San José, Costa Rica, is a very active city with a vibrant culture, rich history, and plenty of things to do.
The most notable things to do in San José include museums and cultural landmarks, sampling Costa Rican cuisine, and partaking in outdoor activities.
But, if you are looking for a cultural hub in a tropical setting, with ease of access to volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs, and beaches, then definitely consider visiting or living in San José, Costa Rica.
You should start your visit with a tour of the National Museum of Costa Rica. They host a variety of pre-Colombian artifacts and art from the colonial period.
It is a great place to learn about the history and the culture of Costa Rica before diving into the more eccentric things to do that San José has to offer.
Another thing to do is just walk around San José or take a walking tour. The city is extremely walkable, and you can enjoy all the old architecture dating back to the colonial period.
Discovering San José, Costa Rica, amidst the lively street life and the colorful buildings is what makes it a great city to just take in and explore.
While on your walk, be sure to sample local cuisine and traditional delicacies. Maybe afterwards you could head to another prominent museum of San José, the Pre-Colombian Gold Museum.
There you will be able to see pre-Columbian gold artifacts such as masks, jewelry, and ceremonial objects.
Another highlight of San José is the Central Market. This is the place where you’ll find local treats such as tamales, churros, and empanadas.
Above all, it is an extremely energetic and fun place to be filled with fresh produce at a bargain, souvenirs to bring home to friends and family, and intricate Costa Rican crafts.
Spend a better part of your day in the market, especially since it is open from six-thirty in the morning until six in the evening (except for Sundays).
You can also enjoy the nightlife because there are always new events.
You will often be able to catch local musicians playing live on the street or attend live events in larger venues. There are always a place where you can dance the night away to a variety of Latin rhythms at a nearby bar, club, or other music venue.
Outside the city you’ll find other fun things to do. For example, plenty of natural wonders to discover including a few nearby volcanoes (some are still active, although there hasn’t been any sort of activity since 1910).
Also explore the waterfalls, take a coffee plantation tour, rest at a hot springs, drive out for a day trip to the beach, and much more.
San José and its surrounding areas make it, so you never have to worry about finding fun things to do. You will always have new experiences to behold, and you will enjoy a very comfortable and interesting life on a budget.