Showing 1-8 of 8 results
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Mercado Central
If you want to do the whole tourist thing, this is the cheapest place to buy a hammock (Hecho en Nicaragua) or a 'Pura Vida' T-Shirt (Made in China). For something decidedly more Costa Rican, export-quality coffee beans can be had at a fraction of the price you'll pay in tourist shops. It's also a great spot for a cheap lunch - you'll find a variety of restaurants and sodas serving casados, tamales, seafood and everything in between.
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Museo de Jade
Located in the black glass building of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), San José's most famous museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade (say it with us - ha-day), and is often busy with tour groups. The craftsmanship of each gemstone on display is exquisite, and the various archeological exhibits of ceramic and stonework are helpful in gaining an insight into Costa Rica's pre-Colombian cultures.
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Museo de los Niños & Galería Nacional
This fascinating museum is not just for kids. It resides in an old penitentiary built in 1909, known locally as 'La Peni'. The children's museum has shows on science, music and geography, among others. Adults will be captivated by the free Galería Nacional, which displays modern art in old, abandoned prison cells.
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Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática
This three-in-one museum houses a glittering collection of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including historical currency and some contemporary art. The museum is owned by the Banco Central and its architecture brings to mind all the warmth and comfort of a bank vault. Security is tight; all visitors must leave bags at the door.
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Parque Nacional
Offering shady respite from the searing sun, this is one of the nicest parks in San José. In the center of the park is the dramatic Monumento Nacional, which depicts the Central American nations (with Costa Rica in the lead of course) driving out the American filibuster William Walker.
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Spirogyra Jardín de Mariposas
This small butterfly garden houses over 30 species of butterflies and five species of hummingbirds in attractive enclosures. Visit during the morning to see the butterflies fluttering in top form. There is a small café open during the high season.
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Teatro Nacional (National Theater)
The national theater is regarded as San José's most impressive public building. Built in 1897, it features a columned neoclassical façade and is flanked by statues of Beethoven and Calderón de la Barca, a 17th-century Spanish dramatist. The lavish lobby and auditorium are lined with paintings depicting various facets of 19th-century life, the most famous being Alegoría al café y el banano , an idyllic canvas showing coffee and banana harvests.
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Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar
It seems absurd to have a zoo in one of the most biologically rich countries in the world. Readers have complained in the past of filthy cages and cramped living spaces, though a recent increase in funds has drastically improved living conditions for the animals.
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Showing 1-8 of 8 results
