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San José

Tourist Attractions in San José

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in San José. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

17 Attractions
★4.6 Average rating
6 Categories

About San José

San José, Costa Rica’s vibrant capital, invites visitors to drift between colonial charm and modern bustle. Nestled in the Central Valley, the city serves as a gateway to Costa Rica’s rainforests and beaches while offering its own rich arts, culture, and cuisine. Wander the neoclassical National Theatre and the elegant Gold Museum, then stroll lively avenues lined with cafés, markets, and bustling nightlife. Day trips reveal the hinterland’s cloud forests and volcanoes, while museums, galleries, and stylish neighborhoods showcase contemporary art and local design. Food lovers will savor hearty gallo pinto, fresh tropical fruit, and inventive fusion, making San José a lively, approachable hub for unforgettable Costa Rican adventures.

Top-17 Tourist Attractions in San José

Puentes Colgantes Arenal, Mistico Park — Natural wonder, rated 4.7/5 1
Natural wonder Nature PreservePark

Puentes Colgantes Arenal, Mistico Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 12,987 reviews

Puentes Colgantes Arenal at Mistico Park is a dramatic network of elevated suspension bridges that wind through the rainforest around Arenal, offering panoramic, canopy-level views of lush slopes, waterfalls and the iconic volcano. This natural attraction combines gentle, well-marked trails with exhilarating crossings, letting visitors feel suspended above the treetops while keeping a safe, family-friendly pace. Expect rich biodiversity—howler monkeys, toucans, colorful butterflies—and photo-perfect moments at every turn. Arenal’s misty mornings and golden evenings heighten the drama, making it a memorable half-day for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

2km este de la represa del Lago Arenal, La Fortuna de, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Monday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 3:50 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Open on map Website ↗
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park — Park, rated 4.7/5 2
Park

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 10,872 reviews

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a private rainforest reserve perched in the cloud forest near San José, linked by a scenic drive through the Central Valley. Visitors stroll a network of well‑marked trails past five stunning waterfalls, turquoise pools, and lush terraces, with suspension bridges offering sweeping viewpoints. Inside, a wildlife rescue center fosters jaguars, pumas, ocelots, monkeys, and a variety of birds in natural habitats, plus butterfly and hummingbird observatories. Expect family-friendly paths, lush gardens, a restaurant, and photo-worthy, immersive nature experiences just a day trip away from the capital.

6R3Q+Q9P, Alajuela Province, Sarapiquí, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
National Museum of Costa Rica — Museum, rated 4.7/5 3
Museum

National Museum of Costa Rica

4.7 ★★★★★ 8,768 reviews

The National Museum of Costa Rica in San José sits in the historic Bellavista Fortress, a former 19th‑century fortress transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Inside, visitors encounter engaging galleries on pre-Columbian archaeology, Costa Rican history, and the country’s rich biodiversity, plus rotating exhibitions and a charming central courtyard. It’s a must for first‑time visitors who want context for Costa Rica’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, as well as families seeking interactive displays. Expect well-curated collections, bilingual labels, and a sense of national pride that makes the capital feel smaller and more intimate.

Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, 10101, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
Manuel Antonio National Park — National park, rated 4.5/5 4
National park Park

Manuel Antonio National Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 24,413 reviews

Manuel Antonio National Park is a compact coastal paradise on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast near Quepos, famed for its crystalline beaches set against lush rainforest. This small but rich park clusters tropical wildlife and hiking trails into a manageable day trip, offering chances to spot three-toed sloths, capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and a dazzling array of birds. Expect sandy coves, turquoise sea, and easy to moderate trails that lead to lookout points with sweeping ocean vistas. With well-maintained facilities and guided tours, it’s ideal for families and nature lovers seeking accessible biodiversity and pristine scenery.

Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Monday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • TuesdayClosed
  • Wednesday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Friday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Saturday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sunday7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking Restroom Seating
Open on map Website ↗
Plaza de la Cultura — Park, rated 4.5/5 5
Park

Plaza de la Cultura

4.5 ★★★★★ 17,205 reviews

Plaza de la Cultura is the heart of downtown San José, a lively open-air hub where green spaces meet Costa Rican history and modern life. Framed by the neoclassical National Theatre and a cluster of museums, it’s a welcoming launchpad for exploring the city on foot. Expect shaded benches, fountains, street performers, and buzzing cafés nearby, making it perfect for people-watching or a quick photo at the iconic theatre steps. Visit by day for a calm stroll or at night when the square pulses with locals, musicians, and cultural events.

