Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i San José

Cafeoteca is a place where one can truly have an authentic coffee experience in a stylish space with 50s Scandinavian design and a cozy outdoor space. Choose the coffee beans of your liking, as well as cup size and the brewing method. In case you get addicted to their particular blends (which can easily happen), you can even purchase bags of their roasted coffee beans.

Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

The Aquiares Estate is one of the largest coffee farms in Costa Rica. Book a tour with them to see the process from seed to cup and visit the local community to learn about coffee agronomy and fully appreciate its importance to Costa Rica. This tour is ideal for foodies and coffee lovers.

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

Dulce Junio Café not only has some of the best coffee in San Jose, but also offers you great variety of desserts. Try the creme de menthe chocolate cake — it comes with a frosting of rich fudge-like chocolate topped with a mint frosting that balances out the sweetness perfectly. For lunch, get the huge curry chicken sandwich made with the perfect focaccia bread. Dulce Junio's inner courtyard is a a quite space to enjoy a coffee and brief rest while out walking around the city neighbourhoods.

Since 1991 Britt Coffee Tour has educated and entertained nearly 1 million coffee lovers from around the world by inviting them to their working plantation and roastery. Join the tour to find out why Costa Rican climate and diverse landscape provide ideal growing conditions for gourmet coffee beans. Foodies will appreciate the buffet lunch at the Don Próspero restaurant. Don't forget to take some freshly roasted beans home with you.

Franco's Marzocco never stops churning out rich espressos, ready for the most spectacular latte art you'll find in San José. The space itself is pretty spectacular: plenty of space for everyone, both indoors and outdoors. The place is pet friendly, so get ready to see some fluffy cuties around! The food doesn't disappoint! Try their breakfast burger, the all star pancakes, a coffee or a smoothie. The menu has lots of vegan and gluten free options. Pastries are top-notch, as are their cocktails.

Costa Rica is well-known to provide the perfect conditions for coffee plants. While you are in San José you shouldn't miss out on visiting one of the several plantations. Tour providers offer combinations of plantation and adventure programs. Learn about the cultivation of coffee plants and visit Costa Rica's rainforests, wildlife and waterfalls, all in one excursion.

You don't need to travel all the way to the coffee farms to try the best coffee Costa Rica has to offer. In fact, it is in the capital that you can try the biggest variety of local coffees and get a crash course in the country’s various coffee-growing regions and bean varieties. Get some valuable tips for preparing the perfect cup like a real barista plus taste locally made small-batch snacks that perfectly pair with your beverage.

With an architectonically impressive building dating back to 1897, the National Theatre of Costa Rica hosts a number of famous paintings and statues, as well as constantly-changing exhibitions featuring works by local artists. This is a place not to be missed by any art lover or history enthusiast. Hourly guided tours in Spanish and English take place between 9am and 4pm. Stop for lunch or grab a coffee at the theatre's cafe.

Located on the eastern edge of Sabana Park, the indoor-outdoor Museum of Costa Rican Art showcases the works of Latin American artists. The 1930s building is not big, yet cool and well managed, perfect for a short respite from the heat. The wooden room above the main gallery is a highlight. After that, spend some time in the shade of the sculpture garden.

Located right by Central Park, the Metropolitan Cathedral cannot be missed while in San José. The original building of the cathedral was lost in numerous earthquakes. The Metropolitan Cathedral’s current neoclassical design dates back to 1878.

Refurbished in 2014, the Jade Museum museum holds one of the biggest collections of jade exhibits in the world. Explore this archaeological museum and dive deep into the rich history and archaeological heritage of the region.

Stroll under the lush trees of the San José National Park. On sunny days, many Ticos — as Costa Ricans refer to themselves — come here for picnics and lunch breaks. Along the way, you will come across historical monuments, such as the magnificent National Monument of Costa Rica.

