Things to do in San José

Activities, attractions and tours

San José
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Edificio Metalico - an old school in the center of San Jose
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Most popular experiences in San José

Tours & day trips

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Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €95 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Braulio Carrillo National Park Aerial Tram Experience Pass

Braulio Carrillo National Park Aerial Tram Experience Pass

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 33 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €68 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Activity duration is 10 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €176 per adult
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Water activities

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Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 51 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €95 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

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Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €30 per adult
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What to do in San José

Stay near popular San José attractions

Beautiful aerial view os the city of San Jose Costa Rica, and its main park The Sabana

National Stadium of Costa Rica

4.4/5 (1,847 reviews)
Costa Rica's premier sporting venue sits majestically in La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Experience the nation's passion for football during a match or enjoy concerts in this modern 2011 stadium.
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Where to stay in San José

Find the best San José areas for the activities you enjoy most.
La Sabana Park and Costa Rica National Stadium

Amón

If you're spending some time in Amón, Casa Amarilla and TEOR/éTica are top sights worth seeing.

Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton

La Sabana

While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Center of Art and Culture.

Aerial view of La Sabana Park, Costa Rica National Stadium and San Jose, Costa Rica Skyline

Barrio Escalante

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Center of Art and Culture.

Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Catedral

If you're spending some time in Catedral, National Museum of Costa Rica and National Theater of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

Beautiful aerial view of the city of San Jose with view of the Sabana Park and the Stadium.

San Antonio de Belen

Guapiles

Guapiles

Frequently asked questions

Is San José worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in San José is visit National Theatre. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's history and dining.
How do I spend a day in San José?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge, spend some time discovering San José's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San José?
National Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in San José and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San José?
You can easily tour leading attractions like National Theatre, Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge with a three-day getaway in San José. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Ciudad Cariari.
Is San José a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San José is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between National Theatre and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge. Then take a stroll through Carmen, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Uruca, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San José with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in San José with kids.
What to do in San José for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in San José for adults including Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa.
Are there free things to do in San José?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San José is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Sabana Park is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.