San José is the capital and the largest city in Costa Rica. It is a modern city, with a bustling economy and a strong sense of art and culture.
Shopping
The downtown centre has a fabulous variety of small boutiques and privately owned shops, and is also home to the Central Market. Market stalls can be found selling anything from fresh fish to high fashion, and prices there will often be less than you would find in a North American style shopping centre. American style malls host many familiar chains if you are looking for a taste of home, and more exclusive shops can be found in the Mulitplaza in Escazu.
Dining
Dining out in San José varies from a typical Costa Rican meal in a 'soda' or diner, to an extravagant night out in an upscale restaurant. Food from all ethnicities can be found here, as can American based fast-food chains. Typically, you can expect to spend as little as $3 on a full meal in a local restaurant, and it would take a lot of work to spend more than $50 in even the most expensive establishments.
Night life
San José has a large selection of entertainment ranging from wholesome to wild. It has myriads of clubs, jazz bars, casinos and theatres. Costa Ricans take their dancing very seriously, and there are multiple places to take lessons in the early evening, and then practice your skills at night. The National Theatre is a must for anyone looking for concerts and plays, and often outdoor concerts are held in the park. Bullfights are a favourite, and in Costa Rican style bullfighting the bull has the advantage. If you are looking for a quieter night, you could try one of the many cinemas, showing first run movies from around the world.
Museums & Galleries
Famous for its culture, San José has over 30 museums, and an uncountable number of art galleries. Native American artifacts, pre-Columbian gold, natural history and even criminolgy are showcased, and most museums are in close proximity to each other and the city centre. The art galleries are home to pre-Columbian works, oil paintings, Mayan sculpture, ceramics, woodcraft and watercolours from the ancient to the most modern. Many of the galleries are also in the museum district.
