Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
How we use your email
Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full Privacy Policy.
Although it might seem more "authentic" to buy your souvenirs at their source, you can find everything in the city, a real bonus if you're pressed for time. If the capital has any real tourist shopping district, it's found loosely in the cluster of streets around Parque Morazán, just north of downtown, an area bounded roughly by
Although it might seem more "authentic" to buy your souvenirs at their source, you can find everything in the city, a real bonus if you're pressed for time. If the capital has any real tourist shopping district, it's found loosely in the cluster of streets around Parque
Although it might seem more "authentic" to buy your souvenirs at their source, you can find everything in the city, a re
Although it might seem more "authentic" to buy your souvenirs at their source, you can find everything in the city, a real bonus if you're pressed for time. If the capital has any real tourist shopping district, it's found loosely in the cluster of streets around Parque Morazán, just north of downtown, an area bounded roughly by Avenidas 1 and 7 and Calles 5 and 9. Stroll and search, because many other businesses congregate in the area as well.
The northeastern suburb of Moravia has a cluster of high-quality crafts and artisan shops—for good reason very popular with tour groups—in the three blocks heading north from the Colegio María Inmaculada high school. The street is two blocks behind the city's church.
Prices in shops are fixed and fair. You might be able to bargain at the Calle Nacional de Artesania y Pintura, but bargaining isn’t the sport it is in other countries. Haggling, even if not ill-intended, will come off as rude. Your best bet for getting a deal is to simply suggest you’ll come back later and walk away. If the vendors really want to lower the price, they will.
A nonprofit association assembles the works of 220 artisans from Costa Rica’s eight original indigenous communities in this attractively arranged...
A nonprofit association assembles the works of 220 artisans from Costa Rica’s eight original indigenous communities in this attractively arranged setting on the pedestrian mall south of the Museo Nacional. While the place bills itself as “part museum,” all works are for sale at prices fair to the creators and fair to you. (The name translates as “fair deal” in Costa Rica's indigenous Boruca language.) You'll find a good selection of ceramics, jewelry, weavings, and paintings here.
Some 100 souvenir vendors congregate in the so-called "National Street of Artisanry and Painting," a block-long covered walkway on the west side of the Plaza...
Some 100 souvenir vendors congregate in the so-called "National Street of Artisanry and Painting," a block-long covered walkway on the west side of the Plaza de la Democracia. As you approach, the whole affair looks like a string of metal shacks, and the setup here doesn't live up to the grand name. Some of the sellers do offer bargains on hammocks, wood carvings, and clothing; others sell trinkets probably made in China. Look carefully.
C. 13, Avdas. Ctl.–2, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
It's a tad out of the way, but just up the street from the Hotel Aranjuez is the city's best Saturday morning farmers' market. Stock...
It's a tad out of the way, but just up the street from the Hotel Aranjuez is the city's best Saturday morning farmers' market. Stock up on organic fruits and veggies and take in the local scene. For something tropical, try some coconut water—you'll get a coconut whacked in half by a machete, and you can sip the water through a straw. Things get underway at 7 am and wind down at 12:30.
North end of C. 19, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
Ensconced inside Barrio Escalante's trendy Kalú restaurant, the equally trendy Kiosco proffers a good selection of locally made woodwork, fabrics...
Ensconced inside Barrio Escalante's trendy Kalú restaurant, the equally trendy Kiosco proffers a good selection of locally made woodwork, fabrics, and ceramics.
Kalú, C. 31, Avda. 5, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
The small shop off the lobby of the National Theater has a terrific selection of thespian-themed postcards, tote bags, and glassware. You can access the...
The small shop off the lobby of the National Theater has a terrific selection of thespian-themed postcards, tote bags, and glassware. You can access the shop without an admission ticket to a theater production. In addition to being open Monday through Saturday during the day, the shop is also open before evening performances and during intermission.