Parque Francia in the hip Escalante neighbourhood is a tiny but beautiful space with a small fountain at the centre. During the day you'll find people picnicking and just hanging out on the lawn in the shade of an enormous tree. Some days you can grab something delicious from a food truck. At nights you'll see a bohemian life — probably the most alternative hangout you'll find in San José.

If you haven't had enough of Costa Rica's wildlife yet, visit Parque Zoológico & Jardín Botánico Nacional Simón Bolívar Park and get a glimpse of the diverse biological life of Central America. After contemplating the lovely sloths head over to the botanical garden and immerse yourself in the country's colorful flora.

Located in a subterranean building underneath the Plaza de la Cultura, this museum features a great collection of gold artifacts. With some artifacts dating back to AD 500, the museum will give you a glimpse over Costa Rica ancient history.

Costa Rica is well-known to provide the perfect conditions for coffee plants. While you are in San José you shouldn't miss out on visiting one of the several plantations. Tour providers offer combinations of plantation and adventure programs. Learn about the cultivation of coffee plants and visit Costa Rica's rainforests, wildlife and waterfalls, all in one excursion.

At Morazán Park you can have a relaxing afternoon while observing the locals go about their daily life. Join the vibrant community in this lush architectonic paradise right in the heart of San José. The park is constantly used for many cultural events and activities, so you'll never find it empty.

The pedestrianised Central Avenue is the heart and soul of San Jose. It is lined with shops, restaurants and bars. The avenue's mile-long brick pavement is busiest around 5pm when locals get off work and mill around downtown to hang out with friends, eat, enjoy live music and dance marimba. This is a great place to encounter the real urban Costa Rica and buy a few souvenirs. Bronze statues, elegant lampposts, and nostalgic architecture add beauty to the avenue. The Central Avenue connect major points of attraction: the Central Market, the Central Bank, the Cultural Plaza, the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, the Arts and Crafts Market, Democracy Plaza, and the historical Congress buildings. Take a free walking tour to get a better understanding of downtown San José. Don't forget to tip your guide!

Being the biggest and, some would argue, the only city in Costa Rica, San José urban atmosphere can become overwhelming. Known as "the lungs of San José", La Sabana park just west of downtown provides the much needed change of scenery. Families flock here for Sunday picnics. It's a great place to exercise and breath fresh air, with walking trails and a lake. Thick tree canopies will keep you dry in the rain and cool under the sun.

The Children's Museum combines hands-on learning for kids with an art gallery — an exciting experience for the whole family. The building is located in an old prison complex that looks like a typical fairytale castle. Quite an unusual juxtaposition!

Discover the beauty and culture of the Costa Rican life with a San Jose walking tour that takes you through the streets, pedestrian shopping areas, busy markets and quiet parks. Meet the locals, indulging in typical cuisine and Costa Rica’s delicacies, learn about traditional herbal remedies and folk medicine. An expert guide will teach you to handle exotic plants, fruits and vegetables.

Cemeteries in Latin America have always attracted visitors. Their maze-like layout, over the top architectural features and mysterious atmosphere are present in Cementerio General de San José as well. Wander through the winding paths and admire mausoleums and tombstones that belong to the who's who of Costa Rican politics, business and arts. When you walk towards the south of the cemetery, you have a beautiful view over the mountains on a sunny day.

Monte Sky is a lush, dreamlike natural paradise with unrivalled landscapes, waterfalls and virgin rainforests. The hiking trails are not an arduous, making it a perfect destination for all travellers: young and old, amateurs and professionals. Monte Sky is a private ecological reserve. It's a good idea to make a reservation before your trip, especially if you plan to stay overnight at one of the cabins.

The butterfly garden is a must-visit for every San José traveller who appreciated the natural beauty. Wander through this enchanting garden and discover the colourful insects from 50–60 species fluttering around among the lush trees in a climate-controlled, glass-enclosed habitat. The Spirogyra Butterfly Garden is located just north of the Simón Bolívar zoo. The conservatory includes flowering plants, cascading waterfalls and trees. A truly magical place just to sit and breathe. You can also take a short hike along the Torres river.

