Downtown San José generally falls short of most tourist must-see places in Costa Rica. Most people don’t want to spend time visiting San José, but you are really missing out on seeing a truly vivid part of Costa Rica. Sure it’s congested and smoggy, but a lot of people visit New York City. And while you can now fly directly into Liberia so you can hit the beaches without ever stopping in San Jose, the fact is most people still fly into San Jose International Airport, so why not take a walking tour through the center of San José?
Here is the route I take my friends when I visit Costa Rica. Depending on how interested you are, this tour can take several hours, even a full day.
If you have a rental car parking is very cheap. I like the parking lot across from the Omni mall, so that’s where I’ll start this tour. Head east on Calle 4, Avenida central near the Plaza de la Cultura, where you will see lots of people and pigeons hanging out along with street preachers, comedians, and musicians all performing live. On the other side of the square is the famous National Theater. It opened its doors in 1894 and it is beautiful. Guided tours are available. Opposite the theater is the Gran Hotel de Costa Rica. What is the most famous hotel in Costa Rica. It used to be the most exclusive and luxurious hotel in Costa Rica. They have a nice outdoor cafe where you can have a coffee or a drink and a snack. Their ham sandwich (ham sandwich) is delicious. There is also a casino inside the hotel if you like to gamble.
Back at the theater and down the grassy steps of Calle 5 is the ICT tourist information center. It is open Monday through Saturday 9-1, 2-5. From there, you can enter the plaza’s underground exhibits, including the Gold Museum, which features pre-Columbian artifacts. Admission is $6 and is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The main street of the Plaza de la Cultura has been turned into a pedestrian promenade so you can walk freely as cars are not allowed. Keep an eye on your valuables and don’t wear jewelry that can be taken by thieves. Here you will see many shops and restaurants vying for your attention on both sides of the streets.
Some good stops include La Casona which is outside the pedestrian mall, just look to the right on Calle Central and you will see it. It is a two-story building full of typical Costa Rican souvenirs. You can take care of all your gifts for friends and family right here. You will also see the Universal Library, which is one of the oldest stores in Costa Rica. You can buy gadgets, maps, books and more. You will also see Libreria Lehmann another great bookstore.
There you will notice a large monument to the democracy of Costa Rica that is a group of bronze peasants standing humble but firm looking up with pride. It is in front of a large building that is the Central Bank. Keep walking and you will pass La Gloria, the largest department store in Costa Rica. On the other side of La Gloria is the Banco de Costa Rica, a huge black marble building.
Head towards the Central Market. The market is packed with shops, restaurants, produce stalls and more. It covers the entire block of Avenida Central 1 and calles 6-8. This is a great place to enjoy the daily life of the local Costa Ricans. You’ll also find some interesting foods and meats on display. There are herbs that are sold for medicinal use with claims to cure ailments.
If you are claustrophobic or don’t like crowds, don’t visit the market! Two blocks further down is the historic Central Post Office building. If you are a stamp collector, visit the second floor where they have a museum of Costa Rica’s postal history with rare and old stamps on display.
Return to the plaza de la cultura to the north past the ICT offices and the Gold Museum.
You will see a park in the middle of the city, which is Parque Morazán. It is close to the Aurola Holiday Inn. In the center of the park is the Temple of Music, inspired by the Trianon in Paris.
Head north 2-3 blocks and you will come across Parque Bolívar and the location of the San José Zoo, which is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm. Admission is only about $2.00.
Heading east, you will pass Parque España, which is full of plants and trees in the center of the city. Continue along Avenida 7 and you will see the Casa Amarilla, which is the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has a nice park in front. Both donated by Andre Carnegie. Nearby is the National Cultural Center open Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. It houses a museum and theaters. Nearby is the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, also open T-Sa 10-5. Admission is $3 and they have art and exhibits from all over the world.
Up the hill on Ave 7 is the Biblioteca Nacional, which is the national library. It is in front of the largest park in the city, the National Park. Check out the National Monument honoring the battle against filibuster William Walker. The statue was made at France Rodin Studios and shipped to Costa Rica.
Across the street from the park, you’ll see the statue honoring Costa Rican hero Juan Santamaría holding his torch and the Legislative Assembly that runs the Costa Rican congress.
Two blocks south of the National Park is the National Museum open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a very popular tourist attraction. Admission is $4 and you can tour the old Fort of Bellavista. Bullet holes from the 1948 civil war can still be seen. Excellent exhibits in Spanish and English.
The next stop after the museum is Democracy Square. It can be seen from the museum. This is fairly new built in 1989 to commemorate democracy. It has a statue of José Figueres, a hero of the 1948 civil war. Former president who abolished the army after the civil war. The plaza is lined with tented stalls selling everything from clothing, jewelry, hammocks, and handicrafts.
Places to eat
There are several great places to grab a quick bite, a cup of coffee, or a cold beer. For a good cup of coffee and a delicious bagel, yes, bagel-Bagelmen’s is a must. Located on Avenida Central in Barrio California downtown.
Inn cafe on the pedestrian walkway south of the national museum. More local in nature. Good material.
Giacomin. Coffee and Italian-style pastries. Located near the Fischel pharmacy in the center.
Manolos, which is right on the pedestrian walk. Excellent casados and delicious churros.
There is also a Pops in the center around the corner from the Plaza de la Cultura right on the pedestrian walk. The best ice cream in town.
If need be, you will find all the downtown franchises such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Macdonald’s, Taco Bell and Wendy’s. For a little more Latin food, try Rosti-Pollos, which is downtown right across from Cine Vanidades.
There you go. A great walking tour of downtown San Jose that hits all the great spots. So wear comfortable shoes and have fun!