Top Culture Spots in Costa Rica

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1

Central Market rating icon 8.5

WWM9+V5F, C. 8, San José, Paso De La Vaca, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 9 of 195
Popularity in Category: 100 of 2522
Popularity Worldwide: 1166 of 29087
Architecture
2

Nuestra Senora de los Angeles rating icon 8.2

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, Calle 15, Los Ángeles, Cartago, Oriental, Cantón Cartago, Cartago Province, 30101, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 13 of 195
Popularity in Category: 449 of 2522
Popularity Worldwide: 4986 of 29087
Architecture
3

Plaza de La Cultura rating icon 8

WWMF+C66 Plaza de la Cultura, Av. Central, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 16 of 195
Popularity in Category: 396 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 5922 of 29087
Museums
Parks
Theaters
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Margaret January 27, 2025

Check out the National Theater while you’re there. It’s just a stone's throw away and totally worth the 1,500 colones for a guided tour. I loved the stunning architecture and history.

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James December 5, 2024

The best time to visit Plaza de La Cultura is around 4 PM. That way you can grab a coffee from a nearby café and catch that golden hour light for amazing photos - trust me, it's worth it!

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Mark November 27, 2024

I highly recommend stopping by the cafes around the plaza for lunch. You can find delicious local food for a fraction of the price you’d pay in more touristy spots.

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Lucas October 19, 2024

My advice is to bring comfy shoes. You’ll end up walking around more than you expect, especially if you want to explore the area. I didn’t and my feet were killing me!

4

National Museum of Costa Rica rating icon 7

Cuesta de Moras, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 37 of 195
Popularity in Category: 583 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 8629 of 29087
Museums
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Daniel February 28, 2025

I suggest checking out the outdoor gardens first; they're peaceful and give you a nice break from the indoor exhibits. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

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Lisa February 18, 2025

Next time, I’d skip the audio guides; honestly, I found them a bit overpriced and the signs around the museum give plenty of info.

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Jill December 4, 2024

If you're on a budget, try to time your visit during a free admission day; you can save a few bucks and still enjoy everything the museum has to offer.

5

National Children's Museum rating icon 6.6

WWR9+GR4, Av 9, San José, Bajos de La Union, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 45 of 195
Popularity in Category: 646 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 9732 of 29087
Museums
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Betty March 18, 2025

If you're on a budget, bring your own snacks; the cafe prices can be a lil high, and there's a nice area to eat outside.

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Samuel December 21, 2024

I recommend checking their website for special events before you go; we ended up on a day with awesome activities for kids that we didn't expect!

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Patrick November 18, 2024

I think it's worth spending some time in the science exhibits - they're really interactive and fun! Plan at least an hour here.

6

Metropolitan Cathedral of San Jose rating icon 5.3

Calle Central, Avenida Segunda, Av. 2, San José Province, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 67 of 195
Popularity in Category: 1176 of 2522
Popularity Worldwide: 13501 of 29087
Architecture
7

Jade Museum rating icon 5

y, 13 bis, Av. Central, San José, Bella Vista, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 76 of 195
Popularity in Category: 974 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 14474 of 29087
Museums
8

Santiago Apostol Parish Ruins rating icon 4.1

Cartago Province, Cartago, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 97 of 195
Popularity in Category: 143 of 253
Popularity Worldwide: 17119 of 29087
Excavations
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Lucas January 11, 2025

I think exploring the ruins with a guide is worth it, as you’ll get insightful history that you won’t find in brochures or signs.

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Jill November 30, 2024

Check the weather ahead of time and bring an umbrella or poncho if there's a chance of rain; the ruins can get slippery and it's no fun if you get soaked!

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James November 17, 2024

I recommend visiting early in the morning, around 8 AM, to avoid the crowds and get the best photos without too many people in the background.

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Patrick November 15, 2024

Bring some snacks and water, as there aren’t many food options nearby; it will save you time and a bit of cash

9

Pre-Columbian Gold Museum rating icon 3.8

Bajos de la Plaza de la Cultura. Avenida Central. Calle 5 San José Centro San José CR 10104, Av. Central, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 105 of 195
Popularity in Category: 1200 of 1945
Popularity Worldwide: 18292 of 29087
Museums
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Zachary March 24, 2025

I suggest getting there right at 10 AM when they open. It wasn't super crowded, and I had more freedom to fully enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.

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Samuel January 20, 2025

I recommend checking out their gift shop before you leave. They have unique souvenirs that aren't overpriced, and it feels good to support local artisans rather than tourist traps.

10

Video Relaxxx rating icon 3.6

San José Province, San José, Paso De La Vaca, 0010, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 111 of 195
Popularity in Category: 113 of 147
Popularity Worldwide: 18662 of 29087
Theaters
Sex-Friendly Places
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Elizabeth March 30, 2025

i suggest going on a weekday instead of the weekend, it was way less crowded and you can enjoy more space. plus, the vibe was pretty relaxed!

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George March 6, 2025

My advice is to bring cash because some places nearby only accept that. I almost missed out on a good snack just because I didn't check beforehand!

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