Located about 35 km southeast of San José, this tropical lush paradise hidden in the nature is perfect for a scenic day-hike. Besides the unparalleled natural beauty, explore one of the few remaining colonial churches and stop for a tasty typical lunch at one of the local restaurants. Keep in mind that humidity is very high here — don't forget to bring a raincoat.

If the zoo was not enough for you — head to the Toucan Rescue Ranch for some close encounters with exotic animals. The stars of the show are sloths, who come in all ages and sizes, and will make your heart melt. The staff at the wildlife rescue centre is there to take care of sloths, monkeys, parrots and owls with the ultimate goal of releasing these animals back into the wild rainforests. Best of all, the Toucan Rescue Ranch is only 30 minutes away from downtown San José.

Located 50 minutes north of San José, the Corso Lechería dairy farm provides an all-in-one tour. You will have the chance to meet their pampered cattle and taste their organic produce in many forms, such as milk and cheese. You're also invited to stroll around the adjoining strawberry farm and taste the berries you pick yourself. You can books a tour that includes lunch.

Located 90km northwest of San José, the active Arenal Volcano and its lush surroundings attract countless visitors every year. The surrounding jungle and the Lake Arenal — perfect for kayaking — make for an unforgettable nature experience. Most day tours to Arenal volcano will include a stop for some delicious local coffee, some adventurous experience like a zip-line flight through the rainforest, close encounters with exotic animals, a visit to hot springs and plenty of gorgeous views from viewing platforms.

Just 30 miles north of San José you will come across La Paz Waterfall Gardens — a set of hiking trails that will leave anyone mesmerised. Take a trail that matches your hiking skills and end up in one of the five dream-like waterfalls that will make for the perfect photo.

Poás volcano is a truly a geological wonder. You will find steamy, natural lakes in the volcano crater, as well as a lush vegetation and colourful bird species, such as the resplendent quetzal. The caldera of Poás volcano is all the way up at 2,708 meters (8,885 feet) — on your way up you get a great opportunity to see the landscape change with the altitude.

If you're not the one for spending all of your vacation time on the beach but also don't feel like creating a detailed adventure plan from scratch — go for the all-in-one option that's hustle free and exciting at the same time. Your 8-day tour will include accommodation in four-star hotels, comfortable transportations and quite a few delicious meals. And most importantly — the peace of mind. No hurried research, last-minute plan changes and missed bus rides.

Located in the heart of San José, Tin Jo is said by many to serve the best Asian food in town. Southeast-Asian dishes can be enjoyed in a cozy, dimmed-light setting. With vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives, no one will feel left behind.

Dine under a starlit sky at Saúl Bistro. Their spacious outdoor terrace and the candle light setting invites you for an extended meal. Choose from a great selection of local specialties, Italian cuisine or crepes and let the helpful staff take good care of you.

Located in Hotel Balmoral, El Patio offers you an amazing outdoor dinner experience. It fuses Costa Rican and American cuisine and offers a wide selection of dishes for every taste. Come here for dinner or grab some cocktails, it's always worth a visit.

At Sapore Trattoria you will come across a piece of Italy right in the heart of Costa Rica. Indulge in their homemade pastas, try the legendary lasagna, or have one of their heavenly pizzas. Its coziness will make you want to come back.

If you are looking to dine with a view, Ram Luna the right fit for you. Regular dance shows and performances add some excitement to the romantic atmosphere. Take in some culture with your meal and enjoy your evening.

With over 100 wines and French cuisine on the menu, Jürgen's Restaurant in San Jose is a top location to dine. It is located in the beautiful Jade boutique hotel and offers guests a unique experience in a luxurious atmosphere. Gourmets and wine lovers should not miss this place!

It is almost impossible for a restaurant to be more Costa Rican than La Tortillería de Luján. Wether you're looking for a cheesy dish packed with beans or a traditional cup of coffee, La Tortillería de Luján is certainly a must-go for any traveller in San José.

