Central Park, San Jose

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Central Park, San Jose

Central Park, San Jose

Central Park, true to its name, sits at the heart of San José, offering a convenient and lively hub for both locals and visitors alike. Its central location has made it a traditional meeting point and a natural starting place to explore the city’s surrounding landmarks and neighborhoods. Beyond mere convenience, the park is a destination in its own right, brimming with shade trees, benches, and open spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quiet pause.

The park has a rich history dating back to 1885, evolving over the decades to meet the needs of the city. In 1944, the addition of the Center Bandstand transformed Central Park into a focal point for public celebrations, concerts, and performances, while providing shelter during sudden afternoon rain showers.

Central Park’s prime location makes it easy to move seamlessly from the park to other key attractions. The Metropolitan Cathedral rises nearby, offering a striking example of colonial and neo-classical architecture, while the Melico Salazar Theater, a jewel of Costa Rican performing arts, stands just a few steps away.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Central Park on Map

Sight Name: Central Park
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica

Create Your Own Walk in San Jose

Create Your Own Walk in San Jose

Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Tour

Historical Buildings Tour

What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.

The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour

San Jose Introduction Walking Tour

Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno, former president of Costa Rica, once said: “San Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, where the pulse of the nation beats.”

San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The city's origins are tied to the country’s shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica’s main...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour

Shopping and Food Walking Tour

Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital – San Jose – is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose

17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose

Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...