We will have a day in San Jose to do site-seeing. It seems like a lot of the attractions are museums - which we have absolutely no interest in. We need to be outdoors, shop, eat, people watch, etc. Considering this - what areas should we go to and what is there to do in San Jose?? Is everything walkable?

bumping - any feedback?

Some things I was able to research were the following. Are they in walking distance to each other?:

walk around Plaza de la Cultura
Walk up Avenida Central
Shop at Plaza de la Democracia
Check out Teatro Nacional
Shopping at Mercado Central
Hang out at El Pueblo entertainment center in the evening

ANything missing???

remember - no museums!

lt, I can't remember the other spots where you are headed. Are you already going to Poas and the La Paz Waterfall Gardens? If not, it's about an hour from San Jose, and there are tours you can take to see them. That's what I would do if it's not already in your agenda. There are also some coffee plantations you can tour if that interests you at all - it's not a museum!

yes we already are doing a coffee plantation, POAS and La paz the next day as a tour package.

We need something to do and see in San Jose the 1st day we land. We have an afternoon - and the list mentioned above is what I found online. Wasn't sure if they were popular places to see or not, though.

We'll be in a similar situation on our first day after landing. We land at 10:55 am and are spending the first night in San Jose. We don't want to really see museums, especially since we'll have the kids with us and I don't think they'll be of much interest to them. Is Zoo Ave too far out of the way for an afternoon with a 10:55 arrival? We're staying at Don Carlos and won't have a car the first night.

My parents went to the National Theater and thought it was really cool and interesting; shillmac raves about Zoo Ave so I'd trust her opinion on that one but don't know any details.

What kind of performances do they have at the theater? Is it in Spanish? Any idea of tix prices?

They didn't go to a performance; they just took a tour of the theater itself - I guess it's very elaborate with some nice architecture.

luvtravelin,

You've named the things already--and yes, they are right there within a few blocks of one another.

Taxi or walk to the Teatro Nacional. Go inside and look around--it's simply gorgeous! We bought tickets and went to see the opera Carmen there one evening. It was a lot of fun! A nice memory. .

Across (in front of) el teatro is the Plaza de la Cultura which is situated in front of the Gran Hotel Costa Rica. They have a nice restaurant area in front for having a little meal or a snack. We usually just stop there for a cappucino and to people watch.

Then head up Avenida Central (a pedestrian street) west to the Mercado Central. Watch yourself here, but it is a fascinating place and it's fun to window shop as you walk the 4-5 blocks up the street.

If you decide you want to see just one museum, then go to the Gold Museum as it is right there next to the Teatro Nacional. Same area, all of these things. And some interesting souvenir/art shops as well.

I still think it's a great way to spend half a day, having done it 3-4 times. And I'd do it again!

Now Zoo Ave is interesting as well, but it is not in San Jose. It's west of the airport in La Garita, close to Alajuela.

Take a taxi at night to El Pueblo--it's pretty interesting as well. You can eat and shop and disco!

Have fun!

Oh, by the way, ticket prices. We paid about $10 each for the opera performance, back in 2003.

thank you shillmac for the response.

Do you have to pay to go into the theater to just see it?

What is there to do on Zoo Ave?

How long is El Pueblo open to at night?

The plaza next to the Teatro and the avenida central are great for people watching. There were ladies in the plaza who gave out corn to feed the pigeons. Then ask if you wanted a picture taken. They would get the pigeons to land on people, even on their HEADS!

There is a show and dinner at Pueblo Antiguo at night. It is a musical brief history of Costa Rica and then a buffet dinner of typical foods with traditional music.

At Zoo Avenue you will see birds and animals that you will more than likely not get a chance to see in the wild.

If you want to get a very good close up look at a Quetzal...this is the place, same for the Scarlet Macaw!!

You need about 2 hours here.

As for San Jose , I am one of those that believes there is lots to see in the downtown area.

I made a list of 12 places I wanted to see in San Jose and I either walked and/or had my guide drive me to the places.

I remember my guide dropping me off at the Gold Museum and said , "I will give you two hours here."

I thought to myself, "two hours"??...I will be done in 20 minutes...........well

1 hour and 45 minutes later I wished I had another extra 45 minutes, but I left 15 minutes later because the guide was waiting for me outside.!!
And , I am not a museum person!!!

Yes, the Teatro Nacional is a must see also.
Then for whatever time you have left you can walk around ,sit out in the main square , have a drink outside and people watch.!!

( Hi shillman and volcangirl!!)
Percy

Sweet dreams, Percy!

thanks kencolian and percy.

Hi Percy!

luvtravelin--the charge was minimal to none to go in and look at the teatro--but that was 4.5 years ago. Still, I wouldn't think much change.

El Pueblo open very late--maybe midnight or later? Not sure. .

Pueblo Antigua is a great suggestion, I think. The dinner and show would be time well spent. The folklorico shows are pretty interesting.

At the Plaza de la Democracia you can buy the old 5 Colones bill as a souvenir, don't pay more than $1 for it.

I think the National Museum is more interesting than the Gold Museum, but that's just my personal opinion. It is located in a historic building above the Plaza de la Democracia. You have a wonderful view from the quiet garden of the museum over San Jose. In addition they have a butterfly garden.

Most of the bars and discos in El Pueblo close at 3 am, but some are open longer.

If you still have energy you should have a look at www.whereincostarica.com , there you can find information on concerts, theater and other events.