Boasting one of the friendliest services you will come across in San José, La Muny is what Costa Ricans see as a comfort restaurant. Try one of their many traditional dishes, such as Gallo Pinto — Costa Rican rice and beans — and experience the warmth of Costa Rican food and culture.

La Esquina de Buenos Aires transports you into the Argentine capital in the 50s. Fantastic service, excellent food and rustic atmosphere. It’s hard to get a booking - but we’ll worth the effort, especially for a special occasion.

Restaurante Machu Picchu is a Peruvian hidden gem in the middle of San José. This place is as authentic as they come. The ceviche is the real deal: fresh fish with the real rocoto pepper sauce. This restaurant is a must for every foodie.

Silvestre is widely known as one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. Don't miss an opportunity to dine here. Their 3 course lunch menu is an amazing way to enjoy quality food and be surprised by the creative of the chef. Wine pairings amplify the amazing flavours of the meals prepared. For that special dinner, try their 6 plates of contemporary Costa Rican food with a twist. Ingredients are sourced from small organic farms and producers around Costa Rica.

Kalú's meals are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally grown meat. Whether you're looking for juicy burgers, healthy salads or sweet crepes, Kalú has got it all. Serving brunches and lunches, hop in at any time and prepare to be amazed by this groundbreaking Costa Rican cafe and restaurant.

Café Miel is one of the best places for a quick coffee and a snack in San José. Serving a wide range of coffee, sandwiches, and cupcakes, this places also presents its visitors with a cozy and lovely atmosphere. Do not forget to try the chai tea with milk and honey. Their specialty is cold coffee — just what you need on a hot day.

POPS will satisfy all your ice cream cravings. Have a refreshing break and enjoy fruity, homemade ice cream flavours, such as banana, sour kiwi, and sweet strawberry.

Café Rojo is unlike anything else you will come across in San José. Located in a quirky building, this cafe boasts a wide selection of natural and handmade juices, cakes, and salads that will make you want to go back there more than once. Do not miss one of their many Vietnamese-inspired dishes.

Cafeoteca is a place where one can truly have an authentic coffee experience in a stylish space with 50s Scandinavian design and a cozy outdoor space. Choose the coffee beans of your liking, as well as cup size and the brewing method. In case you get addicted to their particular blends (which can easily happen), you can even purchase bags of their roasted coffee beans.

La Criollita is a well established restaurant offering generous plates of classic Costa Rican eats in a relaxed setting. The place is popular with locals so that's always a good sign. You get the best value for money if you go for their breakfast or lunch (ejecutivo) menus. Each lunch starts with a delicious soup, a juice, and ends with a dessert or coffee.

Jardín de Lolita is an extremely popular food court serving drinks and good food in a backyard garden with many levels. You will have several good food options, most of them pretty healthy, too. Same for drinks, from coffee to any cocktail you want. There is also an ice cream shop at the entrance. Across the street you'll find several shops selling beautiful craft items. There's also a lovely cafe Encafeinados with exceptional espresso drinks prepared by an award-winning barista.

Selina is a renowned chain of hostels located in trendy and up-and-coming locations around the world. Popular with younger hip crowd, Selina in San José is the place to meet cool people. The hostel features a coworkind space and a restaurant-cafe-bar combo. Stop by any time of the day to get a delicious and fairly priced meal (Costa Rican curry with fish is the star of the show), sit around with your laptop while sipping coffee or sip a cocktail in the evening.

Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

Dulce Junio Café not only has some of the best coffee in San Jose, but also offers you great variety of desserts. Try the creme de menthe chocolate cake — it comes with a frosting of rich fudge-like chocolate topped with a mint frosting that balances out the sweetness perfectly. For lunch, get the huge curry chicken sandwich made with the perfect focaccia bread. Dulce Junio's inner courtyard is a a quite space to enjoy a coffee and brief rest while out walking around the city neighbourhoods.

