3-Day Budget Friendly Costa Ricae Itinerary For Travelers

Costa Rica shares its borders with two countries: Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. These bordering countries contribute to the rich cultural diversity of the region, making Costa Rica a unique blend of influences. Planning a budget-friendly Costa Rica itinerary doesn’t mean sacrificing unforgettable experiences. In just three days, you can fully immerse yourself in San José’s rich culture, stunning architecture, and natural beauty—all without breaking the bank. We spent a week in this bustling capital, but we know not everyone can do that. That’s why we crafted this itinerary with you in mind, drawing from our firsthand experience to provide expert tips and insider knowledge. Whether you’re new to the city or a seasoned explorer, this guide will help you experience the best of San José while staying on budget.

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Day 1 of Your San Jose, Costa Rica Itinerary: Science and Art

Morning: Museo La Salle (Natural Science Museum)

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

Fun Facts About Costa Rica

Did you know that Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity, despite its small size? The country takes its environmental conservation seriously, with about 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves. Another fun fact: Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948, dedicating those funds to education and healthcare instead, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of Central America.” These unique aspects make Costa Rica not only a beautiful place to visit but also a fascinating one to learn about.

Day 2 of Your San Jose Costa Rica Itinerary: 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

Day 3 of Your San Jose, Costa Rica Itinerary: 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.

Final thoughts on our 3 day Costa Rica itinerary of San José’s museums and cultural sites will leave you with a deep appreciation for Costa Rica’s rich heritage. While the National Museum and National Theater were standout experiences, each attraction offered its own unique perspective on the country’s history, art, and natural wonders.

Remember, this Costa Rica itinerary is just a starting point. Feel free to mix and match these attractions based on your interests and time available. Don’t forget to leave some room in your schedule to wander the streets, sample local cuisine, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Costa Rica’s capital city.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Costa Rica Celebrations

If your visit to San José coincides with one of Costa Rica’s many vibrant celebrations, you’re in for a treat. Costa Rica is known for its lively festivals that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. From the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November, where you can witness colorful altars and parades, to the Festival de la Luz in December, which illuminates the streets with dazzling lights and floats, there’s always something festive happening. Make sure to check the local calendar to see if you can experience one of these joyous occasions during your stay.

How much is $1 US in Costa Rica?

At the time of our visit, it cost about 20 cents to buy 100 colones (CRC). Google has a handy currency conversion built into it’s search engine. You can check the current conversion rate just by clicking this link.