Things to Do in Costa Rica
Where to Eat and What to See in San Jose, Costa Rica
There's a lot to do in the capital of Costa Rica. Find out about the best restaurants, museums and theaters to frequent while there.
Over the last few years Costa Rica has become one of the hottest places to vacation and not just because of the weather. Advertisement and word of mouth have drawn people towards the Pacific coast to enjoy the beautiful beaches and chic resorts as well as the Atlantic coast for thrilling adventures. Yet most people overlook the city of San Jose. San Jose offers plenty of great restaurants, museums and theater to enjoy while in town.
Restaurants:
Donde Carlos Parrillada $$$ ***
225-0819
100 Meters north of the Fatima Church, Los Yoses
Walking into this Argentinean steakhouse and parillada it is difficult not to take notice of its contemporary architecture and style. With windows lining the wall facing the street, the small space feels much larger. The wine list is extensive and the menu, although limited, offers a fine variety of meat, fish and also a kid's section; the portions are large and tasty. And for those who wish to make the evening even more romantic, there is second floor balcony seating. Open Mon-Thurs noon - 3pm and 6:30 - 10pm. Fri noon - 3pm and 6:30-11pm. Sun noon- 7pm.
Casa Luisa $$$$ ****
296-1917
400 meters south and 40 meters east of the Contraloria, Sabana Sur
What is great about many of the restaurants in San Jose is that most of them have at one point been residences. Casa Luisa was converted eight years ago from a residential house and although a bit hard to find, the establishment has become one of the most sought out Spanish restaurants in San Jose. With tables spread around several rooms, you can almost imagine what the rooms were once used for. Also, the bathrooms still have shower tubs in them. The menu is extensive and the fare is excellent. Mon-Sat noon - 3pm and 6pm - 11pm.
Tin Jo $$$ ***
221-7605
Calle 11, between Avenidas 6 and 8
This Chinese Pan Asian restaurant is the only true pan-Asian restaurant in the city. Offering dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, Tin Jo has it covered. There are plenty of variety on the menu and a wonderful place to go if you are a Vegetarian. The restaurant has various dining rooms, each decorated in a distinct regional theme. The rooms feature artwork from local artists. The portions are generous and the food is well prepared. As for what to drink, try the Ginger bomb, a mix of ginger, lemongrass and rum! Mon-Thur 11:30-3pm and 5:30-10pm. Fri - Sat 11:30am - 3pm and 5:30pm - 11pm. Sun 11:30am - 10pm.
Olio Pub and Restaurant $$ *
281-0541
200 m north of Bagelmen's, Barrio Escalante
Offering a Mediterranean cuisine yet specializing in Tapas, Olio delivers a reasonably priced fare. The menu is broad and the quality of the food varies on the dish. What most people enjoy about the restaurant is its convivial atmosphere. The brick walls and stained glass light fixtures add a sense of sophistication and romance. Mon-Fri 11:30 - 1am; Sat 4pm - midnight
Restaurant Zermatt $$$ ****
222-0604
100 meters north and 25 meters east of Church Saint Teresita
One of the oldest Fondue restaurants in the country, Zermatt offers a wonderful fare for a reasonable price. The décor is very simple; wood walls and seats; tables with light green tablecloths and pictures hung here and there. The only thing I would stay away from is the house wine.
If visiting museums is something that relaxes you while traveling, San Jose has plenty to chose from.
Museums:
The Children's Museum
www.museocr.com Not just for kids. Museums reside in an old penitentiary built in 1909 kids on science music geography and other subjects for grown up the galleria nacional holds modern exhbits using old cells as viewing spaces.
Museo de Art Costarricense
This museum houses a permanent collection of Costa Rican art from 19th and 20th centuries. http://www.musarco.go.cr/.
Jade Museum
One of Costa Rica's most frequented museums, it is located in the Instituto Nacional de Seguros. This museum houses the world's largest collection of American jade.
Insect Museum
This is the only insect museum of its size in Central America. http://www.miucr.ucr.ac.cr/
National Museum
The museum was once a fort used by the Costa Rican army. It houses Pre-Columbian artifacts and offers a great Costa Rican history lesson.
If you are looking for theater, check out what's playing at the venues listed below.
Theater:
Arlequin Theater, Ca. 13 Av
Blanche Brown Theater, Bello Horizonte, Escazu
Teatro de Bellas Artes,
National Theater www.teatronacional.go.cr
- Teatro Vargas Calvo
Although most people skip San Jose and head straight to the beaches, you might be surprised at what you can find if you take a day or two to explore the capital of Costa Rica.