Franco's Marzocco never stops churning out rich espressos, ready for the most spectacular latte art you'll find in San José. The space itself is pretty spectacular: plenty of space for everyone, both indoors and outdoors. The place is pet friendly, so get ready to see some fluffy cuties around! The food doesn't disappoint! Try their breakfast burger, the all star pancakes, a coffee or a smoothie. The menu has lots of vegan and gluten free options. Pastries are top-notch, as are their cocktails.

With over 100 different beers, the Costa Rica Beer Factory is a favourite among locals and travellers alike. Located in a vibrant neighbourhood, it is the go-to for the typical burger and a beer.

Pub grub, beer, wine, and cocktails are waiting for you at Bahamas Bar in San José. Its affordable drinks menu makes it the ideal bar to start your evening, right before diving deep it into the local club scene.

La Avispa is a gay-friendly bar that offers welcomes its visitors great music, a laid-back atmosphere, and a spacious dance floor. Grab a beer early in the evening or dance until early morning hours.

People crowd at El Sótano and Amón Solar to take part in one of their regular music shows. In this Neo-Classical building you will come across delightful live acts every night, making this the perfect destination all the culture-lovers and party-goers.

Neon is an LGBT-friendly cocktail bar with plenty of outdoor seating. Their specialty is frozen cocktails, kind of like alcoholic slushies — perfect for hot days. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the music is somewhat retro with lots of power ballads and disco megahits. If you feel peckish, they've got excellent food, too.

Whether you are looking for an outstanding dinner or an exciting night out, Antik Restaurant and Bar is your fit. Come early for a taste of the local cuisine and stay late for the party. You will want to come back for more!

At Stiefel Pub not only do you get excellent local beers, but also do it while having one of their outstanding burgers. Hop in and be amazed by the environment and the impressive beer selection. Chill with your friends in one of the cosy rooms of the eclectic old house.

Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San José with the help of a local guide. You can choose a private tour of join a small group — perfect way to hit the ground running as soon as you arrive in the busy capital city. Walk around Downtown during the golden hour and finish your night with a 3-course meal and wine or beer pairings at a gourmet Costa Rican cantina.

El Observatorio is the venue for live music in San José’s trendy Barrio La California. The stage is never empty, showcasing musical acts, stand-up comedians, audiovisual productions and exhibitions. There are drinks and pub crag to keep you going until 2 am. El Observatorio can be found in the narrow alley across from the Cine Magaly. Inside you'll find a large performance space with high ceilings and exposed brick walls.

El Cuartel has been around for more than a decade, entertaining guests with live music and a menu filled with over 200 cocktails and traditional Central American dishes. You can always count on having a good time here. El Cuartal is just a short walk from Parque Nacional.

Fashion shops, cafes, and restaurants are waiting for you at San Pedro Mall. Make the best out of a rainy day and explore this shopping mall — it will be impossible to leave it without buying a new addition to your travel luggage.

Among the beautiful outdoor markets in San José, Mercado Central stands out as the biggest and the oldest. Established in 1880, this market is formed by countless narrow alleys with over 200 fresh produce shops, stalls, and cheep restaurants.

The Feria Verde de Aranjuez farmers' market is a meeting point for local producers and consumers. People from all backgrounds gather here every Saturday to purchase organic and environmentally friendly products that range from food products to design pieces. The market is a great place to have brunch — delicious crepes, thick sourdough bread sandwiches and strong Yellow Cup coffee, plus interesting locals and tourists milling around.

Located southwest of San Jose, this mall is the perfect place for shopaholics and fashionistas. Get a new outfit, buy some comfy shoes or get that outdoor gear for your adventure holiday. Whatever you are looking for, you will make a find in here.

Art lovers and craft enthusiasts will find Galería Namú the perfect fit for their needs. Here you can buy beautiful paintings, carefully carved woodwork, and handcrafted jewellery. Look at the exhibits for hours or just buy a little piece of native culture for reasonable prices.

Holalola is a gift shop like no other. Its unique colourful designer pieces are perfect souvenir for yourself or for a loved one. It will be difficult to leave Holalola empty-handed.

