Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose is filled with numerous, delightful activities. Even better, they are all very close to one another.

This is the place to start your jorney through the Central Vallley. The city offers busy boulevards and plenty of attractions. Surrounded by tall, green mountains, this city and its friendly people are an important starting point for getting to know how the country's culture was forged since its independence from Spain in 1821.

San Jose's climate is template and on the dry side, with peasant temperatures averaging 73° to 75° F. Altitudes range from 2900 to 7000 feet above sea level. It is blessed with two very large, main mountain ranges: the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and the Talamanca Mountain Range. These embrace San Jose as a protective and ornamental natural wall.

One of the greatest advantages for those who visit San Jose is the convenience of having all the major cultural spots within walking distance from one another. These include the National Theater, National Museum, Gold Museum, Jade Museum, Art Museum, the National Park and many others. Nightlife is glamorous and very active. Those night owls can enjoy themselves as they party until dawn.

San Jose's Cultural History

The city's history goes back to when Costa Rica was only a Spanish colony, founded in 1738. It is one of Latin America's youngest capital and has always been the focal point of political and economical activity. However, it wasn't officially declared the capital until 1823. San Jose has a population of approximately 1,345,000 and is surrounded by the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia and Cartago. Its mean elevation is 3,809 feet above sea level and the average temperature is 72°F. Average annual rainfall is 61 inches.

San Jose is home to several major public and private universities. It is ditinguished as the Inter-Americal Human Rights Court headquarters, and all the service and administrative goverment buildings, including the Presidential Palace, are located within its boundaries.

National Museum

The National Museum was created in May 1887. After the army was abolished in 1948, the government decided to convert the famous Bellavista Army Headquarters into its permanent facilities. The goal was to provide the country with a public establishment to deposit and secure relevant archaeological, natural and artistic items, which through scientific investigation, education and exhibition, could act in defense of the country's cultural and natural heritage. Delight yourself with Costa Rican history, archaeology and anthropology. The visitor can find a large array of documents, artifacts and information pertaining to everything about Costa Rica and its beginnings. In 1989, the large, west yard of the museum was transformed into a famous Plaza de la Democracia, a place to read, rest and enjoy.

National Theater

The National Theater was built as a result of a combined effort of the first coffee farmers, through export taxation and import duties, gladly accepted by the Costa Rican people.

This theater combines all aspects of a European Theater from the baroque to the rococo, thus, compared the Paris Opera House. It is the country's main cultural center, responsible for the encouragement and organization of artistic and cultural shows of national and international relevance. It´s fully operational for many different activities; you may check their program to see what will be playing during your visit.

The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum

The Gold Museum is located right underneath the Plaza de la Cultura, in a vaulted bunker type structure that brings you three floors down to the most exciting exhibits, including a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold ornaments. Visitors learn about the use and function of the pieces, how they were made and their relationship to the natural world and the daily life of the societies that made them. The colleciton consists of 1600 pieces of Pre-Columbian gold work that date from 500 AD to 1500 AD. The museum is divided into two levels and there is also a numismatic museum, seasonal gallery exhibits and a small amphitheater within the museum.

Children's Museum

Located where the infamous San Jose State Penitentiary once existed. In 1991, the former First Lady, Gloria Bejarano de Calderon, created a foundation to strengthen knowledge and education while aiming for high moral values. The doors of the museum opened on April 27th, 1994. There is a ample range of exhibits, which adults can also enjoy. It is only a few blocks north of Central Avenue.

Metropolitan Cathedral

The Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) was built in 1871. This church is the largest cathedral in San Jose. In the inside you will be able to see beautiful, painted wooded columns and tile floors. It stands out due to a small dome and a marvellous collection of stained glass windows. It has a side chapel (Capilla del Santisimo Sacramento) decorated with carved, painted flowers and leaves. Pope John Paul II visited the church in 1983.

Melico Salazar Theater

Construction of the Melico Salazar Theater began in February, 1927, and the inauguration was held on October 7th, 1928. It is one of the most important artistic spaces in the country. High quality music, theater, dance, multicultural events -both traditional and contemporary-, are shown. You may check their program to see what will be playing during your visit.

Jade Museum

The Jade Museum was inaugurated on October 31st, 1977, by the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS). It was created with the purpose of promoting, studying and preserving the country's archaeological patrimony. Aside from jade artifacts, you will be able to enjoy fabulous ceramic, obne, gold, wood, rock and shell items, zealously guarded by this fascinating institution.

Edificio Metalico (Metal Building)

One of three experimental metal buildings built in San Jose after the 1888 earthquake. Designed in France, manufactured out of iron in Amberes, Belgium, and shipped in pieces to Costa Rica.

Mercado Central

Costa Rica's first Municipal Marketplace, inaugurated in 1880. Find the most varied natural products, herbs, fok medicines, vegetables, crafts, traditional cafeterias, fish and meat markets. A historical landmark since 1995.

National Park

Located right on the north side of the Legislative Assembly building. Stop by and observe the National Monument, allegorical of Costa Rica's struggle to liberate Central America from William Walker's filibuster expedition in 1856-1857.

La Sabana Park

Wes of the downtown area, within walking distance and five minutes by bus. It was San Jose first International Airport. Enjoy ample sports facilities, a pond, picnic areas, a new Olympic stadium under construction and more.

Downtown San Jose

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