San José Province, San José, Quesada Durán, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance
Open on map Website ↗
Children's Museum — Museum, rated 4.6/5 6
Museum

Children's Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ 8,256 reviews

The Museo de los Niños in San José, Costa Rica, is a hands-on, interactive museum designed for children and families to explore, play, and learn together. Its themed rooms cover science, technology, arts, and everyday life with dozens of interactive exhibits that invite touching, building, and experimentation. Visitors can explore a pretend neighborhood, run a small newsroom, mix colors in art studios, and enjoy kid-friendly workshops and performances. Expect a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that makes learning feel adventuresome, plus kid-sized services, cafes, and convenient accessibility for travelers with little ones.

WWR9+GR4, Av 9, San José, Bajos de La Union, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
Parque Nacional — Park, rated 4.6/5 7
Park National Park

Parque Nacional

4.6 ★★★★★ 6,746 reviews

Parque Nacional, officially Parque Nacional de Costa Rica, is a compact but venerable rainforest reserve in the heart of San José. Nestled between the city’s museums and government buildings, it protects a hillside brush with old-growth trees, vines and a chorus of birds. Expect shaded trails, monkeys swinging through the canopy, and a serene escape from urban bustle. Visitors can stroll the loop paths, spot toucans and iguanas, and stop at the park’s entrance for maps and a quick lesson on Costa Rican biodiversity. A convenient, refreshing urban oasis.

Avenida 3. Calles 15 y, WWMH+QXX, C. 19, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Open on map Website ↗
Parque de la Paz — Park, rated 4.4/5 8
Park

Parque de la Paz

4.4 ★★★★★ 9,317 reviews

Parque de la Paz is a calm, family-friendly green oasis in the heart of San José, Costa Rica. This urban park blends shaded boulevards, open lawns, and easy paths with glimpses of Costa Rican daily life, from picnicking families to local artists displaying neighborhood sculpture. Visitors come for a break from the city buzz, for a stroll at sunset, or a quiet moment beside small fountains and benches. Expect well-kept gardens, playgrounds for children, and convenient access to cafés and cultural hubs nearby, making it a relaxing anchor for city explorations.

San José Province, San José, Cascajal, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Monday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Open on map
Costa Rican Center Of Science and Culture — Museum, rated 4.6/5 9
Museum

Costa Rican Center Of Science and Culture

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,063 reviews

The Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture in San José is a modern, hands‑on museum complex that makes science inviting for visitors of all ages. Here you’ll find interactive exhibits on physics, biology and technology, plus a planetarium and rotating temporary shows that illuminate Costa Rica’s natural wonders and global innovations. It’s a family‑friendly destination where curious travelers can experiment, ask questions and learn through play. Expect clear signage, bilingual guidance and practical demonstrations, all set in a lively cultural hub that often hosts workshops and science events.

C. 4, San José, Bajos de La Union, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
Costa Rican Art Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5 10
Museum Art Museum

Costa Rican Art Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 2,804 reviews

The Costa Rican Art Museum, or Museo de Arte Costarricense, sits in San José’s La Sabana Park, housed in a stately neoclassical building that anchors the city’s cultural heartbeat. Inside, a thoughtfully curated sweep of Costa Rican visual art unfolds from colonial portraits through modern and contemporary works, offering a clear thread of the nation’s creative evolution. Visitors can expect well-lit galleries, occasional hands-on exhibits, and engaging temporary shows, plus a tranquil sculpture garden and a café for a reflective pause. It’s a must for art lovers seeking insight into Costa Rica’s artistic voice.

San José Province, San José, Sabana, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
Braulio Carrillo National Park — National park, rated 4.6/5 11
National park Park

Braulio Carrillo National Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 3,575 reviews

Braulio Carrillo National Park, a lush urban rainforest just northeast of San José, protects a dramatic swath of the Central Volcanic Cordillera with hanging bridges, misty cloud forest, and rushing rivers. Visitors can expect dramatic biodiversity, including howler monkeys, toucans, and emerald-green quetzals, plus exhilarating canopy walks and scenic overlooks from the park’s viewpoints. Trails vary from easy walks to challenging climbs, leading to cascading waterfalls and viewpoints that showcase panoramic valley vistas. It’s ideal for day trips, birding, and nature photography, blending easy access with immersive Costa Rican wilderness.

