Fabulous City Private walking tour of San Jose

San José , Costa Rica

Fabulous City Private walking tour of San Jose

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About this experience

Skip the crowds and enjoy a private walking tour of San José, Costa Rica, tailored just for your group! This vibrant city offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and lively street life. With your professional guide, explore San José’s stunning blend of Spanish colonial and modern architecture while uncovering fascinating stories of the city’s past and present. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Museum of Costa Rican Art, Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced, and the bustling Central Market. Discover hidden gems like the colorful craft market, where local traditions come to life. Stroll through the lively Plaza de la Cultura, admire the grandeur of the National Theatre, and relax at Plaza de la Democracia. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience the heart of Costa Rica’s capital in a fun, insightful, and exclusive way. Book now and make your San José visit unforgettable!

Available options

Fabulous City Private walking tour of San Jose

What's included

Professional Local Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

This museum is housed in a former airport terminal and features a collection of modern and contemporary Costa Rican art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.

This historic church was built in the 18th century and features beautiful architecture, including a Baroque facade and a bell tower with a clock.

This bustling market is a great place to sample Costa Rican cuisine and buy local souvenirs, such as handicrafts and coffee.

Stop 4

This public square is located in the heart of San José and features a beautiful fountain, sculptures, and several important buildings, including the National Theatre of Costa Rica.

This historic theatre was built in the late 19th century and features stunning architecture, including a neoclassical facade and a beautiful interior with ornate details and frescoes.

This market is a great place to find locally made handicrafts, including ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.

This public square is located near several important government buildings and features a monument to democracy, as well as beautiful landscaping and fountains.

What's not included

Admission fee of National Theatre of Costa Rica 10USD-15USD

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

By the main entrance of Museum of Costa Rican Art, San Jose

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.