Tourist guide: what to do and see in San José, Costa Rica

San José street vendors are a lot more laid back than many other places in Latin America, and La Casona is a perfect example. Located on Calle Central just up the street from the Parque Central, it's a kind of market which brings together vendors specialising in crafts from throughout Central America. Very nice to stroll and browse its selections of various items such as jewelry, wooden boxes, and textiles. You'll find, for example, Guatemalan bags and quilts, Salvadoran hammocks, Panamanian mola textiles, and traditional Nicaraguan pottery. Both quality and prices vary widely, but very worthwhile indeed. Open daily 9 am to 7 pm.

If you are looking to immerse yourself in Costa Rican indigenous culture and discover its crafts, make sure to visit this interesting gallery, located on Avenida 7, between Calles 5 and 7. Here, it is possible to see different kinds of works of art and decorative objects, as it is the only gallery specialising in the art of the country's eight indigenous tribes. Run by Aisling French and her son Conall, it is the perfect place for making an informed purchase, with an understanding of the story behind each piece and at a fair price. The most interesting objects are the Boruca ceremonial masks, the Bribri canoes, the Guaymí dolls, the Chorotega ceramics, the Huetar sculptures and the Guatuso blankets. There is also a space dedicated to the works of young urban artists. And if you can't quite decide on what to pick up during your visit to the gallery, you can also buy online!

About eight kilometres (five miles) west of San José's historic core, the well-heeled Escazú district is of interest to visitors especially because of this showroom, which specialises in various items of woodwork such as boxes, combs, and bowls — some of them one of a kind. You can also visit the workshop, where they'll explain the wordworking process and let you watch artisans do their thing. Right nearby is a pretty lake, a tree nursery, and a botanical garden.

In addition to the Central Market and Guadalupe Farmers' Market, another great option for the vegetables and especially the abundance of sometimes exotic tropical fruit is the Mercado del Registro Civil (Civil Registry Market) right downtown. Here produce stands hawk their wares alongside jewelers, inexpensive eateries, and more. Another well known institution is the Borbón Market, just northeast of the Central Market, where tropical fruit especially abounds - some you've heard of (mango, papaya, avocado, guava, cashew fruit) and plenty you may not have (zapote, carambola, pejivaye, maracuyá, guanábana, carambola). A third is the Mercado Paso de la Vaca at Avenida 7 and Calle 2, whose produce stands have been recently fairly renovated.

Literature-lovers can find all manner of national and international titles along Avenida Central, a pedestrian zone home to some of the city's most popular bookshops, especially those of the San Pedro chain (which also has branches, naturally enough, around the university campus). Another good choice is Universal, on Central between Calle 1 and Calle Central, which features practically an entire floor devoted to books about Costa Rica, including guidebooks, maps, and much else. For novels and comics, check out More Books at the Omni shopping centre (Avenida 1 between Calle 3 and 5).

Some five kilometres (three miles) northeast of central San José, the town of Guadalupe is famous for its Saturday-morning farmers' market (you get up here by taxi or bus to Moravia; the stop is Calle 3 at Avenida 3). It's a lively, colourful affair where locals come to buy produce directly from Central Valley farmers at better prices (no middleman!) than in most other city markets. Then you can also make a stop in nearby Moravia, with a concentration of shops selling crafts and local products.

With a design incorporating traditional touches such as adobe, colonial-style wooden staircases, and white façades, San José's best-known modern shopping centre, north of central downtown, boasts enough shops, eateries, drinkeries, and danceries to keep you busy for a full day and night. It's popular with Josefinos but also with a good number of tourists thanks to its proximity to the zoo - practically next door. And so there are a few shops geared toward them, selling souvenirs and handicrafts (though, granted, at some of the city's highest prices for this kind of thing).

There are quite a few spots in San José to pick up good quality crafts, both in souvenir shops and street markets — although for the most part prices here are higher than in other parts of Costa Rica. Typical products include dresses and blouses with colourful animal and jungle scenes; leather items; wooden canes and other wood carvings; replicas of iconic, gaily painted oxcarts; local liqueurs; replicas of preculombian gold jewelry; and delicate, framed miniature paintings on bird feathers (!). A good selection can be found at the artisan street market on the Plaza de la Democracia, where you'll also find products from other Latin American countries, such as the popular Peruvian and Ecuadorian jumpers.

Joaquín García Monge's activities include work as an artist, intellectual, editor and political activist who came to head up both the Costa Rican Ministry of Culture and the National Library. Such was his illustrious cultural and artistic career that in 1989, this cultural centre was created, a stone's throw from one side of Parque de los Desamparados, paying tribute to him. This old 19th century house with its enormous colonial-style windows was restored to set up this centre, which has been active since 1989. Inside, personal objects and literary works by Joaquín García are exhibited and celebrations, artistic activities, conferences, workshops and painting classes are held here. As a prelude to the exhibition, visitors can view a wide range of photographs of famous people from different districts, which were chosen by the members of the community themselves on account of their activities and relevance. This centre, which pays tribute to the community, is open for visits from Monday to Friday, free of charge, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Masonic Grand Lodge of Costa Rica, founded in 1899, is the country's main regular Freemasonry organisation and the first of its kind in Central America. The Rafael Obregón Loría Masonic Museum provides an exhaustive review of the historical and political climate in Europe during the first half of the 19th century that shook Latin America during the second half of the same century. It takes its name from Professor Rafael Obregón Loría: the founder of the centre, a great student of the history of Costa Rica and, also, Grand Master of the country's Masonic Lodge. Located on Avenida Central in San José, it exhibits documents on liberal secret societies and the important role they played from 1870 onwards, when the profound restructuring of the Costa Rican State began. Also worth note is the oil painting that represents the figure of a member of the Costa Rican diocese, containing numerous Masonic symbols.