Quebrada Gonzalez, Carr. San Jose Limon KM 2, Heredia, Costa Rica
Good for kids Cards accepted
Open on map Website ↗
Parque España — Park, rated 4.5/5 12
Park

Parque España

4.5 ★★★★★ 2,512 reviews

Parque España is a beloved urban oasis in San José, Costa Rica, offering a breezy, tree-lined escape from the city’s hustle. Visitors stroll shaded avenues, admire a central fountain, and enjoy well-kept lawns dotted with benches and sculptural art. The park is ideal for a relaxed morning walk, a family-friendly picnic, or a quick respite between sightseeing steps, with easy access from nearby neighborhoods and cafes. Expect a calm, safe atmosphere, occasional street performances, and a sense of local life as residents and travelers alike savor Costa Rica’s capital in a green, welcoming setting.

WWPG+C69 Parque España, Av 5A, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Dogs allowed
Entrance Parking
Open on map
Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park, rated 4.7/5 13
Tourist attraction

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,236 reviews

Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is a spectacular reserve along the Baru River, roughly a two-hour drive from San José, in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific lands. It showcases two towering waterfalls that plunge into emerald pools framed by dense rainforest, creating a quintessential tropical postcard. Worth visiting for adventurous hikers and families alike, the park offers well-marked trails, a gentle riverside stroll, and refreshing swims in natural pools beneath powerful cascades. Expect a lush, tranquil setting, wildlife sightings, and the chance to explore via guided horseback rides or a scenic, cobblestone feeder path.

San Salvador de Barú San José Pérez Zeledón Puntarenas, San Salvador de Barú, San José, Pérez Zeledón, 11909, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Monday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Good for kids Restroom Parking Cards accepted
Open on map Website ↗
Hispanity Fountain — Historic site, rated 4.2/5 14
Historic site Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Hispanity Fountain

4.2 ★★★★★ 3,025 reviews

Hispanity Fountain is a historic site in San José that anchors a charming plaza and invites strolls, photos, and serendipitous discoveries. The fountain’s sculpted figures and ornamental motifs celebrate cultural convergence, reflecting the city’s diverse heritage. Visitors can expect a graceful centerpiece, shaded benches, and nearby cafes where locals gather after work. It’s a great starting point for a walking tour of the area, offering easy access to museums, markets, and street performers. By day or evening, the fountain provides a photogenic, atmospheric glimpse into San José’s historic soul.

P.º de la Segunda República 2, San José, San Pedro, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Open on map
Spirogyra Butterfly Garden — Garden, rated 4.6/5 15
Garden Botanical Garden

Spirogyra Butterfly Garden

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,083 reviews

The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden in San José is a lush, enclosed haven where tropical butterflies flutter freely among flowering plants, ferns, and winding paths. Visitors can expect guided strolls that reveal butterfly life cycles, host-plant habitats, and conservation efforts, making it educational for families and curious travelers alike. The garden blends horticultural beauty with tranquil water features, offering photographers plenty of vibrant, up-close moments. It’s a serene escape from city bustle, best enjoyed in the morning when butterflies are most active and the venue is quieter.

Ruta 108 calle 11, 50m sur, Iglesia de, San José, San Francisco, Tournón, 10802, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Monday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Good for kids Parking Cards accepted
Open on map Website ↗
Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia — Museum, rated 4.7/5 16
Museum

Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia

4.7 ★★★★★ 725 reviews

The Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia in San José preserves Costa Rica’s modern political and social journey, housed in a former presidential residence that adds authentic context. Visitors explore well-curated exhibits on the Calderón Guardia era, significant reforms, and everyday life in 20th-century Costa Rica, complemented by archival documents, photographs, and period rooms. The museum’s architecture blends neoclassical and colonial touches, creating an atmospheric backdrop for understanding the nation’s democratic evolution. Expect insightful storytelling, accessible bilingual labels, and engaging sessions that appeal to history buffs and curious travelers alike.

WWPM+WR8, San José Province, San José, Barrio Escalante, 10101, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗
MADC — Museum, rated 4.5/5 17
Museum Art Museum

MADC

4.5 ★★★★★ 504 reviews

MADC, short for Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo, is a dynamic cultural hub in San José dedicated to contemporary art and design from Costa Rica and beyond. Housed in a sleek, modern space, the museum stages rotating exhibitions, installations, and design shows that invite touchable, immersive experiences. Visitors can expect thought-provoking artworks, curator talks, and creative workshops that mingle art with design, fashion, and music. Located in the heart of the capital, MADC makes for a compact, inspiring stop between cafés and markets, perfect for a culture-filled afternoon.

Av. 3, Calle 15. Costado Oeste de la Biblioteca Nacional. Antigua Fanal San José CR, WWPH+57V, Av. 3, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 4:50 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:50 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:50 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 4:50 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 4:50 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 4:50 PM
  • SundayClosed
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Open on map Website ↗