Things to do in Heredia
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INBioparque
This excellent botanical garden is run by the non-profit National Biodiversity Institute (INBio), which catalogs Costa Rica’s biodiversity and promotes its sustainable use. Visitors can admire native plants and animals in miniature versions of the country's various life zones, as well as visit farm animals, a butterfly garden and a model sustainable home. Children’s theatre and multimedia shows run throughout the day, and the park is wheelchair-accessible. Last-admission times are listed here, but the park doesn’t actually close until 5pm or 5:30pm. See the website for directions and additional information.
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Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción
Built in 1797, this church facing a wide, pleasant Parque Central is still in use. The church's thick-walled, squat construction is attractive in a Volkswagen Beetle sort of way. The solid shape has withstood the earthquakes that have damaged or destroyed almost all the other buildings in Costa Rica that date from this time.
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Casa de la Cultura
The Casa de la Cultura occupies a low-lying Spanish structure that dates back to the 18th century. The building at one point served as the residence of President Alfredo González Flores, who governed from 1913 to 1917. It is beautifully maintained and now houses permanent historical displays as well as rotating art exhibits.
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Universidad Nacional
The campus of Universidad Nacional, six blocks east of Parque Central, is a great place for doing a little guerrilla learning. Keep an eye out for posters advertising cultural offerings and special events happening around the city. Also, check out the marine biology department’s Museo Zoomarino, where more than 2000 displayed specimens give an overview of Costa Rica’s marine diversity. The Museo Zoomarino is not on campus, but located about 1km west of the university.
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Cowboy Steakhouse
This yellow-and-red joint with two bars has patio seating and the best beef cuts in town. As the title suggests, steak is the focal point, making it a meat-lover’s must. But the hearty salads and extensive list of bocas (savory bar snacks) are worth a nibble as well.
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Museo Zoomarino
Check out the Universidad Nacional's marine biology department’s Museo Zoomarino, where more than 2000 displayed specimens give an overview of Costa Rica’s marine diversity. The Museo Zoomarino is not on campus, but located about 1km west of the university.
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Miraflores Discotechque
After a few rounds of beers and bocas (savory bar snacks), the party really kicks off at the Miraflores Discotechque, on the southern edge of the Parque Central. Stay aware, however: Heredia can get dodgy at nighttime, though there is an established police presence.
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El Fortín
This 1867 guard tower is the last remaining turret of a Spanish fortress and the official symbol of Heredia. It's a national historic site, but because of its fragile state, its passageways are closed to the public.
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Miraflores Discotheque
After a few rounds of beers, the party really kicks off at the Miraflores Discotheque, on the southern edge of the Parque Central, where locals get groovy to a mix of international beats.
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El Rancho de Fofo
The university district is hopping most nights of the week (Tico students live it up like you wouldn’t believe). El Rancho de Fofo is one of the long-running watering holes here.
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Vishnu Mango Verde
This branch of the famous San José chain is the top spot in town for vegetarian fare, including a wide array of colorful salads and cheap, gut-filling casados.
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El Testy
Here it is folks, your one-stop shop for burritos, ravioli, hamburgers, tacos, chicken and fries. Feeling indecisive? It also sells ice cream, candy, cookies and snacks!
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Mercado Municipal
You can fill up for a couple of thousand colones at the Mercado Municipal, which has sodas to spare and plenty of very fresh groceries.
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El Bulevar
The university district is hopping most nights of the week. El Bulevar is one of the long-running watering holes here.
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La Choza
Tico students live it up like you wouldn’t believe and La Choza is one of the long-running watering holes here.
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Centro Panamericano de Idiomas
Based in San Joaquín de las Flores, just outside of Heredia, this popular school also has a teen program.
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Intercultura
This school in Heredia also arranges volunteer opportunities and offers cooking and dance classes.
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Instituto Profesional de Educación Daza
Spanish courses available.
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Espigas
One of the only, if not the only, eateries open on Sunday, Espigas is the go-to cafe for delicious set breakfasts. Order sit-down meals at the counter, stop by the front window to pick up fresh batidos (fruit shakes) or pop in for a look at the tantalizing pastry case.
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Parque Central
Heredia was founded in 1706, and in true Spanish-colonial style it has several interesting old landmarks arranged around the Parque Central.
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Artesanías Vílchez
The selection of crafts is crude, but you’re here for one reason, and one reason only: to buy an authentic Tico cowboy hat. Saddle up and ride!
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