The MAC is one of the country's most important visual arts museums, as well as being in itself an architectural building of particular interest, having housed the control tower of the country's first international airport. Neoclassical in style (constructed in the 1930s) it is located at one end of the enormous La Sabana Metropolitan Park. After remodelling work, it was declared a heritage site of historical-architectural value in 1986. The MAC is home to more than 6,000 paintings, sculptures and photographs by national and international creators, dating from the mid-19th century to the present day. Make sure not to miss the spectacular mural that presides over the Golden Hall as well as the Sculpture Garden, inaugurated in 2003 to exhibit the works of Costa Rican sculptors.

The Numismatic Museum is part of the collections housed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica as part of its work to preserve, research and disseminate the country's archaeological, numismatic and artistic heritage. Located in Plaza de la Cultura and in the same building as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, it has allocated its most important space to the permanent exhibition entitled "From the Real to the Colón: the History of Currency in Costa Rica". Exhibiting 300 objects, it chronologically reviews the history of national currencies, starting with the Real and concluding with the current Colón. The five thematic areas into which the museum is divided host more than 5,000 objects, constituting one of the best numismatic collections in Central America. Open every day from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Central Bank Museums, in general, and its Pre-Columbian Gold Museum room, in particular, are an excellent way of understanding the history of the people of Costa Rica as well as their identity. Located in Plaza de la Cultura and in the same building as the Numismatic Museum, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum provides visitors with a journey back in time through seven thematic units including but not limited to migration, the ancestral worldview of the indigenous people and their relationship with nature and conquest. The objects exhibited in this museum, which are merely a sample of a collection containing more than 1,500 pieces, include gold as the main protagonist, although there is also space for other materials such as ceramics. If you want to look a little deeper, make sure not to miss a documentary broadcast in the museum's audiovisual room with testimonies from indigenous people about their vision of territoriality, language, customs and productive development. The museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Das im La Sabana Park gelegene Museum La Salle bietet ein einzigartiges Erlebnis in dieser symbolträchtigen Einrichtung spanischen Ursprungs. Gegründet wurde sie von Bruder Eduardo Fernández Bárcena, einem religiösen Mann aus Burgos, der 1960 beschloss, die von den Oberstufenschülern der Schule La Salle erstellten naturwissenschaftlichen Werke zu sammeln und auszustellen. Jahre später erhielt das Museum immer mehr exotische Vögel aus allen Teilen der Welt in Form von Spenden. So mussten die Räumlichkeiten nach und nach auf nunmehr über 2.400 Quadratmeter erweitert werden. Heute beherbergt dieses riesige Museum mehr als 70.000 paläontologische, archäologische und mineralische Stücke von großem wissenschaftlichem Wert. Zu den Höhepunkten der Sammlung gehören eine interessante Ausstellung von Schmetterlingen und das Skelett eines riesigen Dinosauriers, was sowohl Kinder als auch Erwachsene faszinieren wird. Geöffnet ist das Museum Dienstag bis Samstag von 8:00 bis 16:00 Uhr und sonntags von 9:00 bis 17:00 Uhr. Montags ist es geschlossen.

The National Museum of Costa Rica is located inside the Bellavista Barracks, declared of national historical-architectural heritage they form parts of a complex that includes the houses where army commanders lived with their families. The museum has become one of the most important cultural institutions in the country given its work to study, protect, conserve and disseminate Costa Rican heritage. It hosts several permanent exhibitions, including the Indigenous Gold, the Colonial House and the Pre-Columbian, as well as other temporary and visual exhibitions. These feature works and objects from the pre-Columbian and colonial times as well as recreating a typical house from the period of Spanish rule and a room that illustrates how indigenous people who worked in the gold industry lived. The museum also dedicates a large section to Costa Rican plant life and wildlife, with a wide variety of fossils and minerals. It opens from Tuesday to Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Costa Rican Central Post and Telegraph Building is a veritable emblem of the city of San José. Neo-Renaissance in style, the building dates back to 1917 and is home to the head office of the Costa Rican Postal Company as well as the Postal, Telegraph and Philatelic Museum. The latter, opened in 1985 with a view to disseminating and exhibiting the heritage of the Costa Rican postal system, includes an extensive philatelic collection and takes a trip through the history of post in Costa Rica, from the primitive stones to the today's emails. Also on display are photographs of employees, a variety of different stamps, as well as old magnetic telephones, post office boxes and telegraph equipment. Collectors visit this space to receive training and advice while curious tourists and school students are attracted by its recreational activities, which includes playing at being a postman, designing stamps or putting together stamp puzzles. Open for visitors from Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This exhibition space, considered one of the most important institutions in Costa Rica given its role in disseminating art, is located, like the Children's Museum, in the Costa Rican Centre of Science and Culture, at the crossroads of Calle 4 and Avenida 15. For decades, the building served as a prison, which is why it is popularly known as the Peni (taken from the term "penitentiary"). Its cells currently serve as exhibition rooms for the National Gallery, opened in 1994. This large space is dedicated to the promotion of the visual arts, spanning 14 rooms in which five monthly exhibitions are held, although individual and group programmes on painting, sculpture, photography and digital art are also available. It includes works by national and international artists and is home to notable events including the Costa Rica Visual Arts biennials (the "Bienarte") or Central America and the Caribbean Object Design exhibition. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

