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Top 101 Things to Do in San Jose, Alajuela
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Top things to do in San Jose
#1Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour
Explore the outdoor wonders near San José with a full-day excursion to Poas National Park’s blackened crater, an award-winning coffee plantation, and the tow...
recommend90% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#2Coffee Plantation Tour with Lunch
Discover the true meaning of farm-to-table with a guided tour and tasting at one of the country’s premier coffee plantations. Get a behind-the-scenes look at...
recommend90% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#3Guided Cartago, Irazu Volcano & Orosi Hot Springs Tour with Lunch
Leave the city of San José behind to explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural surroundings and smaller towns. Visit the impressive basilica in Cartago, gaze dow...
recommend94% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#4Whitewater Rafting and Canopy
Costa Rica provides whitewater rafting experiences that send your adrenaline soaring, and fascinating canopy tours that go high above the treetops. Enjoy the...
recommend92% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#5Tortuguero National Park Cruise
Explore the exotic rainforests, waterways and fauna-filled parks of Costa Rica on this guided excursion. Drive through the densely forested and mountainous B...
recommend86% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#6Sarapiqui Canopy Zip-line & Rainforest Adventure with Lunch
Leave the city behind and venture deep into the jungle for an unforgettable sightseeing and zip-lining excursion. Watch for rainforest animals from the deck ...
recommend84% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#7Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate & Sarchi Arts & Crafts Market Tour
At Poas National Park, look down into the blackened lunar landscape of the 8,885-foot (2,708 m) tall crater. As the billowing smoke and steam dissipate over ...
recommend92% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#8Whitewater Rafting Excursion
Set out for a whitewater adventure as you ride the river's surges, swells and swirling waters through Costa Rica's stunning natural scenery. Put in on either...
recommend90% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#9Small-Group San Jose by Night Tour
Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Central Market, which is the best way to learn about the city's food. After the m...
recommend92% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
#10Doka Coffee Plantation, Grecia & Sarchi Artisan Oxcart Factories Tour
Dive into the art, architecture, history, and flavours of Costa Rica's countryside on this fun-filled day tour. Check out a coffee and sugar cane plantation ...
recommend68% of travellers recommend
Free cancellation Free cancellation
Top things to do by category
Things To Do In San Jose
Coming up: San Jose! You're excited to set course in a different direction. Constantly seeking innovative ways to get inspired and have an eye-opening adventure, you're eager to discover a new city like a pro. Find and book your activities now, and all that's left to do is count the days until your escape and start daydreaming, because Expedia can hook you up with loads of things to do.
- Get your favourite day trip on Expedia for a great price, and you'll still have enough cash for a fancy hotel or fine dinner while you are in town. The things to do in San Jose are not only top-notch, but they won't bust your budget. We have 101 things to do here, and you can get them starting at £27.
- San Jose is a favourite among sightseers like yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to this city to learn about local culture and find the top activities. The most loved activities can earn the curiosity of even well-versed globetrotters, and it's easy to see why. Our list includes an impressive range of historically based tours and opportunities for excitement. With one-of-a kind ways to see the best this area has to provide like a Full-Day Tour to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour, there are plenty of selections to choose from when you browse through all the things you can do here at Expedia.
It takes some planning to best get the feel for San Jose, especially when you wish to pack in lots of local cuisine and entertainment. And we realise you don't want to hunker down in your hotel room遥ou're excited to get out and see what life is like for locals. You're anxious to sign up for the most essential activities around, and an afternoon walk through charming neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Our activities are the best way to organise your trip. Book professional area tours on Expedia, and you'll never need a map.
Things to Do in San Jose
San José is a great place for tourists to experience the excitement of city life in a country so well-known for its beaches and nature. You could find yourself poking around the capital’s historic neighbourhoods by day and dancing the night away to live music in the evening. Colonial mansions in Barrio Amon have been converted into art galleries, restaurants and boutique hotels. You may find it fun to join the hordes of Saturday shoppers at the organic farmers’ market in Arunjuez or join the Sunday crowds in Parque La Sabana.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in San José
Barrio Amon & Aranjuez — This area is home to some of Costa Rica’s most historic buildings. The grand colonial architecture features hand-carved woodwork, wraparound porches and other quaint details of a bygone era. You will also find several fine dining restaurants here.
San Pedro, Los Yoses & Barrio Escalante — There is a young, hip vibe here which is favoured by students, professionals and young families. Tourists will also find San José’s largest selection of restaurants and nightlife.
Parque La Sabana — Parque La Sabana offers wide, open spaces, towering eucalyptus trees, a small lake and art museum – the perfect place for some respite from the centre. This is a good place to visit the theatre, opera or experience one of the many gourmet restaurants.
Santa Ana — Santa Ana offers a wide range of outdoor activities from horseback riding classes to golfing on championship courses. This area is also noted for its verdant mountains and constant breezes.
Things to See in San José
San José is home to dense culture, history and exquisite architecture and is described as the cultural hub of the country. There are countless museums, art galleries, parks and dining options for tourists to choose from. Although the city is fairly modern in parts, you will see plenty of World War II era buildings. The Democracy Plaza is a good spot where the elevated terraces provide great views of the mountains surrounding San José, especially at sunset. While you’re there, you could visit the open-air crafts market on the west side. The small but fascinating Jade Museum is a good place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Here you will see the largest collection in the world of this semi-precious stone.
Things to Do in San José
If you like to be active on holiday, there are a number of walking and cycling tours so you can fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture. You can choose from a food-oriented exploration, a bar-hopping tour focusing on traditional downtown cantinas or a tour of San José’s parks and green spaces. For adrenaline junkies, rafting down the Pacuare River is a must. You can travel up to 18 miles taking in 52 rapids. World famous for its breathtaking beauty, the river gorge is flanked by steep, green walls and waterfalls cascading into the river on both sides.
You can also book top San Jose hotels and great San Jose package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.