Plaza de la Cultura, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
The city's largest bookstore evokes that Barnes & Noble ambience, though on a much smaller scale. It stocks English translations of Latin American literature, as...
The city's largest bookstore evokes that Barnes & Noble ambience, though on a much smaller scale. It stocks English translations of Latin American literature, as well as myriad coffee-table books on Costa Rica. There are 21 other smaller branches around San José and the Central Valley.
Rotonda La Bandera, San José, San José, 11501, Costa Rica
This maze of passageways is where the average Costa Rican comes to stock up on day-to-day necessities, but a few stalls of interest to tourists...
This maze of passageways is where the average Costa Rican comes to stock up on day-to-day necessities, but a few stalls of interest to tourists congregate near the southeast entrance. Pickpockets frequent the crowded market; exercise care.
Bordered by Avdas. Ctl.–1 and Cs. 6–8, San José, San José, 10102, Costa Rica
Several dozen souvenir vendors congregate in this one-square-block building on the south side of a small downtown plaza. It's a real mix here. Some of...
Several dozen souvenir vendors congregate in this one-square-block building on the south side of a small downtown plaza. It's a real mix here. Some of the sellers do offer bargains on hammocks, wood carvings, and clothing; others sell trinkets probably made in China. Look carefully.
Avda. 6, Cs. 5--7, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
If you can't find it at Mundo de Recuerdos, it probably doesn't exist. Here's the largest of the Moravia shops with simply everything—at least of...
If you can't find it at Mundo de Recuerdos, it probably doesn't exist. Here's the largest of the Moravia shops with simply everything—at least of standard souvenir fare—you could ask for under one roof.
San Vicente de Moravia, San José, 11401, Costa Rica
The small shop in the Jade Museum sells replicas of many of the pieces in the museum collection. The shop is accessible only if you've...
The small shop in the Jade Museum sells replicas of many of the pieces in the museum collection. The shop is accessible only if you've paid the $16 museum admission.
Avda. Ctl., C. 13, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
The shop at the entrance of the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Gold Museum) offers a great selection of pre-Columbian-themed jewelry, art, exclusively designed T-shirts, coin...
The shop at the entrance of the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Gold Museum) offers a great selection of pre-Columbian-themed jewelry, art, exclusively designed T-shirts, coin key chains, notebooks, and mouse pads. You can access the shop without paying the museum admission.
C. 5, Avdas. Ctl.–2, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
The big red Ñ on the window marks this cute little boutique with goods all made by Costa Rican artists and designers. Look for prints, bags...
The big red Ñ on the window marks this cute little boutique with goods all made by Costa Rican artists and designers. Look for prints, bags, jewelry, and a big selection of mugs.
In addition to selling everything else imaginable, downtown department store Universal stocks a good selection of Latin CDs in its first-floor music department....
In addition to selling everything else imaginable, downtown department store Universal stocks a good selection of Latin CDs in its first-floor music department.
Avda. Ctl., Cs. Ctl.–1, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
The affable owners of 7th Street Books make this store the place to stop in and see what's going on in the expat community. It...
The affable owners of 7th Street Books make this store the place to stop in and see what's going on in the expat community. It has the city's best selection of books in English and is also strong on Latin America and tropical ecology. As an added bonus, you can enjoy a smoothie purchased at the entrance.
C. 7, Avdas. Ctl.–1, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
The gift shop at the Hotel Don Carlos has a good selection of popular souvenirs and CDs of Costa Rican music, as well as a few exclusive creations. ...
The gift shop at the Hotel Don Carlos has a good selection of popular souvenirs and CDs of Costa Rican music, as well as a few exclusive creations.
Don Carlos Hotel, C. 9, Avda. 9, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Shopping in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
Distance from:
Try increasing the mile radius or searching near one of these popular suggestions:
Teatro Nacional
Museo del Jade
Museo del Oro Precolombino
Teatro Nacional
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find shopping nearby.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
