Day 1: San Jose
Why visit: culture and cuisine in the capital
Surprisingly green — and less crowded and chaotic than many other cities around these parts — San José is easily explored on foot, with several pleasantly landscaped parks and paved-over plazas in the center of town.
So, after checking into your San José hotel, waste no time in heading out to stroll the likes of Parque Central. This haven of lush palms has an iconic Art Deco kiosk at its heart.
Chances are, you’ll want some food after your flight, so we suggest having lunch at a local restaurant like Soda Tapia, which has been feeding San José folks for around a century.
Located near Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, it’s a great spot to try a casado (a typical dish of rice, beans, plantains and your choice of meat) or gallo pinto.
Come the afternoon, you could visit the Museo de Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) to discover the history of indigenous Costa Rican society from the Neolithic era.
Or how about touring the stunning Teatro Nacional, or visiting the Museo del Jade? Alternatively, head to the Artisan Market (Mercado Nacional de Artesanías) — it’s located near Plaza de la Democracia — to buy unique hand-crafted gifts.
Come the evening, you could opt to dine in one of San José’s finest restaurants, such as Grano de Oro. Sited in a restored Victorian mansion in the Hotel Grano de Oro, this elegant eatery blends traditional Costa Rican flavors with modern European flair.
Editor’s tip: not fixed on a 7-day trip? Read our recommended itineraries for 14-day trips to Costa Rica, rewarding 10-day itineraries, and the best ways to spend five days in Costa Rica.