San José, the capital, is 1,150 meters above
sea level and is located in the Central Valley. Although
San José was established in 1737, only a few remnants
remain from the colonial time period. In fact, the city
of Cartago was the country's capital until it was overshadowed
by San José. San José was a small town until
the building of the Teatro Nacional in 1890. Today it
is the center of all political, cultural and economic
activities. It also thrives as a tourism hub that enables
visitors to explore the many rain forests, volcanoes and
beaches with ease.
Sightseeing
Avenida Central
The easiest way to get in touch with
Costa Rican culture is to go for a walk along Avenida
Central. From the terrace of the Grand Hotel in the middle
of the Plaza de Cultura or while sipping a coffee in a
nearby café, one can watch various street artists.
You can also try some typical food by eating in one of
the numerous “sodas” around the city.
Feria de los Agricultores
Every weekend, local farmers organize
a market where a wide variety of in-season fruits and
vegetables are sold. These items are often not found in
grocery stores. For a chance to taste some of Costa Rica's
fresh and abundant fruits and vegetables, you must visit
one of the many ferias. Weekend ferias are held in San
José and on the outskirts and suburbs of the city.
Mercado Central
For all those who have not been to a
Latin American market, you should definitely visit Mercado
Central. The hustle and bustle of the people, colors,
tastes and smells are an experience you won't soon forget.
Almost every product can be found here – and it
is cheap, too. But be careful, this market also attracts
thieves. So watch your bags!
Museo de Jade
This museum has the world’s largest
collection of American Jade jewelry. Thanks to the brilliant
illumination, the beauty of these minerals is emphasized.
In this museum one can find exquisite pieces of gold and
well-maintained pottery made by the indigenous people
of the Diquis region. These relics give visitors a fascinating
insight into Pre-Columbian cultures. As a final activity,
visitors need to check out the view of San José
from the roof.
Museo de Oro
This museum is located directly in the
Plaza de la Cultura beneath the tourist information area.
2000-year-old Pre-Columbian pieces of gold can be found
here. In addition, this museum has been recommended by
many of our students.
Museo Nacional
The National Museum is located in the
Bellavista Fort, whose corner towers still show the bullet
hole from the civil war in 1948. Visitors can explore
Costa Rican history and can enjoy a beautiful view of
the city. In addition, the museum displays gold ornaments,
sculptured tombstones, stone balls, furniture from the
colonial era, a Nobel Peace Prize certificate from former
and current president Oscar Arias and much more.
Teatro Nacional
The National Theater is without a doubt
the most beautiful building in San José. It is
the cultural center and is found in la Plaza de la Cultura.
It was built at the end of the 19th century and the neoclassic
outside was designed according to an opera house in Paris.
The interior includes marble statues and impressive ceiling
paintings that depict coffee pickers bringing in the crop.