You will probably be aware that jade is a semi-precious stone that has been highly valued for its qualities since ancient times. However, if you want to look a little deeper into its history, which looks at technology, economy and culture, you simply must visit this museum: it is, without a doubt, one of the most interesting in San José. Belonging to the National Insurance Institute (INS), the Jade and Pre-Columbian Culture Museum, also known more simply as the Jade Museum, has aimed to disseminate the worldview of pre-Columbian culture and its symbolic relationship with the environment since its inauguration in 1977. Its aims also include the promotion of the study of archaeology, the conservation of the country's cultural and artistic heritage, as well as the promotion of the visual arts. As well as housing the most extensive collection of American jade in the world, consisting of approximately 7,000 pieces, it is home to several temporary exhibition rooms that exhibit works related to this material. It is open to visitors between Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located on Avenida Central in the proximity of Calle 13.

This museum in San José, Costa Rica is located at the intersection of Calle 15 and Avenida 3, inside the National Cultural Centre (CENAC). This historic building formerly housed the headquarters of the National Liquor Factory between 1856 and 1994 and on the west is bordered by the National Library, an interesting mix. This monumental complex is now home to four rooms for hosting temporary exhibitions, a large outdoor space for hosting performances and installations, as well as El Tanque, a former liquor factory bunker now used as an ideas laboratory. The museum exhibits a wide variety of contemporary works of art by national and international artists. Its nearly 1,200 square metres also include a documentation centre, a video library and a shop. The exhibition hall opening hours are from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.

The neighbourhoods of Los Yoses and La California, which are a must-see for any architecture lover, are on either side of Avenida Central in San José, Costa Rica. Los Yoses is a kind of open-air museum consisting of modern buildings. Its streets play host to residential homes as well as foreign embassies and the occasional hotel. Almost all the buildings here date to the 20th century and boast a markedly international style, with influences clearly taken from the United States and Europe. A good example is the house designed in 1953 by local artist Enrique Maroto, which stands out on account of its perfect integration with nature, or the more recent Chilean Embassy. By no means less attractive are the homes, some constructed in the Art Deco style, in La California, an eminently residential area that is a continuation of the Escalante and Dent neighbourhoods, with which it practically merges. This area also boasts a lively nightlife.

Behind Parque España and Parque Morazán, these two neighbourhoods in the Costa Rican capital extend uphill. They are home to a large number of historical buildings that constitute a kind of open-air museum. Their long streets are home to luxurious Victorian, neoclassical, eclectic and neo-Mudejar mansions that once belonged to the families of oligarchs and other members of the former Costa Rican aristocracy. These buildings broke with the traditional colonial construction that predominated towards the end of the 19th century in San José. Once their peak was behind them, almost all these buildings fell into a worrying state of disrepair; however, in recent years, different plans have been presented for their rehabilitation, heritage protection and tourist revitalisation. The neoclassical headquarters of the French Alliance; the Green House, which is Victorian in style; or the Castillo del Moro, which is reminiscent of a small Mudejar fortress, are all noteworthy examples located in Amón.

One of the most attractive places in the Costa Rican capital. Up until the 19th century, this part of the city had just a small lake known as the Villanueva well. It was then that the local authorities decided to drain it and cement it, approving an ambitious architectural project initially dubbed Plaza La Laguna in 1887, which ultimately led to the construction of this large green space. It is located a short distance from Parque de España, on the corner of Avenida 3 and Calle 7, in the heart of the Carmen district. Its main attractions include the well-known Temple of Music, declared Historical Architectural Heritage and designed as an almost exact replica of the Temple of Love and Music in the Palace of Versailles. It plays host to a wide variety of events and concerts. The park is also home to other monuments and busts that pay tribute to famous figures in South American history. The complex, which combines the tradition of the park's buildings with the modernity of a number of neighbouring buildings, such as the Aurola Holiday Inn Hotel, are must-sees on any visitor's itinerary.

