San Jose Sights and Landmarks Guide, Costa Rica

If you are going to San Jose, Costa Rica there are a few places that you will have to go to. San Jose is rather small but it does not lack entertainment. These destinations will teach you about local culture, its history and dedication to peace.

Here is a short list of things to do while in San Jose, Costa Rica: Mercado Central or Central Market - at the Central Market, you will be able to enjoy a local experience. Many Costa Ricans come here to pick up fresh groceries such as meat, vegetables, fruit, fish and more. There are also a variety of shops that sell clothes, shoes, stationary, souvenirs, toys, etc. The Central Market consists of a variety of stands with restaurants spread throughout the building.

Catedral Metropolitana or Metropolitan Cathedral - here you will be able to view stained glass windows picturing saints and apostles, beautifully tiled floors, the fourteen stations of the cross and a praying station that lights electronic candles. This cathedral was built in 1871 and renovated in the 90s due to an earthquake that damaged it.

Museo Nacional or National Museum - this museum offers bilingual exhibits that documents the history of Costa Rica and holds monthly special exhibits. There is also a live butterfly exhibit in the basement open garden of this museum which is in a former fortress.

Parque Central or Central Park – This park is located in the center of San Jose and is across the street from the Metropolitan Cathedral and a theatre house, the Teatro Popular Melico Salazar. This park is unique as it not only has trees, a bandstand, a fountain and benches, it also has life size bronze statues.

These are just a few examples of dozens of attractions that San Jose has to offer. Here is a list of other sights to see while in San Jose: Parque Nacional – National Park, Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, Parque Espana – Spanish Park, Parque Morazan – Morazan Park, Parque Zoologico Simon Bolivar – Simon Bolivar Zoological Park, Plaza de la Cultura – Culture Plaza, Plaza de la Democracia – Democracy Plaza, Museo del Oro Precolumbiano – Pre Columbian Gold Museum, Museo de Arte Costarricense - Museum of Costa Rican Art, Museo de los Ninos – Children’s Museum, Museo del Jade – Jade Museum, Museo Para La Paz – Peace Museum, Teatro Popular Melico Salazar – Popular Theatre Melico Salazar, Teatro Nacional – National Theatre.

Currently, there is an exhibition of over 200 cow statues for the Cow Parade in San Jose. They are spread out all over the city on public display.

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