It’s no secret that most people visit Costa Rica for its resplendent landscapes, intriguing fauna and diverse flora; basically all of its natural assets. However, San José tells a slightly different story. With more roads than rainforests and cars than creatures, the nation’s capital hums with the eager buzz of city life – a far cry from the birdsong and insect noises of its nature reserves. But we believe both can have their place within an itinerary and make for a well-rounded holiday. More than merely a stop-over when flying in and out of the country, San José provides a deeper understanding of Costa Rica’s history, culture and cuisine. Read on to find out how we would spend 24 hours in San José…
Morning
Try a Traditional Costa Rican Breakfast
As the old adage goes ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’, something that Costa Rican’s certainly take seriously. Any local café worth its salt will serve gallo pinto, a hearty dish of rice, black beans, scrambled eggs, fried plantains and sour cream. This Central American version of a full English can be paired with tortillas, fresh fruit juice and a steaming mug of Costa Rican coffee (another of their specialities). What better way to wake up and fuel yourself for a day of city sightseeing?
Wander Around the Museums
One thing that San José does well is museums, and there are a number packed into the city’s historic centre. Take your pick between the Museo de Jade (which displays 7,000 artifacts dating back to 500 BCE), the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (featuring treasures such as the country's first coin) and the National Museum of Costa Rica (with exhibits showcasing Costa Rica’s national history, natural history and archaeology). Whichever establishment you choose to venture into during your 24 hours in San José, you’re bound to leave with an appreciation for the country’s past and knowledge about its Indigenous cultures.
Lunch at San José Central Market
After delving into the nation’s past, your stomach is likely to be rumbling again and there’s no better place for lunch than San José’s Central Market. The best thing about this lively marketplace is the variety of food stalls (so you won’t have to compromise if your travel companion is craving something else). With everything from marisquerías (fresh seafood) and fried sea bass to sorbetera (local ice cream) and talapinto (a thin omelette), it can only be described as a cauldron of Costa Rican cuisine. The market also plays host to a number of sodas (casual eateries) that only serve national dishes.
Afternoon
Tour the National Theatre
With tummies full and cravings sated, it’s time for the next stop on your 24 hours in San José tour: the National Theatre. Whether you’re a thespian yourself or prefer to spectate, the National Theatre’s neo-classical architecture is a sight to behold and sheds light on the city’s fine arts scene. Built in 1897, Francophiles may recognise the building’s sophisticated design and similarities to Palais Garnier (Paris’ Opera House), which it was modelled after. However, the frescoes were actually painted by a Milanese artist and shipped over piece by piece, hence how the landmark gives a taste of both Parisian and Italian elegance in Central America.
Shop for Souvenirs at the Mercado de Artesania
Everyone loves a souvenir, and San José is the place in Costa Rica to purchase a memento of your trip. Teeming with traditional mercados (markets), there’s no shortage of stalls to buy a chorreador (Costa Rican coffeemaker), a chonete (the national hat) or some cacique (Costa Rica’s national liquor). The Mercado de Artesania (Municipal Arts and Crafts Market) plays host to all manner of handmade arts and crafts, perfect for finding that one-of-a-kind keepsake. And if you get peckish while shopping, grab an empanada – one of the country’s most famous and favoured snack foods. El Frontón Empanadas has been serving the crispy pockets of pastry since 1948.
Evening
Enjoy dinner in the Escalante Neighbourhood
Your 24 hours in San José is sadly coming to an end, so it only seems right to round it off with some more epicurean enjoyment. The Escalante neighbourhood is home to a smattering of the city’s best food establishment, so take your pick from Costa Rican fusion dishes, rich Italian pastas and pizzas and Indigenous recipes. If you’re not yet ready for the night to end, Calle 33, a hub of bars and hangouts serving artisanal beers and craft cocktails, is the perfect place to let your hair down.
Written by Luisa Watts