San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum
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San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum

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(25 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

Visiting San Jose’s markets with a guide turns an everyday scene into a rich cultural experience as your guide tells you the stories behind the markets’ offerings and takes the guesswork out of deciding what’s worth a try. After visiting top San Jose markets, head to the National Museum to take a look at the city’s early history.

Highlights:
Discover the secrets behind handicrafts, herbal remedies, and fresh produce at Borbon and San Jose Central Market
Visit top markets to learn about local culture through food
Lots of fruits, empanada, ceviche and coffee tastings included, plus museum entrance
Good way for first-time visitors to learn about San Jose history and culture

Available options

San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum

What's included

Visit the Central Market
Visit parks: Central Park, Morazan Park, National Park.
Food: fruits, tamal, make your own plantain empanada, caldosa, agua de sapo.
Entrance fee to National Museum
Coffee Tasting
Visit Borbon Market

Detailed itinerary

1

The Borbon Market, is a true sensory experience of sights and smells, and you might catch the daily hand-truck race among the workers. The focus is on produce, though it sells a bit of everything. is an old building with a basement, known where local people buy their vegetables and fruits,We will have the opportunity to share and interact with people who have worked in the market for generations, and we will try all kinds of fruits of the time, it is a unique experience, they are fruits very much from the market itself.

2
Stop 2

The San Jose Central Market is an important cultural site in Costa Rica as it is one of the oldest and most representative places of San Jose, the capital city of the country. The market opened in 1880, making it one of the oldest landmarks in Costa Rica as the country declared independence in 1821.

3

One of the attractions is the bandstand in the centre of the park, striking for its arches, and the Carmen Lyra Library, a library specialised in children.

4

The Metropolitan Cathedral is the main church in San Jose Costa Rica. This Catholic cathedral stands superbly with neoclassical posture overlooking Central Park and the crowded streets and avenues of the capital city.

5
Stop 5

Is include a visit to the entrance hall of Costa Rica’s National Theater. In the heart of San Jose, the National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) remains one of the capital city’s most popular tourist attractions.” The ornate Neo-Classical theatre is considered the finest historic building in San Jose, and is known for its exquisite interior decorated with lavish furnishings and beautiful murals.

6

We will visit this cafeteria that is very beautiful, where we will learn about coffees and chocolates, and we will have the opportunity to try caldosas, tamales in the Costa Rican style and also take classes on how to make our own empanadas de platano con queso, we will also be able to enjoy local drinks such as famous toad water, will also enjoy a coffee tasting.

7
Stop 7

Named in honor of Francisco Morazán, head of state of the country during 1842 and leader of the Central American Union, it stands out for its neoclassical Temple of Music, built by the Costa Rican architect and painter José Francisco Salazar and declared Historical Architectural Heritage.

8

After enjoy: coffee tasting, tamal and empanada, we’ll visit a National Museum Housed in the barracks of the Bellavista Fortress, displays indigenous and pre-Columbian artifacts, religious artwork, and geological and archaeological pieces linked to Costa Rica’s rich history since 1950.

What's not included

Additional food and drinks
Souvenirs and personal shopping
Tips/gratuities for your guide

Available languages

Guide guide
EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7
13 reviews
5★
12
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.8
12 reviews
5★
10
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

At the Los Presentes Monument in front of the Central Bank of San Jose, in between Avenue 1 and Avenue Central

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 10-75
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
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Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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