Puerto LimónThings to do

Things to do in Puerto Limón

  1. A

    Parque Vargas

    The city’s main attraction is the waterfront Parque Vargas, an incongruous expanse of bench-lined sidewalks beneath a lost little jungle of tall palms and tropical flowers, centered on an appealingly decrepit bandstand.

    reviewed

  2. Isla Uvita

    This island is most famous as the site of Columbus' landing on his last trans-Atlantic voyage. It's also a popular destination for surfers, for its thrilling (and often punishing) left reef break. Those in the know claim that this is the most powerful left in Costa Rica, with 3m (9.8ft) waves on good days. Ask around the pier to hire a boat for the trip. Pack a picnic, as there are no facilities on the island.

    reviewed

  3. Playa Bonita

    While not the finest beach in the Caribbean, Playa Bonita offers sandy stretches of seashore and good swimming, conveniently close to Limón. Surfers head to Bonita for its point/reef break, which makes for a powerful (and sometimes dangerous) left. Just north, Portete is a small bay with a wicked right working off the southerly point.

    reviewed

  4. B
  5. C

    Taquería y Antojería Yenori

    This cute little Mexican spot serves tacos (₡600) and casados (₡2000). You have to ring the bell to get buzzed in, where you’ll find clean tables, chilled soda and a blaring air-con unit.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Soda Restaurant Meli

    One of many sodas surrounding the central market. It’s popular for its low prices and big servings of fried rice and casados.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Restaurante Bionatura

    In a town where everything seems to be deep-fried, this restaurant stands out for its focus on healthy vegetarian cuisine, including fresh fruit salads, veggie burgers and bistek de soya (soy steak) casados.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Restaurant Brisas del Caribe

    The best view in town isn’t over the waves, it’s over Parque Vargas, where outdoor tables and a breezy balcony make for good people-watching and decent Caribbean fare.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Park Hotel

    Sporting a 1970s Miami vibe, this semi-swanky (for Limón) eatery inside the town’s top hotel has bright pink and green linens and ocean views. There is a long menu, but the specialty here is seafood, including fish brochettes, shrimp-studded rice and sea bass served countless ways.

    reviewed

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  11. H

    Musmanni

    For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the baked goods at Musmanni.

    reviewed

  12. Más X Menos

    This big supermarket, across the avenue, is useful for self-caterers.

    reviewed

  13. I

    El Cevichito

    The outdoor patio along the pedestrian mall is one of the city’s more pleasant spots. You’ll find locals gathering here to guzzle beer, talk soccer and devour tasty garlic fish.

    reviewed

  14. J

    Central Market

    For the cheapest budget eats, hit this market, which has several sodas and plenty of groceries.

    reviewed

  15. K

    Casa Blanca

    A dark, smoky and air-conditioned dive that is packed from about 5pm onward with a mainly male clientele sipping drinks and watching grainy porn on the telly. It’s easy to find: follow the ear-splitting Latin music emanating from the jukebox.

    reviewed

  16. L

    Caribbean Kalisi Coffee Shop

    A tidy, unremarkable-looking family spot serving a wide variety of local specialties, including Caribbean-style chicken with rice and red beans.

    reviewed

  17. Bar King’s

    More Latin in flavor, it also attracts a few local women.

    reviewed

  18. M

    Aquarius

    Inside Hotel Acon, this long-running disco spins salsa, reggaetón and pop on different nights.

    reviewed