, we are the only operators that gives you the opportunity to truly integrate and get to know the culture of Costa Rica on a city tour, we combine the walking tour and guarantee maximum benefit from the experience while We also have all the comforts of tourist transportation.

This tour will take you through the most important part of the city of San José, we will visit beautiful typical shops, monuments, museums, government buildings and churches that are important for the People of Costa Rica, in addition you will have a highly trained guide to carry out the tour. this activity.

Available options

Best of San José City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water
Snacks
Tickets to attractions

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

We will visit the beautiful Costa Rican art museum, a building that was once the old airport of San José, Costa Rica.

In this Museum we can see more than 110 works of art by Costa Rican artists, we will also visit the golden hall that tells the history of Costa Rica since pre-Columbian times, we can also appreciate the beautiful views of the La Sabana metropolitan park.

2

On our tour, we will visit the beautiful Morazán Park, in this place we have a lot of history and curious facts.

We will also be able to see historic buildings of the city such as the Pink School, Yellow House and the Youth Development Center, all of these are important government buildings.

3

We continue our journey towards the San José National Park, we have important monuments such as the statue of the Battle of Rivas, for which we fought to avoid the domination of reveldes from the north of the continent, we can appreciate the statue of our national hero Juan Santamaría, we can also See important buildings such as the Congress of the Republic and the National Registry, as well as the Supreme Court of Elections.

4

After visiting the Congress of the Republic and its surroundings, we will begin a short walk through the center of the city, through the pedestrian zone of San José.

At this point we will visit important historical buildings such as the Costa Rica Post Office, Central Bank, Central American Development Bank, Plaza de la Cultura and many other local buildings.

5
Stop 5

On our tour we cannot miss our beautiful central market of San José, more than 300 different food, alternative medicine, clothing and general commerce stores.

It is the best representative of Costa Rican culture, this place allows you to know even what you did not imagine or expect about our country.

6

To finish our tour in the best way and followed after the central market, we will walk from the central market to the metropolitan cathedral, crossing the central park of San José, we will be able to see the Melico Salazar theater and we will visit the most important church in the province of San José. José.

7
Stop 7

Finally we will finish at the jewel of the city, our National Theater of Costa Rica, a beautiful building built in the 19th century, inspired by Spanish designs and built by important French, Costa Rican and Spanish architects.

On this occasion, we will visit the main lobby of the national theater, optionally and on your own you can enjoy a coffee in the most prestigious cafeteria in the country.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.3
3 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
1
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor 3.5
2 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Avoid walking alone at night
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air
  • Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

  • Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
  • Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
  • Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
  • Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 1-90
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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