What to see and do in San José

What to visit in San José · history and museums

• National Theater · guided tour
• National Museum Bellavista Barracks
• Pre-Columbian Gold Museum Central Bank Museums

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in San José · history and museums

heritage

National Theater · guided tour

The historic theater in front of the Plaza de la Cultura allows you to learn about its architecture, decoration and relationship with the cultural life of San José through a guided tour.

Activities for your visit

• Visit the spaces included in the visit.
• Know the history of theater.

Tips for this place

• Distinguish a tourist visit from a ticket to a show.
• Confirm the theater's response to your request.

Request guided tour ↗

The official page provides a form to request a guided tour in Spanish or English. Requests require confirmation; tickets for scheduled performances are sold separately.

Reference sources and location

• National Theater of Costa Rica · tourism and guided tours

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.9331, -84.0778.

National Theater of Costa Rica · tourism and guided tours

museum

National Museum Bellavista Barracks

The old Bellavista Barracks houses collections of Costa Rican history and archeology. It is a visit to understand the country before touring its different regions.

Activities for your visit

• Visit the open exhibitions.
• Observe the old barracks building.

Tips for this place

• Bring identification for the corresponding rate.
• Check the opening days before you go.

Check ticket at the box office ↗

Tickets are purchased in person at the box office on the same day; no reservation necessary. Check the current exemptions for your date and category.

Reference sources and location

• National Museum of Costa Rica · visit and box office

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.9323, -84.0712.

National Museum of Costa Rica · visit and box office

museum

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum Central Bank Museums

Under the Plaza de la Cultura, this set of museums brings visitors closer to metalworking and the numismatic heritage of Costa Rica.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum.
• Tour the exhibitions included in the ticket.

Tips for this place

• Correctly select your visitor category.
• International exhibitions may have other access.

Consult official visit ↗

Check directly with the Central Bank Museums about admission for your date and the spaces included. Check the conditions of Pre-Columbian Gold, Numismatics, and temporary or international exhibitions before visiting.

Reference sources and location

• Central Bank Museums · official visit information

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify the entrance, a navigation route or barrier-free access.

Reference coordinates: 9.9334, -84.0777.

Central Bank Museums · official visit information

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in San José · history and museums

1. Day 1

   Culture Square

   Combine the visit of the National Theater with the Gold Museum according to their shifts and opening.

2. Day 2

   Bellavista Barracks

   Dedicate time to the National Museum and the surroundings of the center, without chaining reservations that are too close together.

Tips for visiting San José · history and museums

• Book or request the guided tour of the theater first.
• The National Museum uses in-person ticket offices; Check the admission of Gold directly with the Central Bank Museums.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in San José · history and museums

Six flavors to get to know Costa Rica: gallo pinto breakfasts, soda casados, home cooking and Caribbean coconut rice. The guides first show the dishes associated with their area and then other flavors from this national selection. The caption identifies the location of each photo where it appears.

The whole country · A Costa Rican breakfast

Gallo pinto

Rice and beans sautéed with onion, sweet chili and cilantro make up this everyday breakfast. It is usually accompanied with egg, cheese, tortilla or custard. The presentation changes between houses and sodas; The photo shows a version served at Zarcero.

Reference: Costa Rican Institute of Tourism · Gallo pinto

The whole country · Soda lunch

Casado

A plate of rice and beans with salad and sides that vary by kitchen: picadillo, ripe plantain, egg or meat. There is no single fixed combination. The photo shows a casado from Soda Cristal in San José's Central Market.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Food and frequently asked questions

Home cooking · Beef and vegetable broth

Olla de carne

Hearty beef soup with tubers and vegetables such as cassava, potato, tiquizque and plantain. The cuts and vegetables change with the family recipe. It is served hot and combines the broth with large pieces of its ingredients.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Culinary adventure

Family cuisine · Rice to share

Costa Rican arroz con pollo

Rice mixed with shredded chicken, vegetables and aromas such as onion, garlic and sweet chili. Annatto provides color in some recipes. The Cartago recipe book includes a homemade version; The photo shows rice with chicken with salad and avocado.

Reference: Ministry of Culture and ICT · Cartago Recipe Book

Limón and the Caribbean · Rice cooked in coconut milk

Caribbean rice and beans

Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk and spices, characteristic of the Costa Rican Caribbean. They are often accompanied with chicken or fish. It shares ingredients with gallo pinto, but the coconut and the preparation give it a different flavor.

Reference: Costa Rican Tourism Institute · Caribbean Cuisine

Costas and sodas Crispy green banana

Patacones

Green banana slices that are fried, smashed and fried again. In Costa Rica they accompany fish, seafood or meat; They are also served with sauces. It is a preparation shared by several countries in the region.

Reference: Visit Costa Rica · Caribbean flavors