San Jose

The City of San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica and home to nearly one third of the country's population, offers many interesting attractions to entertain visitors; it holds several museums, the National Theater, which is a centennial architectural jewel, as well as churches, parks, and an active nightlife featuring elegant gourmet restaurants and entertainment areas, including casinos, sports bars and more. With shops and artisans displaying their work in selected areas of the city, shopping is a must in San Jose.

The city's cosmopolitan concept has turned the city into a mirror of Costa Rica's culture, something clearly demonstrated by the excellent museum network that surrounds the city. Several historical buildings and industrial complexes have been transformed into houses of art, science and social achievements. The Museum of Jade is probably Costa Rica's most famous museum; it houses the world's largest collection of American jade, with hundreds of pieces on display. The Museum of Costa Rican Art includes a collection of local paintings and sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as occasional shows by local artists. San Jose's foremost architectural showpiece, the National Theater, is a source of pride to Costa Ricans everywhere. The National Symphonic Orchestra season runs from March to November and other activities ranging from the Moscow ballet and Chinese acrobats to state dinners and Costa Rican theatrical presentations are also scheduled. The coffee shop adjoining the main lobby is a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by. The relatively small size of San Jose and the good location of its museums make it possible for visitors to tour them on foot on one day, either alone or with a guide who will enlighten the circuit with proper comments and historical facts.