San Jose, Costa Rica: 3-Day Itinerary
We didn’t have huge expectations for San José. Let’s be honest—most people pass through this city on their way to beaches, volcanoes, or jungles. But we found plenty to keep us busy while we were there, and even a few surprises that made us glad we stuck around. That’s why we crafted this three-day itinerary—it’s our way of distilling the highlights of our trip into a manageable timeline. Whether you’re passing through on your way to the coast or want a short city break, this plan gives you a taste of San José’s history, culture, and laid-back vibe. Plus, it’s totally doable without feeling rushed.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAVORITE RESOURCES
Best accommodation site: Expedia
Flight Deals: DailyDrop
Book Guided Tours: GetYouGuide
Day 1: Science and Art
Morning: Museo La Salle (Natural Science Museum)
For nature lovers, this place is a goldmine. The museum is a hidden gem (we truly hate the phrase “hidden gem” and feel it is over used because seriously, in this day how many spots are still ‘hidden’, but this one time it’s totally applies!) We enjoyed our visit and exploring their collections of natural world specimens, such as birds, mammals, plants, rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Sabana neighborhood, near La Sabana Metropolitan Park
- Getting There: We Ubered over since it would have been an hour and a half walk from our Studio8 accommodation and Ubers are super cheap!
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8 AM-4 PM, Sunday 9 AM-5 PM
- Entrance Fee:
- CRC 2,500 adults (about $5)
- CRC1,800 senior adult
- CRC1,800 children (2 to 12 years)
- (cost shown in Costa Rican Colones (CRC), the official currency of Costa Rica, a handy currency conversion can be found on Google here)
- Where to buy Tickets: At the door – no official way to buy online
- Highlights: Dinosaur park, rock and mineral displays, extensive butterfly exhibit. You can read more about the museum on our post dedicated to the San Jose Natural Science Museum here!
- Time spent: 2-3 hours
- Tip: Grab breakfast before you head out as there are not a lot of restaurant options in the immediate area (Pops La Sabana, a cute ice cream parlor just around the corner doesn’t open until 10am)
- AKA: Natural Science Museum La Salle, La Salle Natural Science Museum, La Salle Museum, Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
Lunchtime: Stroll north of the park for best restaurant options.
Your destination for this afternoon is the Museum of Costa Rican Art – an easy 24-minute walk. However, if you walk straight there you’ll miss the opportunities for lunch that are scattered along the west and north sides of the park (Parque Metropolitano La Sabana) like Noguchi Asian Food and La Gauchada
Afternoon: Museum of Costa Rican Art
- Location: Eastern end of La Sabana Metropolitan Park
- Getting There: Walk from the Museo La Salle
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9 AM-4 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free admission
- Highlights: Local paintings, prints, sculpture garden, unique airport tower architecture
- Time spent: 1 hour
- AKA: Museo DE Arte Costarricense, Costa Rica Art Museum
Alternative: If you’re not into Art consider this tour instead. During this amazing walking tour, you’ll lean about the country’s cultural heritage while shopping for fruits and veggies at the Mercado Central and the Mercado Borbón, visit the National Theater and La Laguna Plaza, and try all sorts of local treats along the way.
Where to Stay in San Jose on a budget
Studio8 Lujan Apartament #7 – Guest Rating: 8.9 <– This is where we stayed!
Cando Living Apartments – Guest rating 8.5
Casa Lima B&B – Guest Rating 8.3
BEE Suites Escalante – Guest Rating 9.3
Day 2: History and Culture
Morning: Jade Museum
- Location: Across the plaza from the National Museum of Costa Rica
- Getting There: We walked from our Studio8 accommodation (20 minutes) but Ubers are super cheap!