One of the nerve centres of the city of San José in Costa Rica is the Parque Central, a common place for taking a taxi or a bus to any other point of the capital. Located on Avenidas 2 and 4, between Calles 1 and 2, it is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Melico Salazar Popular Theatre. Until the dawn of the 20th century, it was hemmed in by a huge fence that surrounded its fountain and which had been transported expressly from the United Kingdom in 1868. Now, this space is completely open and very popular with Costa Ricans during the day. It is home to several monuments and commemorative plaques, countless exchange offices and the occasional bank branch. Its mix of dense trees and tall palm trees provide shade for pedestrians.

This pleasant space area is located between Avenidas 3 and 7 and Calles 9 and 11, next to the National Insurance Institute (INS), the National Culture Centre (CENAC) and the Metallic Building, home to the Buenaventura Corrales Bermudez School. It is a common setting for improvised performances by artists who liven up this part of the city with live music. The park is also home to a large number of large trees that share this space with the tallest bamboos in San José. For all these reasons, walking here is like taking a walk through the Costa Rican tropical jungle, without having to travel as far. In fact, the peace is only broken in the afternoons, when you can start to hear the birds chirping. The scene is set by a fountain located next to the entrance and a statue in honour of the Spanish conquistador, Juan Vázquez de Coronado.

This impressive, open space stands east of the centre - between Calle 13 and 15 and Avenida Central and Avenida 2, just a short walk from the National Park or the Courts of Justice. Reopened in 2009 after extensive remodelling work, its origins date back to 1989, when it became one of the most interesting spots in the historic quarter for spectacular views over the mountains that surround the Costa Rican capital. Since this process, it has been strongly linked to the world of art, partly because it is now connected by a staircase (the square seems to emulate an Aztec pyramid) with the National Museum, located in the adjacent Bellavista military barracks. What's more, artists who exhibit their works in this space have the option of holding different activities in the square with a view to attracting a higher volume of visitors. The surrounding area is also home to the Legislative Assembly complex, where the emblematic Castillo Azul is located.

One of the main symbols at the heart of San José, Costa Rica, is this sheltered green space located between Calles 15 and 19 and Avenidas 1 and 3. Worth particular note are the long rows of palm trees, which share the space with other enormous tree species that serve as the perfect place for a stroll or to relax. For years, it was considered a dangerous spot due to the abundance of thieves; however, the situation changed following the installation of numerous street lights. It is now a bustling spot during the day, playing home to the National Monument as well as being surrounded by some of the Costa Rican capital's most famous buildings, including the National Library, the National Cultural Centre (CENAC) and the Legislative Assembly.

Located between Calles 3 and 5 and Avenida Central and Avenida 2, this open squares sees a great influx of people on account of its extensive surface area and its fountains, green areas and different levels. It is also home to the Museum of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Numismatic Museum, housed in a large underground structure. The National Theatre and the Gran Hotel Costa Rica can also be found in this square. Construction on the square began in 1977 and was completed in 1982. Its design was carried out at the hands of national architects Jorge Bertheau, Jorge Borbón and Edgar Vargas, whose aim was to restore the National Theatre to its cultural and architectural peak, as well as offering citizens a space to enjoy. Decades later, between 1996 and 1997, it was remodelled by Ibo Bonilla, who replaced the grey and sober international style, with a more tropical aesthetic, featuring clay tones, native tree species and other nods to national culture. This space has become particularly relevant, boasting great symbolic value that adds character to the city centre.

When in San José, it is more than likely that during your stay, you will be one of the approximately 40,000 people who cross this enormous orchard of more than 72 hectares each week, located at the western end of Paseo Colón. It is home to countless attractions. These include the Museum of Costa Rican Art, La Salle Natural Sciences Museum and the National Stadium. It is also possible to see a wide variety of trees, including eucalyptus, cypresses and pines, as well as animals (ducks, geese, turtles and iguanas). Based on all these reasons, it is considered the most important park in the capital and one of the favourite place for locals to exercise in its sports facilities, to take a stroll next to its enormous lagoon or enjoy a picnic.

A good part of what makes Costa Rica such a natural paradise is its flora and fauna. And of the latter, particular stars are its butterflies, abundant in the rain forests and the basis for various butterfly gardens throughout the country. Here in San José, a top example is Spyrogyra, adjacent to the zoo, a short walk north of the historic downtown. It's a wonderful spot to stroll quietly, relax, and watch as butterflies fly free in a woodsy enclosure recreating their natural environment. It's also a worthy way to show support for rural families who raise the plants and trees brought here as well as contribute butterfly pupae. Open daily 8 am to 4 pm, and you can cap off your visit with refreshment at the café.

The most common eateries of all throughout the entire country are called sodas. Yes, fizzy soft drinks are sold here, but it's really all about good, solid local fare at very popular prices (as in a meal often costs no more than £5/7USD). That fare includes the likes of rice, beans, plantains, beef, chicken, corn tortillas, and pico de gallo, usually accompanied by fruit juices and shakes, and perhaps cold beer. One of the best known of San José's many sodas is La Embajada on Calle 1 at Avenida 1, where specialities include the house arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).

