Things to see in San Jose

At the centre of San José’s political district, this shady park and its classy collection of monuments is a popular spot for businesspeople enjoying their lunch al fresco. The park, a gift from the government of Mexico celebrating independence from Spain, is centred on a huge statue depicting Costa Rica’s 1856 defeat of filibusterer William Walker. It’s close to several other sites and monuments, including the supreme court’s inexplicably Egyptian-themed plaza, Parque Morazán and the Temple of Music.

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Heavily damaged in the 1888 fire that destroyed much of San José, the historic neighbourhood of Barrio Amón was rebuilt during the wealthiest and most architecturally creative decades of the coffee boom. Today, the old mansions display an ornate mix of neo-colonial, art deco, federalist, Porfiriano, and other era architectural styles. Many of the buildings are quite well maintained, and several have been remodelled into hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The neighbourhood is quite nice during the day, attracting businesspeople and bohemian types, but gets a bit sketchy after dark – stay alert.

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The Museum for Peace, operated by the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, was supposed to be a much grander affair, tracing the entire history of peace. Today, it has a small exhibit about two-time Costa Rican president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oscar Arias, and you’ll need to knock on the door to see it. It’s too bad, because Costa Rica’s notably peaceful history, in a region regularly rocked by violence, is worth further study. Here, at least, you’ll learn about the 1988 Esquipulas Peace Agreement, which helped end decades of violent conflict in Central America.

Mon-Fri 0730-1630.

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Arguably the most important collection in Costa Rica, the Jade Museum displays some of more than 8,000 pieces dating back to around 500BC. The museum moved to a spacious new five-storey building on the west side of the Plaza de la Democracia in 2014. it’s worth visiting to see Central America’s largest collection of jade, most of it originally imported from Guatemala by Costa Rica’s original residents. Other artefacts – ceramics, shells, fabrics, and more – are also on display.

Daily 1000-1700.

Yes.

The Children’s Museum was originally built in 1906 as a military barracks, hence the medieval castle-style façade. After the 1948 civil war, the building was repurposed as a museum. Most tours at least go by the striking edifice, and it’s definitely worth a visit for families with young children. Exhibits include all sorts of activities and interactive displays designed to teach kids about history, science, music, and earthquakes.

Tues-Fri 0800-1630, Sat-Sun 0930-1700.

Yes.

A treasure trove of indigenous artwork and handmade crafts, the walls of Namu dazzle with sculptures, pottery and Boruca ceremonial masks of every hue. The gallery supports folk and tribal artists from across Costa Rica and operates a fair trade practice that sees the artists immediately and fairly remunerated for their work.

Mon–Sat 0900–1830; Sun 1300–1700 (Jan-Apr only).

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San José’s largest greenspace, Parque La Sabana, anchors the bustling west end of the city. Originally, however, this shady expanse of football fields, small lakes, gardens, and even a canopy tour, was once the international airport. The gorgeous, mission revival-style Museum of Costa Rican Art was once the airport terminal. The museum reopened in 2010 after a lengthy restoration, and was exhibiting its exceptional collection of paintings and sculptures for free; this might change. Also in the park, the Museo de Ciencias Naturales LaSalle (LaSalle Museum of Natural History) has kid-friendly displays about Costa Rican wildlife and ecosystems ecology.

Tues-Fri 0900-1600; Sat-Sun 1000-1530.

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San José, an impoverished agrarian village during the height of the Spanish colonial period, lacks the grandiose Catholic churches boasted by other Latin American capitals. It’s still worth stopping by the simple but harmonious 1871 Metropolitan Cathedral, overlooking San José’s original Central Park. The façade is pretty enough, but step inside – the Moorish tiles, fine stained glass, and ornamentation all seem to echo the rainforest. A sculpture in the gardens commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit.

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