San Jose Hotspots

Instead of listening to your guidebook and bypassing Costa Rica's capital city, take a day or two to explore the country's most metropolitan area - tour San Jose on the quaint Tico Train, grab a bite at a soda, drink in some culture, and make plans to visit the city's museums and other cultural sights. If your time is limited, hitting the Big Three is your best bet, giving you insight to Costa Rican history and pre-Columbian culture.

If more time is available, wandering San Jose's commercial district, open plazas, and parks can easily take up a day. Near the main museums you will also find San Jose's political and historical center. Parque de la Democracia and Parque Espana are meeting spots for political figures and University students alike. This area will make you feel like you are in Buenos Aires rather than Central America. The Central Market and city church's are also great places to wander around and take in the culture of the region.

Tico Tip
Keep your valuables close and make sure you visit downtown during the daytime because along with the Tico culture that you will take full advantage of, come the unfortunate Ticos who may take advantage of you.

• San Jose Museums
• San Jose Shopping
• San Jose Parks
• San Jose Theaters