Must-see entertainment in Costa Rica

  • National Theatre, San Jose, Costa Rica

    Teatro Nacional

    San José

    Costa Rica’s most important theater stages plays, dance, opera, classical concerts, Latin American music and other major events. The main season runs from…

  • Mundoloco

    San José

    Grab a craft beer and some vegetarian grub, such as stuffed mushrooms, at this cute San Pedro restaurant and bar. Then head to the spacious and…

  • Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica

    San José

    Costa Rica's graceful, modernist 35,000-seat national soccer stadium, constructed with funding from the Chinese government and opened in 2011, is the…

  • Tsunami Sushi

    Puerto Limón

    You can't miss this bar, with its big yellow tsunami sign and Hokusai's Great Wave painted on the side of the building. Probably the hippest spot in town,…

  • 500px Photo ID: 91031807 - Musicians playing in jazz band on stage

    El Sótano

    San José

    One of Chepe's most atmospheric nightspots, Sótano is named for its cellar jazz club, where people crowd in for frequent performances including intimate…

  • Musicians playing in jazz band on stage

    Jazz Café Escazú

    San José

    Now with only a single location in the suburb of Escazú, Jazz Café nonetheless continues to impress. Countless performers have taken to the stage here,…

  • El Lobo Estepario

    San José

    This artsy, two-story dive attracts some of the top local talent for live music gigs. The blackboard ceiling fills with messages and drawings nightly. And…

  • Centro de Cine

    San José

    This pink Victorian mansion houses the government-run film center and its vast archive of national and international flicks. Festivals, lectures and…

  • 8ctavo Rooftop

    San José

    See and be seen at this swanky rooftop lounge, where international DJs regularly perform. If you want to show up early and dine first, this place is also…

  • Cine Magaly

    San José

    Screens the latest releases in a large renovated theater, along with independent films in English. The attached Kubrick Gastro Bar serves up delicious…

  • Arenas Skate Park

    San José

    On Friday and Saturday nights, punk shows (Guttermouth, Voodoo Glow Skulls!) are all the rage at this skate park in Barrio Soledad.

  • Teatro Melico Salazar

    San José

    A restored 1920s theater with regular fine-arts performances, including music, theater, ballet and other forms of dance.

  • Auditorio Nacional

    San José

    A grand stage for concerts, dance, theater and plays. Affiliated with the Centro Costarricense de Ciencia y Cultura.

  • Pepper Disco Club

    San José

    This club is the place to see heavy metal, punk and ska bands. Its salsa dancing nights are also good.

  • Sala Garbo

    San José

    Art-house and classic film screenings.

  • Estadio Morera Soto

    Central Valley & Highlands

    The best way to meet some locals is by attending a game at Alajuela’s own fútbol (soccer) stadium. Games by champion local team La Liga are always…

  • Kika

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    This Argentine-owned restaurant is a popular spot for dinner and drinks by candlelight (Grandma's pork gets rave reviews). But things really pick up after…

  • Teatro Eugene O’Neill

    San José

    This theater hosts performances sponsored by the Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano, a cultural center that promotes ties between Costa Rica and…

  • Little Theatre Group

    San José

    This English-language performance troupe has been around since the 1950s and presents several plays a year. They perform in venues around town; call or go…

  • Sí Como No Cinema

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    This 45-seat theater shows a fun rotation of popular American movies and cartoons for kids. Admission is free if you spend US$10 at the hotel's restaurant…

  • Casino del Rey

    San José

    A jam-packed shocking-pink building offering everything from roulette to slot machines and what has to be the highest density of prostitutes in the city.

  • Baseball Stadium

    Puerto Limón

    This stadium isn't architecturally significant, but since 1887 it has drawn Limón residents and visitors to the diamond.

  • Multicines San Pedro

    San José

    This popular multiplex has 10 screens showing the latest Hollywood flicks.

  • Cinemark

    San José

    This multiscreen complex in Escazú shows first-run movies.

  • Casino

    Quepos

    If you feel like putting your cash on the line, there’s a small casino at the Best Western Hotel Kamuk, but the scene gets a bit seedy.

  • Guerrilla Cinema

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    The pop-up movie experience has found a new home at the newly opened Paradise Bar 2.0, right on the beach. Have a drink and catch a movie.

More destinations you need to see