While many of the better traditional eateries of Costa Rica may be found in some of the more outlying and rural areas outside the capital, San José itself also offers its fair share - and these also tend to be more popularly priced than the fancy international restaurants. One of the most popular is La Botija on Calle 3, very near St. Sebastian Church. At this colourful spot you can feast on all manner of national delicacies like olla de carne (beef stew), sopa negra (black-bean soup), tamales, chicharrones, and mondongo (beef tripe soup). Other top choices include Nuestra Tierra on Avenida 2 next to the Plaza de la Democracia; Las Candilejas on Avenida 4; and Restaurante Poás on Avenida 7 between Calles 3 and 5.

The sweet nature of the Ticos is reflected in their cuisine, which abounds with pastries, puddings, and baked goods. Some top examples include bread pudding, baked plantains, coconut flan, mazamorra (cornstarch pudding), and torta chilena (layer cake filled with caramel). You can find much of this sinful stuff at cafés and bakeries all over San José. A top choice is La Española, on Avenida 2 just down from the Melico Salazar Theatre, where you'll find specialities like trenzas de canela (cinnamon braids) and pan de amor ("love bread") to enjoy amid an expansive salon full of vintage photos — a great place for breakfast or a snack. There's also a popular bakery chain called Trigo Miel (www.trigomiel), famous for its colourful - even spectacular - tarts and cakes.

Coffee cultivation is intimately entwined with Costa Rican history, and the country still produces some of the finest java on the planet. The reason is a mix of its highland conditions with its particular production process, starting with toasting the coffee beans with sugar, leading to a darker, denser, and less bitter end result. A package of Costa Rica's "black gold" makes a truly wonderful (and wonderfully affordable) gift for your family/friends back home, available in any San José food shop. There are also many great spots throughout the city to enjoy a hot (or chilled) cuppa. One we find particularly interesting is the Café Expresivo, very close to the Santa Teresita Church, where you will also enjoy storytelling and theatrical and musical presentations.

Despite the variety of Costa Rican cuisine, inevitably the faster pace of life in the capital and the cultural influence of the United States has meant a proliferation of fast-food franchises in recent years, such as Burger King, McDonald's, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. But for fast food that's homegrown and actually pretty tasty in its own right, check out Spoon, with two locations in central SJ (Avenida Central 25 meters east of the Plaza de la Cultura and Calle Central 50 meters south of the Carmen Church) and two dozen more in outlying districts. On the menu you'll find sandwiches, salads, desserts, and even some more substantial fare such as pasta and chicken and rice.

Rarely in Costa Rica do drinkers down pints and rum by themselves without being accompanied by bocas or boquitas, free pub snacks comparable in some ways to tapas (some even manage to make a meal of them). Size and quality will of course vary according to where you have them, but typical bocas might include patacones (fried plantains), gallos (small beef or chicken tacos), and arracache (a starchy vegetable inside a warm corn tortilla). San José is dotted with typical traditional pubs and cantinas to sample them, and among the best known is Cantina Morazán (Avenida 3 at Calle 9, in front of the Metallic Building on Morazán Park) and La Vasconia (Avenida 1 between Calles 3 and 5), which features an excellent wine list heavy on Chilean vintages as well as some truly exceptional bocas (one of which is even made with turtle eggs).

With all the exotic flora that abounds in Costa Rica, it's hardly a surprise that the local selection of tropical fruits is impressive indeed. You can get the best sense of it at the local food markets, with their abundance of not only the usual suspects like avocado, banana, coconut, pineapple, and watermelon, but also the more exotic likes of custard apple, breadfruit, guava, loquat, mango, papaya, rambutan, sapodilla, soursop, and zapote plum. Ticos use them to jazz up their salads, as accompaniments (especially true of plantains), and above all in yummy desserts and juices.

The feathered clucker is without a doubt the main protein for Ticos, consumed in every imaginable way. Some of the more common of those ways is wood-roasted or arroz con pollo (mixed with rice). In fact, throughout Costa Rica you can even find quite a few eateries devoted primarily to chicken, with names like El Pollazo (Big Chick) or El Pollo Rico Ricón (Tasty Oh So Tasty Chicken). In San José, one of the most popular chains is Pío Pío ("Cluck Cluck"), with various downtown locations (one of the most prominent being on Calle 0 between Avenidas 4 and 6, another on Calle 16 in front of the Treasury). You'll also see plenty of branches of Rostipollos, including one in Desamparados Park and another out in Escazú.

When it comes to dining in San José, there are several terms you might want to learn. One is the lunchtime special, called a casado (which by the way literally means "married"): a combo of meat with rice, beans, veggies, yuca (aka cassava), and patacones (unsweet plantains, flattened and fried; regardless of the main event, the most common side dish in these parts is some form of fried plantain, either savoury or sweet). Come suppertime, Ticos often enjoy a hearty soup known as "sustentadora." Other of the more interesting local specialities include churrasco (barbecued beef); jalapeño tenderloin tips; and various and sundry kinds of shellfish, especially locally caught Pacific lobster.

