A Week in San José: Exploring the Heart of Costa Rica

Janiah JeanMary

16 Oct 2023

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant streets of San José, Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, taste mouthwatering local cuisine, and discover hidden gems in this 8-day itinerary designed for solo travelers.

Trip to San José

Get Your Guide

Viator

Day 1

$37

$ 3

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

4 - 6 min

Directions

Former customs building with a modern entrance hosting conventions, concerts & other events.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

Parque de las Garantías Sociales (Parque de la Caja)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

Popular public square with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

Directions

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

•

$17

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$12

Day 2

$28

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$11

5 - 8 min

Directions

Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 15 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

3 - 4 min

Directions

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$11

Day 3

$43

$ 6

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

2 - 3 min

Directions

Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a large jade collection.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

•

$15

10 - 12 min

Directions

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture

Set in a former penitentiary, this complex features a children's museum, auditorium & art galleries.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

•

24 - 29 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$11

4 - 6 min

Directions

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

Day 4

$29

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

4 - 5 min

Directions

This compact urban green space with a church view is a popular, scenic spot to relax.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

1 - 2 min

Directions

Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$16

Day 5

$33

$ 11

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$10

5 - 6 min

Directions

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

16 - 20 min

Directions

Busy square & meeting spot with park benches & occasional fairs, concerts & other events.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

Large public green space featuring play equipment, trails, lakes & a variety of sports facilities.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$11

4 - 5 min

Directions

Featuring a statue from San José's Japanese twin city, this park offers sports fields & gardens.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$12

Day 6

$51

$ 3

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$12

8 - 12 min

Directions

Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$13

7 - 9 min

Directions

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$12

9 - 14 min

Directions

Circa-1950 covered marketplace filled with sellers of produce, spices, meats & prepared foods.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

12 - 17 min

Directions

2 ambientes, 2 conceptos que comparten una excepcional cocina basada en ingredientes autóctonos, preparados con técnicas culnarias modernas.

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

$14

Day 7

$52

$ 9

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

14 - 17 min

Directions

This amusement park with rides for adults & kids gives its profits to a children's hospital.

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$25

12 - 15 min

Directions

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$14

9 - 11 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

Day 8

$27

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

•

3 - 4 min

Directions

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

Directions

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 6 min

Directions

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$12

3 - 4 min

Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $330 In total

Activities & Food:$300

Transport:$31