Places of Costa Rica

2006-08-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

PALACIO NACIONALThe National Palace houses the country’s Legislative Assembly. The building features Moorish-style architecture. Visitors are welcome to see the building’s interior and witness the country’s congressmen in session.

MUSEO NACIONAL DEL FERROCARRILA quick detour takes you to the National Railroad Museum, housed in the old Atlantic train station built in 1907. Photographs and valuable artifacts recall the grandeur of Costa Rica’s extinct railway system.

MUSEO DE ARTE Y DISEÑO CONTEMPORANEOThe National Museum of Contemporary Art and Design focuses on current artwork of different sorts, ranging from video and traditional techniques to installation and performance. There are six exhibit rooms that display different pieces of the museum’s permanent collection.
CENACThe old government liquor company now houses the National Arts and Culture Center (CENAC). The complex is artistic from the inside out, including the colonial architecture that dates back to 1850. The CENAC has three art galleries, several display spaces and two theaters. There are different exhibits and presentations every week.
CASA AMARILLAGrandeur surrounds the Yellow House, a XIX century architectural wonder that now serves as the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters. Internal gardens and artwork fill the building where international policy is implemented.
MUSEO DE JADE FIDEL TRISTANLocated in the national insurance company’s building, the Jade Museum displays the largest exhibit and only existing pre-Columbian collection of the precious stone. There are also valuable archeological artifacts made of stone, ceramics and gold.
PARQUE MORAZANA breath of fresh air in the middle of a crowded city, the Morazán Park is a good place to take a break from the walking. The sound of the birds in the trees and occasional concerts in the acoustically perfect Temple of Music, a domed bandstand built in the middle of the park, make you forget you’re downtown.
PLAZA DE LA CULTURAThe concrete Culture Plaza is the center of San José’s hustle and bustle. The pretty layout and sitting areas attract locals, tourists and hundreds of pigeons. Artists also display their work in the sidewalk and souvenirs can be found by the dozens.
MUSEO DE ORO AND MUSEO DE NUMISMATICABoth venues are located underneath the Plaza de la Cultura. The Gold Museum displays a collection of gold artifacts dating back to 500 years before Christ and the arrival of the Spaniards in the XVI century. The Currency Museum illustrates Costa Rican economic development through its artistic bills and coins.
TEATRO NACIONALThe National Theater is Costa Rica’s architectural pride and joy. It was built 1897 as a symbol of the economic prosperity brought by coffee exports. Inspired on the Paris Opera House, the theater is reserved for performances of the highest quality. A tour allows you to see the pink marble foyer, statues, murals and the impressive auditorium. Enjoy the sumptuous atmosphere while sipping on a cup of coffee in the theater’s café.
TEATRO MELICO SALAZARA quick detour will take you to Costa Rica’s prime popular arts venue. Built in 1927, the Melico Salazar Theater features intricate architecture and perfect acoustics. It was initially intended to be movie theater, in fact, it presented the first motion picture ever shown in the country. It currently provides a stage for performing artists and visitors are welcome to relax in its historical coffee shop.
CATEDRAL METROPOLITANA AND PARQUE CENTRALThe religious headquarters are located in the Metropolitan Cathedral. The church’s interior, including stain-glass windows, wooden details and majestic altar are a testament of the country’s spiritual preferences. Mass is celebrated everyday with great solemnity. Across the Cathedral you’ll find the Central Park, a bustling plaza with all kinds of trees and a domed bandstand.
AVENIDA CENTRALNo cars are allowed on San José’s main artery, the Central Avenue. The street was turned into a pedestrian boulevard lined with stores, restaurants and charm. As you walk in the Costa Rica of today, catch a glimpse of its days past through a display of historical pictures featured on the street.
MERCADO CENTRALThe Central Market is a bee’s nest of swarming ticos in search of produce, meat and all kinds of trinkets. It will probably be your closest encounter with true local culture, especially if you have lunch at one of the little sodas found in the market. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by an affordable, satisfying meal.
MUSEO DE ARTE COSTARRICENSECentral Avenue becomes Paseo Colón and then leads you to the old international airport, a beautiful neo-colonial structure built in 1940 that now houses the Costa Rican Art Museum. The collection dates back to late XIX century and includes more than 2500 pieces from national painters.
PARQUE METROPOLITANO LA SABANAThe Sabana Metropolitan Park provides much needed fresh air to San José and its inhabitants. Tall trees, a man-made lake, fountain, running tracks, swimming pool, gymnasiums, soccer and baseball fields, and tennis and basketball courts can be found at this park where downtown businessmen take a break. This leafy green retreat with its picnic tables is the perfect spot to end your walking tour.
Travel tips
• Many of the museums are closed on Mondays, so plan your walking tour accordingly.• Although the museums are pretty self-explanatory, guided tours are recommended to get the most out of your visit. If possible call ahead to set up an appointment.• Buy coffee, lots of it. The freshly roasted bean has exquisite taste and makes for a very unique souvenir.• During rainy season, the mornings will be sunny but light rains may start in the afternoon. Plan your walk early in the morning and always carry an umbrella or a raincoat, just in case.