Costa Rican cookery is closely related to that of elsewhere in Central America, and includes some Mexican influence, as well. The basis of many of its dishes is cornmeal tortillas, often with chicken, beef, fish, or shellfish (mostly lobster and shrimp) and accompanied by rice and pinto beans. Corn is also the basis of tamales (steamed wedges of cornmeal with some kind of meat). Speakling of which, carnivorous specialities include chicharrones (fried pork), olla de carne (beef stew), mondongo (beef-tripe stew), and picadillo (think plantains and vegetables, though it also can involve eggs, tortillas, and sour cream, depending on taste). Another classic is gallo pinto, rice and beans commonly eaten for breakfast.

Located in La Uruca (San José province), approximately two kilometres from Hospital de México, the origins of this huge amusement park, founded in 1981, date back to the 1950s, when polio caused the highest number of deaths recorded to date. As a result, the National Children's Pro-Hospital Association was created in 1954 to raise funds and treat diseases. Ten years later, it opened its own hospital, which the park (created by the same association) helps finance under the motto "Converting fun into contributions". This innovative park, designed for the whole family to enjoy, offers everything from water attractions to adrenaline-inducing roller coasters, as well as an affordable culinary offer for visitors of all ages. Opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The northeastern corner of Parque Central is home to Melico Salazar Popular Theatre: one of the most photographed places in San José given the impressive late neoclassical building in which it is housed, playing host to some of the most important plays in the city. In addition to its mouthwatering programme, its history, packed with interesting facts, is an attraction in itself. It dates back to 1927, the year of its construction, as dreamt by Spaniard José Revantós, who wanted to reproduce zarzuelas and operettas. A fire tore through the hall in 1967 and it would not be reopened until 1985, under its current name, which pays tribute to the popular Costa Rican tenor Melico Salazar. Visit the theatre from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to explore its architecture and history. This is a mandatory stop off for lovers of the performing arts, offering the opportunity to attend one of its performances. Consult the theatre's schedule on its website.

As with most Latin American capitals, San José can boast a pretty bangin' nightlife, from low-key neighbourhood pubs to chic lounges/cocktail bars to big, boom-boom dance clubs. One of the more popular options of the moment is the Bre Pub Cabeza Grande on downtown boulevard Paseo Colón. It's a great spot to start off a night on the town, with various brands and styles of beer to choose from (including amber, stout, tropicana, wheat, or "sexy", oh la la), whether with a bite to eat or just while taking in the live Wednesday-night music. Another option is La Esmeralda (Avenida 2 between Calles 5 and 7), which has a Mexican flavour, often including live mariachi music. For a really mod flavour, check out Luna Roja Café (Calle 3 at Avenidas 9 & 11), a hangout for young goths and other urban tribes.

Usually unjustifiably, snakes are for many among the scariest critters out there, and there are a lot of them in Costa Rica. in fact, San José has not one but two institutions dedicated to studying them, and of them, the Serpentario on the second floor of the Radamida Building (Avenida 1 between Calle 9 and Calle 11) is the better known. With exhibits not just about the country's various serpent species but also other reptiles and a few amphibians, this is an excellent choice to check out before heading out to the rain forests, to be able to identify the snakes you may spot (including distinguishing poisonous from harmless). The other, the Clodomiro Picado Institute in the outlying town of Dulce Nombre de Coronado, investigates and produces anti-venom serums, but also welcomes the public on Friday afternoons for a look at its reptiles.

Insects have been Earth's most abundant and diverse class of animals for more than 400 million years. It is estimated that there are almost one million species of insects in the world, with 360,000 calling Costa Rica home. Interesting, wouldn't you say? The Insect Museum, located in the Rodrigo Facio University City, pursues an important mission in the research, dissemination and conservation of these animals. Its aim is to end certain prejudices and raise awareness of the importance of insects, whose role is crucial in the balance of the ecosystem as pollinators, predators, transformers of matter and as a food source for mammals. The collections housed by this museum, which are continuously growing, fascinate scientists and students alike on account of their great depth. If you plan to visit the Costa Rican jungle, stopping here beforehand is highly recommended as these facilities provide information about tropical diseases and their transmission. Open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A family must located in the castle-like building housing the Costa Rican Centre of Science and Culture, like most children's museums it's delightfully interactive, aiming for learning by doing, playing, and self-expressing. Its more than 3,800 square metres (41,000 sq. feet) offer up fascinating exhibitions on nature and the universe, human biology, communications, physical sciences, the arts, and even products central to the economy of Costa Rica, such as coffee and bananas. Other installations are specifically geared toward play. Details: www.MuseoCR.org.

