Background
Trip Planner Logo

8 Days in San José: A Journey of Sights and Flavors

Danielle Hopkins

Danielle Hopkins

24 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant streets of San José, Costa Rica. Discover hidden gems, immerse yourself in rich culture, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine. Join me as I explore ancient marvels and savor authentic flavors in this 8-day itinerary.

Day 1Tasting Local Delights and Embracing Nature
+

$372

Soda El Seguro (La Esquina Del Sabor)
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$90
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Parque Nacional
Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Café Mundo
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$156
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

La Terrasse
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
$126
Day 2Unveiling Artistic Treasures and Culinary Delights
+

$506

Starbucks
Inspirar y nutrir el espíritu humano: una persona, una taza de café y una comunidad a la vez.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$96
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Plaza de la Cultura
Popular public square with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Museo del Jade
Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a large jade collection.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$90
9 - 14 min

~

Directions

La Terrasse
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
$126
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

MADC
Indoor-outdoor museum showcasing contemporary art & design from Central America & around the world.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$38
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Fritos
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$156
Day 3Coffee Bliss and Cultural Immersion
+

$521

Café Miel Garage
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$108
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

CENAC
Cultural center with theaters & a museum housed in a 19th-century former liquor factory.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$113
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

El Tenedor Argentino
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$156
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

La Oliva Verde
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$144
Day 4Curry Delights and Historical Wonders
+

$467

·

$ 33

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$102
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Historical Museum Dr. Rafael Angel Calderon Guardia
Museum since 1991 with tours & a permanent exhibit on former Costa Rican President Calderón Guardia.
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
$60
8 - 10 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
$23
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Soda Lima
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$138
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

San José Central Market
Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
8 - 11 min

~

Directions

La Oliva Verde
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$144
Day 5Artistic Inspiration and Serene Park Escapes
+

$393

Soda Tapia
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$108
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Museum of Costa Rican Art
Indoor-outdoor museum in a historic building showcasing the works of Latin American artists.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$45
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

La Sabana Park
This 72-hectare park features the National Stadium & other sports facilities, plus an art museum.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

Picanha Grill
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
$120
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Rinconcito Cuzqueño
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$120
Day 6Experiencing Exotic Flavors and Natural Wonders
+

$408

·

$ 17

Sabor del Líbano
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$90
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Natural Science Museum La Salle
Natural history museum with animal dioramas, dinosaur replicas & mounted butterflies.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$30
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Centro de Conservación de Santa Ana
Small protected area with native forest, plants & birds, plus a historic farm museum with animals.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Free
13 - 20 min

~

Directions

Pizza Republica
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$150
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

El Pata
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$138
Day 7Family Fun and Gastronomic Delights
+

$441

Il Gato Pardo
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$84
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Children's Museum
Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$75
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Restaurante Silvestre
2 ambientes, 2 conceptos que comparten una excepcional cocina basada en ingredientes autóctonos, preparados con técnicas culnarias modernas.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$156
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

JR Ribs
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$126
Day 8Tranquil Gardens and Thrilling Adventures
+

$492

·

$ 50

Soda El Jardin
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
$102
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Parque Diversiones
This amusement park with rides for adults & kids gives its profits to a children's hospital.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$150
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Soda Lagunilla
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$120
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Te House's Comida China
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$120

Budget breakdown: $3698 In total

Activities & Food:$3599
Transport:$99