Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica

Pandora Pictures / Shutterstock

National Stadium, San Jose, Costa Rica.

Costa Rica's graceful, modernist 35,000-seat national soccer stadium, constructed with funding from the Chinese government and opened in 2011, is the venue for international and national Division 1 fútbol (soccer) games. Its predecessor in the same spot in Parque Metropolitano La Sabana hosted everyone from Pope John Paul II to Bruce Springsteen and soccer legend Pelé over its 84-year history.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Must-see attractions

Explore all