San Jose on Foot: Market Food Delights and City Sights Tour

San José , Costa Rica

San Jose on Foot: Market Food Delights and City Sights Tour

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About this experience

Learn about local life in San Jose through its architecture, history and food. This 3-hour walking tour shows you the typical lifestyle of the capital as you stroll through the streets with a knowledgeable local guide. Get to know the city through its markets and coffee history, ending at Mercado Central (Central Market) where you’ll taste an ice cream and sample some tasty food. Numbers are limited to 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience with a small group.

Available options

Private Food Walking Tour

Small Group Food Walking Tour

What's included

Enjoy artisan ice cream

Take a hands-on lesson on exotic plants, fruits, vegetables

Discover colourful markets: Mercado El Registro and Central Market

See a side of San Jose known only by locals with a Local English speaking guide

Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay

Savor several tasty seasonal samplings and sample local drink (Fresco)

Detailed itinerary

We will meet in front of the National Theatre, one of the most beautiful buildings in Costa Rica with great importance to the cultural and historical aspect of the country.

Right in the heart of San José, you will hear all about a famous costarican tenor Manuel Salazar Zúñiga known as Melico Salazar.

Passing by and getting know the history of the Cathedral just can`t be missed.

From here, we’ll take a stroll through the vibrant market Mercado El Registro, tasting local fresh fruits while learning about the agricultural history of the area.

Stop 5

Your San Jose market tour continues along local roads towards the Central Market. Seeing the diverse sites of these markets will help you get to know the country and its rich history.

Central Post anSan José. This architectural gem has been an iconic part of our capital's urban landscape since its inauguration in October 1917. To this day, the Central Post and Telegraph Building has faithfully witnessed Costa Rica's evolution into a free, independent, and democratic nation.d Telegraph Building

We will pass by the Steinvorth Building that is considered one of the main architectural jewels of the Costa Rican capital, where the European aesthetic current of that time is combined with the nascent architectural modernity that prevailed in the cities of North America. It is considered an architectural heritage of the country since 1999. Here you will have a chance to sip a coffee or a beer.

We will end our tour at Plaza de la Cultura that is close to the main National Theater of Costa Rica.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

91 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

140 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a child friendly Tour.

This Tour can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests.

Small Group or private option available.

Meeting point

Front entrance of the National Theatre, Avenida 2, calle1, Catedral, San José, Costa Rica

Important notes

Dress Code
Casual clothing is appropriate for this tour, and we advise you wear comfortable shoes. Bring water, sunblock, and a hat for morning tours. It could be useful to bring a camera and some money, just in case you want to buy some souvenirs or take photos. An umbrella or poncho is recommended if rain is forecasted.

Additional Information
We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.

Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests by emailing us at UrbanAdventures.CR@peakdmc.com

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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.