Top 10 things to do in San Jose
Teatro Nacional (Avenida 2, Calles 3/5)
First and foremost, the National Theater is an impressive display of Central American architecture, not to mention the plethora of musical productions, ranging from an orchestral prodcution to an opera, or modern theater. A night at the theater will always be memorable, and the prices are reasonable.
Museo de los Niños
A beautiful museum that used be a prison, but was recently refurbished. It is a wonderful place for the entire family, and offers a wide range of exhibits about science, music, geography, and even about children's culture and rights. Although the museum has the younger visitor in mind, adult can enjoy as well.
Pueblo Antiguo (2 km west of Hospital Mexico)
Pueblo Aniguo, San Jose, offers three unique cultural and historica viewpoints: San Jose at the turn of the century, the countryside, and the Caribbean coast. The pueblo, is full of color, music and great food, as well as folk dances, fireworks, boat rides and a lot more.
Parque Nacional (Bordered by Avdas. 1-3 and Cs. 15-19)
San Jose, a small peaceful park located in the city limits with tropical trees that provide some relief from the sun. Locals of all ages seek refuge here from the hussle and bussle of the city, eating their lunches and reading the paper, or just taking in the ambiance that is San Jose.
Templo de la Música (Avenida 3, Calle 7)
The temple of music is a replica of the temple of love an music in Verailles.
The temple was the inspiration of Francisco Salazar, a painter and architect. The temple was Inaugurated on December 24, 1920, and is home to bands, and concerts, often hosted by the National Symphonic Orchestra on special occassions.
El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte (Avenida 1, calles 21/23)
El Cuartel is an awesome place to be around an ecclectic crowd of people and listen to music, eat great food, and meet new friends. El Cuartel is composed of three different and distinct areas, including an art gallery.
Parque Nacional Volcán Poás (Poás Central Volcanic Range)
Locals and Tourists alike are drawn to the Poas National Park. Poas Volcano is active, and release gases from its crater on a daily basis. The park alos offers hiking trails to the mountain and lake, as well as a visitors center with educational brochures, and a coffee shop. There are regular many tours to the park.
Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo (San Jose Avenida 3, calle 15/17)
The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design, contains national and international collections with an emphasis on experimental techniques and works. Emerging artists often display their art work here. And admission is free on Monday.
Soda Tapia (Calle 42, between Avenidas 2 and 4)
The soda Tapia, San Jose has been around for over a century. The legendary Lorenzo Sandwiches is still a favorite among locals as well as tourist.
Museo de Criminología (San Jose Calle 17, Avenida 6/9)
This museum hosts exhibits that are a warning against committing crime. Inclusive are grisly exhibits with severed limbs, and other gory attractions. That said, it is not a typical tourist attraction, but it is an interesting one.
