Visit San José, Costa Rica's capital

Costa Rica's visitors are often captivated by its magnificent nature, but the country also has a fascinating history and culture. The best places to discover this side of Costa Rica are in central San José, in the Amon, Otoya, and Soledad neighborhoods.

A visit to the National Museum of Costa Rica in San José takes you on a journey through time, presenting all of the country's most important eras. Natural history is also represented thanks to an impressive herbarium with thousands of plants plus a collection of animal displays.

Right next door is the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, where you can admire a wealth of indigenous art. The modern design exhibition showcases thousands of jewels, statuettes, and golden figurines from the period, while the numismatic collection explains the evolution of currency. Cultural discoveries continue in other excellent museums, including the Jade Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design. All four of these museums sit near each other in the heart of San José.

The National Theater—a gem of neo-Renaissance architecture—is also just a few steps further and is open to visitors outside of performance times. A short distance away, the central market offers another perspective on Costa Rican culture. Stroll through the market's laneways and breathe in the scent of pineapples and mangoes while sampling new flavors. Want to explore San José by night? Start your evening with a delicious meal at Casona de Laly, before catching a live music show at the Jazz Café, or groove to merengue and salsa beats in one of the city's nightclubs.