The museum, located inside the San José Supreme Court of Justice, just a stone's throw from the Templo Votivo del Sagrado Corazón, is home to one of the most interesting exhibitions in the city. Founded in 1981, its aim was to provide thriller and mystery lovers with a more in-depth view of different types of crimes. The tour of the museum presents real life cases, past investigations, evidence, documents and objects related to a number of important cases. This is a must-see stop off for fans of thrillers, which is completely free of charge on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This house museum, which honours Rafael Calderón, president of Costa Rica from 1940 to 1944, is considered one of the country's national monuments. Located in the Escalante neighbourhood, its display cases depict the history of this president that was especially loved by the Costa Rican people, particularly because of the numerous social reforms he spearheaded that significantly improved the population's standard of living. Calderón was responsible for establishing the Costa Rican minimum wage, in addition to legalising labour associations and establishing a Social Security system. Thanks to this social progress, he received support from representatives ranging from the Christian Democrats to the Communists. Under his government, the University of Costa Rica was also founded and the National Symphony Orchestra was created. The most distinguished objects housed in this house museum include the constitutional instrument in which he was appointed president as well as numerous personal belongings and documents. It is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and offers guided tours, workshops and educational talks.

Officially known as the Miguel Obregón National Library in honour of an important figure in the world of education, who promoted the construction of public libraries throughout the country, this building is home to the most valuable collection of books and manuscripts in Costa Rica. The National Library is located between Calle 15 and 17 and Avenidas 3 and 5, on the northern side of the National Park. Although the institution dates back to the end of the 19th century, its current location was not opened until 1971. This huge multi-story building boasts an unmistakable modern façade. Inside, you can consult a large variety of materials, including books, maps, newspapers, magazines and photographs, all very well preserved and perfectly classified. Those dating to the mid-19th century onwards are even available in digital format. As well as the archive, the reading room, located on the main floor, and the green space that surrounds the building, the perfect place for reading under the shade of the trees, are worth particular mention.

In the area surrounding the National Park and just a short distance from Plaza de la Democracia y de la Abolición del Ejército, stands this enormous architectural complex, on which construction began in 1937 with a view to serving as the official residence of the president of the Republic of Costa Rica. A decade on, the project was suspended on account of the outbreak of the Second World War and the impossibility of importing the materials that were being used for its construction from Germany and other places in central Europe. After the war, work was resumed, but now with a view to installing the headquarters of the Legislative Assembly, which opened its doors in 1958. The Castillo Azul, declared a national monument and historical-architectural heritage in 1976, is the most interesting of the four buildings that make up this complex. This monumental mansion spanning more than 1,000 square metres distributed across two floors in a neocolonial and Mediterranean style, on which construction began in 1912, had until then acted as the residence for several Costa Rican presidents and even as the US embassy.

Body text: Located in Vázquez de Coronado, one of the districts that make up the province of San José, this is one of the most important religious temples in Costa Rica. San Isidro Labrador has been worshipped here since 1935, when he replaced an old church constructed in 1880 that was damaged during the 1910 earthquake. The Costa Rican architect, painter and engineer Teodorico Quirós, popularly known as Don Quico, was tasked with the construction of the temple. In addition to this temple, he was also entrusted with other Costa Rican churches including those in San Rafael de Escazú, Curridabat or Ciudad Quesada. Quirós chose a neo-Gothic style design that included a gigantic metal frame that was manufactured entirely in Germany by German firm Krupp & Cia. Its highlights include its enormous stained glass windows, the cross vaults distributed throughout the ceiling and its pillars, some inspired by coffee branches.

This complex of monumental architectural beauty takes its name from the first rector of the University of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Facio Brenes, who served in this position between 1952 and 1961. Located in the district of San Pedro (Montes de Oca, approximately 3 kilometres from San José), the campus is home to facilities including but not limited to the different faculties and specialist libraries, the small Theatre of Fine Arts, the Conservatory of Music, the University Radio, the University Cinema, the Anthropology and Archaeology Laboratory, the Botanical Garden and the Insect Museum. The complex also boasts gardens and small forests, the perfect place for walking, home to up to 50 species of exotic trees and colourful flowers. If you are lucky enough to visit the capital at the end of April, you can also enjoy University Week, when a variety of cultural events and musical festivals are organised.

Located at the heart of the National Park, this is one of the most important sculptures in San José. Its creation was entrusted to French painter and sculptor Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse, who created most of his artistic work during the last decades of the 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century. The monument, on which work was completed in Paris in 1891, consists of five women who represent the five republics of Central America: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica. Considered the most important monument in the country, it symbolises the victory of these republics over the filibusters led by William Walker, who is represented in full flight, after his attempt to take control of Central America between 1855 and 1857. The sculpture also includes four bas-reliefs that depict four episodes from this transcendental historical period, including the famous battle of Santa Rosa, the capture of the San Juan River and the battle of Rivas.

Named after the colour of its façade, it is located in the Carmen district, at one end of Parque de España. Its origins date back to 1916, when it hosted the Central American Court of Justice at the initiative of Andrew Carnegie, an important American industrialist and philanthropist who was in charge of its financing. However, it did not take long for control of the building to be definitively transferred to the Costa Rican State. In fact, it now plays host to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship, also known as the Chancellery. The decoration of its main door, its neo-baroque style lintel and its absolute symmetry are all worth particular mention. The Montealegre Room on the ground floor is home to the Braulio Carrillo Diplomatic Museum, where visitors can see the so-called Ortiz Collection, which reflects on the experiences of Manuel María de Peralta y Alfaro, an important diplomat and collector. Open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

This neoclassical building, opened in 1920, is the most important monument in Parque Morazán and constitutes one of the architectural symbols of the Costa Rican capital. Its design was entrusted to Costa Rican architect José Francisco Chisco Salazar, who some claim was inspired by the famous Temple of Love and Music at the Palace of Versailles. During the first decade following its construction, it hosted the festivals and musical shows to see in the New Year every 31 December, until these celebrations were moved to Plaza González Víquez. Aside from serving as the backdrop to different types of musical performances, the building has played a very prominent role in the public life of the Central American country, with many leaders having used it as a stage for their main rallies. In 1975, it was declared historical-architectural heritage of Costa Rica.