- Hours: Daily 8 AM-5 PM (except major holidays)
- Entrance Fee:
- Adults: $16
- Students with ID: $5
- Children 6-12 years: $2
- Children under 5 years: Free
- Highlights: Jade artifacts, Costa Rican history exhibits, ancient gold displays
- Time spent: 2 hours
- AKA: Museo del Jade
Lunchtime
We had lunch at Wong’s a very traditional dim sum restaurant that has been a local favorite for over ten years and you have several options in the immediate area.
Afternoon: National Museum of Costa Rica
- Location: Across from Jade Museum, near Plaza de la Democracia
- Getting There: It’s literally across the plaza from the Jade Museum
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Sunday 9 AM-4:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: $11 USD per adult
- Highlights: Political and military history, economic and cultural exhibits, butterfly garden
- Time spent: 2.5-3 hours (we could have easily spent more time here!)
- AKA: Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
Alternative: If you would prefer to commune with nature, we recommend this Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees. Guided by passionate biologists on the grounds of the University of Costa Rica you’ll discover a hidden ecosystem in the middle of the city. See native sloths, birds, butterflies, and variety of plants and insects living wild and free.
Day 3: Gold and Theater
Morning: Bank Museum / Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
- Location: Plaza de la Cultura on Av Central
- Getting there: Again, we walked from our Studio8 accommodation (25 minutes) but Ubers are super cheap if you’re not up for the walk
- Hours: Daily 9:15 AM-5 PM
- Entrance Fee: $16 USD for foreigners
- Highlights: Banking history, currency exhibits, pre-Columbian gold artifacts
- Time spent: 60-90 minutes
Lunchtime
From MacDonalds and Taco Bell to Argentina Restaurants-you have several options in the immediate area. (Way more than what google maps shows you!)
Afternoon: National Theater of Costa Rica (Must See)
- Location: Av Central at Plaza de la Cultura
- Getting there: It’s a five-minute stroll over from the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
- Hours: Open for visitors 9 AM-4 PM
- Entrance Fee: CRC 3,500.00 or about $7 USD for foreigners
- Highlights: The only way to see inside the theater is to buy tickets to a show or via Guided tour of the impressive theater, architectural details, and restoration work.
- Time spent: 45-minute tour plus 30 minutes for grounds and lobby
- Tip: Guided Tour tickets can be bought either through a third party, on the theater’s website (which doesn’t always work), or at the Ticket booth located outside, just north of the main entrance. But don’t do like we did and expect to buy tickets for the next tour. We highly recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance and then go to the ticket booth about an hour before your scheduled tour to pick up your tickets.
Alternative: Make your own artisanal bean to bar chocolate in this hands-on workshop! Learn about cacao history and try a real and authentic homemade chocolate!
This Costa Rica itinerary is just the beginning. Mix and match these attractions to suit your interests and schedule, and be sure to leave space for spontaneous adventures. Take time to wander the streets, savor local flavors, and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of San José’s bustling capital.
More Alternatives for your San Jose Costa Rica Itinerary
If you’re looking to explore San José beyond the traditional itinerary, there are plenty of all-inclusive tours that let you dive deeper into its vibrant culture and stunning surroundings. Whether you’re craving a coffee plantation escape, a rainforest adventure, or a guided art tour through hidden galleries, these options make it easy to experience the best of Costa Rica’s capital without the hassle of planning.
Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local Guide – Discover the city’s iconic destinations, history, and some of the best places to eat during your walking tour.
Visit Arenal Volcano, Waterfalls & Enjoy Coffee and Hot Springs – Explore the Arenal Volcano area on a more scenic route than the traditional highway. Admire views of plantations, waterfalls, jungles, wildlife, and rustic towns, learn about Costa Rican coffee and native culture, and relax in the mineral hot springs.
Coffee Production Tour and Tasting – Visit a sustainable coffee plantation and roasting plant in San José. Learn about the production of Costa Rican coffee, from bean to cup, before finishing with a tasting.
Explore class 2-3 rapids on the Sarapiqui River – perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and people who are looking for a little bit of adventure
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