Afternoon scene in front of the National Theater of Costa Rica

San José City Tour, San José

Explore San José's cultural highlights, such as the National Theater and local markets with a knowledgable local guide.

Overview

Begin your cultural immersion with an orientation and tour of the Park of La Sabana, followed by visits to historical sites such as the National Theater and the Costa Rican Gold Museum, as well as stops at points of interest throughout the city. 

Highlights

  • Wander through the beautiful Park of La Sabana with a knowledgeable guide
  • Admire the stunning architecture of the National Theater, a national monument built by Costa Ricans in 1897
  • Learn about the country's history at the Costa Rican Gold Museum, home to a stunning collection of pre-Columbian artifacts
  • Discover the local culture, politics, and religions through visits to sites like the National Stadium, the University of Costa Rica, and the national liquor factory

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Lunch Included

What you'll do

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of San José on this full-day tour. After meeting your guide, you'll start your exploration at the Park of La Sabana, a beautiful public space with gardens, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Your guide will provide an orientation to the park and point out some of its highlights before you continue on to the next stop.

The National Theater is one of the most significant cultural institutions in the country, and your guide will provide an introduction to its history and architecture before you explore the building. Admire the stunning interior, with its ornate decorations and intricate details, and learn about the various performances that have taken place on its stage.

Next, you'll visit the Costa Rican Gold Museum, where you'll learn about the country's pre-Columbian history and see a stunning collection of artifacts made from gold, as well as other materials like jade and ceramic. Your guide will provide context for the exhibits and answer any questions you may have.

Throughout the tour, you'll make several stops at points of interest throughout the city, including the National Stadium, the University of Costa Rica, a former train station, and the national liquor factory. Your guide will provide information about each location and its significance to the local culture, politics, and religions.

This tour is the perfect introduction to San José, providing a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture.

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 1:00 pm

What's included

  • Bilingual guide

Traveler reviews

Overall Rating (2 reviews)
5.0 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.5
Food
4.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
A
Alyssa F.
Mundelein, IL | Reviewed on Apr 04, 2023

Oscar was great. It was a great start to our trip - we learned so much about Costa Rica. And had a great dinner! Read more

Oscar was great. It was a great start to our trip - we learned so much about Costa Rica. And had a great dinner!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gidi
Gidi G.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023

I loved the visit to San Jose and its museums. Our guide was great. Read more

I loved the visit to San Jose and its museums. Our guide was great.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff

Itineraries with San José City Tour

Explore Culture & Nature in Costa Rica - 16 Days

This packed 16-day Costa Rica getaway combines the best locales and activities in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. You'll begin in the historic city of San José, continue to Caribbean beaches, and live like a local at indigenous communities and cattle ranches. You'll also visit some of the nation's most stunning national parks including Tortuguero, Arenal, and Rincón de la Vieja.

Beaches, Rainforests & Cultural Exchange in Costa Rica - 11 Days

Costa Rica is famous for its Pacific coast, but this 11-day itinerary focuses on the equally beautiful Caribbean side. You'll visit the surf town of Puerto Viejo and visit an indigenous village. To cap off the adventure, you'll visit the national parks of Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja, where you can view exotic wildlife, waterfalls, and experience the local culture.

Costa Rica Nature Parks and Cultural Immersion - 12 Days

Costa Rica is filled with beautiful Caribbean beaches and national parks abounding with towering volcanoes, plunging waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. On a 12-day tour of Costa Rica you'll not only experience these highlights but you'll unforgettable experiences with the local culture. These include day trips to indigenous villages as well as working cattle and horse ranches.

Costa Rica Culture on the Coast & Arenal - 14 Days

This comprehensive 14-day excursion combines some of the major highlights of Costa Rica with some less-visited gems. It begins in the culturally rich capital of San José and continues to the Caribbean coast, where you'll visit an indigenous village as well as Tortuguero, a nesting spot for sea turtles. The tour culminates in the national parks of Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja, where you'll spend a day on a working cattle ranch.

Cultural Tour of Costa Rica: Arenal & Tortuguero - 13 Days

In just under two weeks you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime as you visit Costa Rica's most stunning locales. You'll travel along the Caribbean coast, from surf villages in the south to the turtle nesting site of Tortuguero in the north. Then it's off to the national parks of Arenal and Ricón de la Vieja, famous for towering volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and natural hot springs.