Strolling through downtown San José's Morazán Park, you'll notice a distinctive, somewhat grandiose edifice which tends to be the most photographed by visitors hereabouts. The Edificio Metálico (aka the Escuelas Metálicas, Metallic School) between Calle 7 and Calle 9 was created - from sections of stamped-steel imitation stone - in Belgium upon the request of the Costa Rican government of the day, then shipped over to be put together here to house a pair of schools named for luminaries of Costa Rican education, Buenaventura Corrales and Julia Lang. A fine example of the architectural splendour of a bygone era.

This is one of the main symbols, if not the main symbol, of San José de Costa Rica. Located between Calle 3 and 5, next to Plaza Juan Mora Fernández and Plaza de la Cultura, it was declared a national symbol of historical-architectural heritage and cultural freedom in 2018. Its grandeur meant that for many years, Europeans would say that "Costa Rica was a village around the National Theatre." Surrounded by spectacular gardens, which can be visited free of charge, its interior has the capacity to hold one thousand spectators. Opened in 1897, since then, the National Theatre has become a source of pride for the city given its recognition, encouragement and promotion of art, culture and education. The financing for this ambitious project was handled by wealthy businessmen from the Costa Rican coffee industry who were looking for a place where to enjoy live opera. In fact, several coffee harvesting scenes are worth particular note. Its imposing staircase, the marble sculptures and its halls, where spectators gathered during breaks from performances, are a few of its main attractions. It currently hosts a varied programme that covers all types of genres as well as offering guided tours from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Every Saturday, Parque Polideportivo Aranjuez, located in the Carmen district, hosts one of the city's most sustainable fairs. Feria Verde is a meeting point for local suppliers and consumers where organic food, seeds, plants, crafts, art and design pieces are all on offer. Here, health fanatics will discover a natural, diverse and welcoming environment, as well as endless activities that cater to all ages: from outdoor yoga classes to break dancing sessions or live music. Charitable and environmental initiatives organised by local communities are also held here. Strolling its stalls, shaded beneath the trees on a sunny Saturday morning (it is open from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) is a plan that will not only immerse you in the country's culture but also connect you with its nature.

Daily life in Costa Rica takes place among the labyrinth of alleys in San José Central Market, declared architectural and historical heritage given its strong tradition and cultural identity. Constructed in 1880, next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, it occupies an entire block of Avenida Central and is home to more than 200 fruit, vegetable, meat and fish stalls where you can find typical products including fresh papaya, chayote, cas and pork rinds. No only are native flavours abundant here, there are also all kinds of crafts, flowers, medicinal herbs and souvenirs. Taking a stroll through its alleyways bursting with natural aromas, listening to the stories and anecdotes of the most veteran vendors or stopping off at one of its sodas (food stalls) to enjoy a gallo pinto or tripe soup is a fascinating experience for locals and foreigners alike. Open from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The history of Costa Rica runs parallel to the story of one of its star products: coffee. When it was first cultivated at the turn of the 19th century, it not only took root in Costa Rican soil but also in the country's culture. Today, the country's coffee market is one of the most varied and valued in the world. Exported in large quantities, it is also consumed, and a lot, behind closed doors: every day, almost 5 million cups of coffee are drunk by locals. So it is no surprise that the centre of San José is bursting with cafes where you can enjoy its intense aroma and flavour. Alma de Café, located in the iconic National Theatre, is one of the most famous. Also worth a visit are Cafeoteca, in the modern neighbourhood of Escalante, Café Rojo, in Amón, or the picturesque Café Otoya. If you want to enjoy it like a local, order a very large cup at around 3 p.m., after lunch. This custom was born years ago when workers would top up their energy levels before returning to work.

Breakfasts in Costa Rica are as tasty as they are filling. With this in mind, if you plan to explore the streets and avenues around the Costa Rican capital on foot, you will need to stock up on energy for the day ahead. One of the hallmarks of Costa Rican cuisine is its chorreadas. These pancakes, prepared using fresh corn, milk, flour, eggs and sugar, are cooked in a clay container known as a comal, into which the dough is poured. The original recipe, handed down by the country's indigenous ancestors, used just hand-ground corn and corn milk, meaning its consistency was thicker, but just as tasty. Nowadays, they are usually served with honey, washed down by coffee, although there are those who prefer a savoury version, with cheese and sour cream usually added. You can sample them at any time of the day: they are prepared throughout the day both at cafes and the different sodas (street food stands) injecting colour and flavour into the city.