Once you're ready to leave the city limits and explore rain and cloud forests, natural parks and hike up the volcanos, you will find yourself in need of some quality hiking gear. Head to La Casa del Montañista for great selection and quality, as well as expert advice.

For attention-grabbing souvenirs and crafty mementos head to the Pura Vida Souvenirs store. Good variety and fair prices, plus a quirky bonus — peacocks in the garden! If you don't find exactly what your heart desires, check out the numerous small shops on the same street.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from mid-December to April — you'll get plenty of sunshine, ideal for exploring beaches. The forests, however, are not as lush this time of the year. The dry season is the most crowded and expensive time to visit. The rainy season lasts from May to November, with incessant rain showers — it is the cheapest season to visit. During June and July, rain showers stop briefly and the forests burst with green foliage.

Costa Rica allows for visa-free travel periods up to 90 days to citizens from most EU, America, and Oceania countries. Before traveling, check your country's visa policies at https://costarica.org/travel/visas/

San José and other towns in Costa Rica use a rectilinear roadway grid. The roads going north and south are called calles (streets) while the ones going east and west are called avenidas (avenues). Let's pretend that Calle Central is number 0. From there, calles count up by odd numbers to the east and even numbers west. Avenidas have odd numbers north of the pedestrian Avenida Central and even going south. Parque Central and Mercado Central (Central park and market) are usually at the centre of town. Many addresses will be written down as Calle 4, Avenidas 4 & 6 — somewhere on the north-south street 4 between avenues 4 and 6. However, many businesses will describe their location in relation to major landmarks. For example, Dulce Junio Café's address is "200 m Este De la Iglesia Santa Teresita y 25 norte, contiguo a Saúl Bistro, Barrio Escalante, San José" — that's 200 m from the Santa Teresita church and 25 m north, next to Saúl Bistro, Escalante neighbourhood.

The Juan Santamaría International (SJO) airport is located about 17 km northwest of the city centre. Right outside the entrance, you will find local shuttle buses that take you downtown. The journey is usually inexpensive. If you prefer taxis, make sure to get a licensed "Taxi Aeropuerto". One journey is about 25 minutes and costs about 25 US$. The most common bus you’ll see is the big red TUASA bus. The final stop of this bus is close to La Merced park.

There is a good and inexpensive bus system in San José, as well as outbound buses to the rest of the country. Interbus and Gray Line Fantasy Bus will also take you to touristic places outside the city centre, but the fares are slightly more expensive. If you are taking a bus between cities, be very mindful of your belongings. The bags are often stolen from overhead luggage racks. If anyone is trying to help you put your bag up there — they are very likely to grab it and leave at some point. If they go for your bag and you try to stop them, that's when you will be pickpocketed by their accomplices.

Taxis in San José usually have a meter and are inexpensive. Official taxis are coloured in red or orange, and one km costs about 640 colones. It is strongly recommended to only use official taxis and make sure that the meter is ticking. Alternatively, use Uber or Didi. Note that exact street names are hardly used in Costa Rica so you better refer to some well-known places nearby. As in many countries in Latin America, you want to know who is driving you so that they are less likely to scam you or drive off with your belongings. For your safety, do not take regular taxis — call for one or use a ride sharing app.

There are several post offices spread throughout San José. One of the main branches is located on Via 204. The Telegraph and Post Office building dates all the way back to 1917 and is located close to La Merced park (officially known as Braulio Carrillo Colina Park).

There are three major chains of pharmacies in Costa Rica that sell medicine as well as personal hygiene products: Fischel In front of the Correos de Costa Rica (Central Post Office), San José, plus many other locations in the country. +506 2248 1682 Farmacia Sucre Plaza de la Democracia, the Sauter building, on the corner of Calle 11 Avenida Central +506 2248 9302 Farmacia La Bomba Calle 1, Avenida Central, close to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum +506 4001 3647

Country Code: +506 Area Code: 22

Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity. The plugs are typically the 2-pronged flat type common in North America and some Asian countries.