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8 Days in San José: A Journey Through Culture and Cuisine

Daveed Balcher

Daveed Balcher

29 Nov 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in San José, Costa Rica, as you explore ancient marvels and indulge in authentic cuisine. From historic landmarks to vibrant markets, this itinerary is packed with excitement and discovery. Join us on this 8-day journey and immerse yourself in the rich culture and flavors of San José.

Day 1Unveiling the City's Heritage
+

$102

·

$ 6

Antigua Aduana
Former customs building with a modern entrance hosting conventions, concerts & other events.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Plaza de la Cultura
Popular public square with a fountain & some greenery sitting atop the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Metropolitan Cathedral of San José
This stately cathedral built in 1871 blends Greek orthodox, neoclassical and baroque architecture.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

El Tenedor Argentino
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$52
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Soda Lima
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$50
Day 2Nature's Wonderland and Culinary Delights
+

$94

Parque Nacional
Established in 1895, this iconic park features the bronze National Monument of Costa Rica.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Café Mundo
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$42
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

La Terrasse
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$52
Day 3Unearthing Ancient Treasures and Green Delights
+

$168

Museo del Jade
Museum displaying anthropological, geological & archeological objects & a large jade collection.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$30
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Museum featuring historic gold artifacts, including figures & coins, in a modern, underground space.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$38
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

La Oliva Verde
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$52
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Churrería Manolo
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$48
Day 4Fun-filled Learning and Gastronomic Delights
+

$127

Children's Museum
Playful children's museum offering hands-on exhibitions in a castle-style structure.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$25
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture
Set in a former penitentiary, this complex features a children's museum, auditorium & art galleries.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
$8
7 - 10 min

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Directions

JR Ribs
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
$46
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

La Oliva Verde
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$48
Day 5Artistic Wonders and Lebanese Flavors
+

$105

·

$ 6

Museum of Costa Rican Art
Indoor-outdoor museum in a historic building showcasing the works of Latin American artists.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$15
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Natural Science Museum La Salle
Natural history museum with animal dioramas, dinosaur replicas & mounted butterflies.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$10
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

Sabor del Líbano
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$40
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

La Fabbrica Pizzería
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$40
Day 6Serenity in the Parks and Local Delicacies
+

$102

·

$ 6

La Sabana Park
This 72-hectare park features the National Stadium & other sports facilities, plus an art museum.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Parque Central de San José
Busy square & meeting spot with park benches & occasional fairs, concerts & other events.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Soda Lima
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$50
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Susbida
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$52
Day 7Exploring Bustling Markets and Savory Delights
+

$94

Mercado Borbón
Circa-1950 covered marketplace filled with sellers of produce, spices, meats & prepared foods.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
4 - 6 min

~

Directions

San José Central Market
Lively, mazelike market with vendors for produce, fish, coffee, hot snacks & traditional crafts.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Susbida
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$52
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Restaurante Silvestre
2 ambientes, 2 conceptos que comparten una excepcional cocina basada en ingredientes autóctonos, preparados con técnicas culnarias modernas.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$42
Day 8Cultural Immersion and Gastronomic Farewell
+

$80

Centro Cultural Herediano Omar Dengo
Cultural center in a restored 1800s building offering concerts, lectures, workshops & more.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Loving Hut
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
$40
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Parrillarce
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
$40

Budget breakdown: $888 In total

Activities & Food:$871
Transport:$17