San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner

San José , Costa Rica

San Jose By Night: Sights & Culture Tour with Local Dinner

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About this experience

Delicious Costa Rican food and drink .Oh, we need to say more?
Alright, well, there’s also a ton of culture and history, a tasty local dinner, and the chance to experience San Jose’s nightlife with a local. Best. Night. Ever.

Available options

Food and Culture Small Group Tour

Food and Culture Private Tour

What's included

Receive insider tips for dining, nightlife, and sightseeing

Visit key landmarks and explore vibrant neighborhoods

Sample a local beer and learn how Costa Ricans enjoy it

Discover San Jose’s culture and history after dark

Guided evening walking tour of San Jose with a local expert

Sip two drinks — sangria, local beer, or a non-alcoholic option

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner made with local ingredients

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will start the tour at the Parque Morazán (Morazan Parkat the Templo de la Música.. As we walk you will learn post-colonial Costa Rican history and get close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose.

Parque Morozan is surrounded by important historical buildings and public places, such as the Metálico Building, Las Acacias House, the Vitalize Madrigal School, the Aurora Holliday Inn Hotel, the Jiménez de la Guardia House, the Maroy Building and the España Park.

At the northeast corner of the Parque España’s we will admire an elegant colonial-style house - Casa Amarilla, a home to the Ministry of Foreign affairs

We will pass by the new building of the Legislative Assembly, the seat of Costa Rica's unicameral Legislature.

On the way to Barrio Escalante we will pass by the beautiful National Park.

Next is Barrio Escalante neighbourhood that has transformed into one of the trendiest spots in San José.

The evening will end with a contemporary traditional meal at a local restaurant that is very popular with locals. Between your tasty traditional dinner, and sangria or local beer that go down a treat, you’ll be ending the evening feeling every bit the San Jose local.

What's not included

Gratuities

Additional food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

128 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.4

108 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 6 years

Minimum age to drink wine is 18 years

For this tour, we can cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, and gluten-free intolerance. Please provide this information at least 24 hours prior to your travel date. Unfortunately, we are not able to cater for any other dietary requirements that are not listed above.

Meeting point

Morazan Park at the The Temple of Music

Important notes

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.

Dress Standards
Casual clothing is appropriate for this tour.

Dietary Notes
For this tour, we can cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, and gluten-free intolerance. Please provide this information at least 24 hours prior to your travel date. You can do so by emailing us at UrbanAdventures.CR@intrepidtravel.com. Unfortunately, we are not able to cater for any other dietary requirements that are not listed above.

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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.