What to do in San José

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.
A large stadium with a white roof and multiple tiers of seating.
A classical pavilion with a dome and columns, surrounded by trees and urban buildings.
A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a flag.
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Things to do

Day trip Tortuga Island - From San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

฿3,252
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José
Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio

฿2,825
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Catamaran Ocean King Manuel Antonio
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner

฿1,817
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
San Jose by Night: Small Group Food and Culture Tour with Dinner
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour

฿977
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

฿1,150
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting
Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge

฿2,079
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line:Day Ticket-La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park & Wildlife Refuge
Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket

฿1,150
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line: Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre General Admission Ticket
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Most fun & popular experiences in San José

Tours & day trips

See all 275 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 55 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿3,671 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 73 activities
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Spring

Activity duration is 10 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿6,776 per adult
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot SpringOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 34 activities
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San José

Activity duration is 16 hours
8.4 out of 10 with 55 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿3,671 per adult
Day Trip to Tortuga Island from San JoséOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 23 activities
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with Tasting

Activity duration is 2 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 23 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿1,168 per adult
Alajuela: Coffee Plantation Guided Tour with TastingOpens in new tab

Spa & wellness

See all 10 activities
San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals

San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ Meals

Activity duration is 14 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 29 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿6,175 per adult
San José: Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, & Zip Lining w/ MealsOpens in new tab

What to do in San José

Stay near popular San José attractions

A cityscape with a prominent stadium, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

National Stadium of Costa Rica

8.8/5 (1,847 reviews)
Costa Rica's premier sporting venue sits majestically in La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Experience the nation's passion for football during a match or enjoy concerts in this modern 2011 stadium.
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Where to stay in San José

Find the best San José areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San José
Learn more about San José
A cityscape with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent stadium, and mountains in the background.

Amón

If you're spending some time in Amón, Casa Amarilla and TEOR/éTica are top sights worth seeing.

A large stadium with a metal framework and rows of seats.
Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton

La Sabana

While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Center of Art and Culture.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Center of Art and Culture.

A historic building with a red roof, a large flag, and a plaza with trees and a checkered pavement.
Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Catedral

If you're spending some time in Catedral, National Museum of Costa Rica and National Theater of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

Day trip destinations from San José

An aerial view of a city with modern buildings, roads, and a mountainous backdrop.

San Antonio de Belen

A cityscape with a prominent cathedral, surrounded by residential buildings and mountains in the background.

Desamparados

A large white church with a bell tower, surrounded by a green field and residential buildings.

San Joaquin de Flores

Frequently asked questions

Is San José worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in San José is visit National Theatre. Check this leading sight off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's history and dining.
How do I spend a day in San José?
After you've checked off leading attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge, spend some time discovering San José's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San José?
National Theatre is one of the top tourist attractions in San José and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San José?
You can easily tour leading attractions like National Theatre, Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge with a three-day getaway in San José. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and check out Ciudad Cariari.
Is San José a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major sights within walking distance of the city centre, San José is a good destination to visit on foot. Wander between National Theatre and Museo Homenaje Joaquín García Monge. Then take a stroll through Carmen, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Uruca, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San José with kids?
If you're looking for activities and sights for all of your group, here are some great ideas for what to do in San José with kids.

What to do in San José for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in San José for adults including Casa Amarilla and Asamblea Legislativa.
Are there free things to do in San José?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in San José is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Sabana Park is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.