City Tour and Dinner at the Best Lookout in San Jose

San José , Costa Rica

City Tour and Dinner at the Best Lookout in San Jose

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About this experience

San Jose Complete: Art, History and Dinner with Panoramic View

Discover the best of San Jose on this combined tour, a great value experience that will take you around the city’s most iconic landmarks in one day.

We will start at the Museum of Costa Rican Art, where you will tour its impressive exhibitions and the majestic Golden Hall, a hand-carved masterpiece that narrates the history of the country. Then, we will explore the city on foot, visiting emblematic places such as the National Theatre, the Central Market, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Congress of the Republic and the historic Ammon Quarter.

To close with a golden clasp, we will climb to the best viewpoint in San Jose to admire a spectacular sunset. Finally, we will enjoy an all-inclusive dinner in an exclusive atmosphere and, if you book Thursday or Friday, you will live a typical Costa Rican show at no additional cost.

A must-see tour that combines art, history and culture. Book now!

Available options

City Tour and Dinner at the Best Lookout in San Jose

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Coffee plus pastries included

Air-conditioned vehicle

2 beers or two glasses of wine included

Typical Costa Rican dinner

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will start our adventure at the Wonderful Museum of Costa Rican Art, located in the northern part of the city, in the old airport of San José. This iconic museum houses an impressive collection of works that represent Costa Rica’s cultural and artistic wealth.

Accompanied by our expert guide, we will tour the exhibits as we discover the details, meanings and history behind each work. The tour culminates in the spectacular Golden Hall, a unique gem that once served as a waiting room for diplomats and hosted historical figures such as John F. Kennedy.

This hall is not only an emblematic space, but a masterpiece in itself: its walls narrate the history of Costa Rica from pre-Columbian times to the present day in a majestic hand-carved relief in 1995. A place that combines history, art and culture in one must-see space.

Discover the essence of San Jose on a fascinating walking tour of its most iconic streets. We will start in the heart of the city, walking along its main boulevards as we immerse ourselves in the history and daily life of the Costa Rican capital.

Along the way, we will admire the imposing National Theatre of Costa Rica, explore the authenticity of the Central Market, and visit the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral. We will also pass the historic Costa Rica Post Office Building, the Congress of the Republic and the most iconic metropolitan parks.

We will finish in the oldest area of the city, the charming Ammon Quarter, where colonial architecture and historic houses will transport us back to the past.

To close with a golden clasp, we will climb to the best viewpoint in San Jose, where we will enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view as the sun sets over the city. A perfect time to relax and capture stunning photos.

At the end, we will enjoy a delicious all-inclusive dinner in a unique atmosphere. And if you book for a Thursday or Friday, you will have the opportunity to live a fantastic typical show at no extra cost, an experience full of music, dance and Costa Rican culture.

Before you leave, you can wander through the charming rose garden, a magical corner ideal for memorable photos.

What's not included

Tips

Available languages

Written guide

DE EN FR ES

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

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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.