Shopping and Food Walking Tour (Self Guided), San Jose
Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital 鈥� San Jose 鈥� 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 best souvenir shopping in town can be found at Mercado Central (Central Market) with vendors selling everything, from Costa Rican coffee and fresh produce to cell phone accessories, souvenirs, and clothing. Established since 1880, this old-school market has been a staple shopping hub in San Jose where locals meet to catch up and discuss current affairs, latest gossips, plus to haggle over prices.
Just outside the Mercado is the pedestrian-only Central Avenue Boulevard, a classic Costa Rican thoroughfare stretching for several blocks 鈥� home to all kinds of shops (department stores, fashion boutiques, etc.) along with numerous eateries and several permanent public art installments (wall murals, bronze statues, etc.).
Whenever you look for something memorable to take home from San Jose, consider La Casona. This three-story shopping complex offers an ample choice of souvenirs 鈥� everything from clothing to jewelry, fabrics, ceramics and more. Ideal for afternoon browsing.
Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts) is an outlet specifically designed for Costa Rican artisans 鈥� a perfect one-stop souvenir shopping experience. An array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, leather-work, wood-work, bead-work, jewelry and other stuff, all made in Costa Rica.
If you're keen to find original and authentic Costa Rican merchandize on your own, much as to try the local food, take this self-guided walking tour to some of the top shopping venues in San Jose.
The best souvenir shopping in town can be found at Mercado Central (Central Market) with vendors selling everything, from Costa Rican coffee and fresh produce to cell phone accessories, souvenirs, and clothing. Established since 1880, this old-school market has been a staple shopping hub in San Jose where locals meet to catch up and discuss current affairs, latest gossips, plus to haggle over prices.
Just outside the Mercado is the pedestrian-only Central Avenue Boulevard, a classic Costa Rican thoroughfare stretching for several blocks 鈥� home to all kinds of shops (department stores, fashion boutiques, etc.) along with numerous eateries and several permanent public art installments (wall murals, bronze statues, etc.).
Whenever you look for something memorable to take home from San Jose, consider La Casona. This three-story shopping complex offers an ample choice of souvenirs 鈥� everything from clothing to jewelry, fabrics, ceramics and more. Ideal for afternoon browsing.
Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts) is an outlet specifically designed for Costa Rican artisans 鈥� a perfect one-stop souvenir shopping experience. An array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, leather-work, wood-work, bead-work, jewelry and other stuff, all made in Costa Rica.
If you're keen to find original and authentic Costa Rican merchandize on your own, much as to try the local food, take this self-guided walking tour to some of the top shopping venues in San Jose.
How it works: Download the app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Shopping and Food Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Shopping and Food Walking Tour
Guide Location: Costa Rica » San Jose (See other walking tours in San Jose)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 4
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: john
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Costa Rica » San Jose (See other walking tours in San Jose)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 4
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: john
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Mercado Central (Central Market)
- La Casona
- Avenida Central (Central Avenue)
- Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts)
1) Mercado Central (Central Market) (must see)
The Central Market buzzes with activity in the heart of San Jos茅, occupying an entire city block and serving as a cornerstone of local life since 1880. Narrow aisles are packed with stalls offering a dizzying variety of goods, from fresh fish and fragrant flowers to local breads, fruits, vegetables, and the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee. Add a local beer, and a full Costa Rican meal can be assembled from the market鈥檚 bounty.
Souvenir hunters gravitate toward the famous Costa Rican coffee beans鈥攚hole beans are best, as the pre-ground version tends to be too fine for most home coffee makers. Beyond ingredients to take home, the market also offers prepared local dishes for those eager to sample traditional flavors on the spot.
Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Central Market is as much an experience as a shopping destination. Its labyrinthine layout means it鈥檚 easy to wander far from the entrance, so a map of the surrounding area comes in handy when navigating the bustling, vibrant corridors.
Tip:
Give the traditional ice cream flavor a try! Otherwise, eat where you see the most locals, as they know where the best foods are.
Souvenir hunters gravitate toward the famous Costa Rican coffee beans鈥攚hole beans are best, as the pre-ground version tends to be too fine for most home coffee makers. Beyond ingredients to take home, the market also offers prepared local dishes for those eager to sample traditional flavors on the spot.
Open daily from dawn to dusk, the Central Market is as much an experience as a shopping destination. Its labyrinthine layout means it鈥檚 easy to wander far from the entrance, so a map of the surrounding area comes in handy when navigating the bustling, vibrant corridors.
Tip:
Give the traditional ice cream flavor a try! Otherwise, eat where you see the most locals, as they know where the best foods are.
2) La Casona
Visitors who love souvenirs but don't love the time it takes to track them down should head to La Casona. It is said to be the largest souvenir market in all of San Jose. Visitors are certain to find bargains on typical gifts and souvenirs. This is especially true if they are good at haggling.
La Casona is more than a souvenir shop. It is also a piece of history. The building that now holds numerous booths selling inexpensive souvenirs dates to 1908. It was originally a hardware store that was owned by Miguel Macaya Artuze. Nearly 70 years later, Ricardo Baltodano Chamberlain rented the store to create space for the La Casona market.
Architect Jaime Carranza remodeled the store in a neoclassical architectural style. It was redesigned to more closely match some of the architecture of the city. Specifically, the architect chose to use edged stone for the flooring, which matches San Jose's sidewalks.
La Casona is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
La Casona is more than a souvenir shop. It is also a piece of history. The building that now holds numerous booths selling inexpensive souvenirs dates to 1908. It was originally a hardware store that was owned by Miguel Macaya Artuze. Nearly 70 years later, Ricardo Baltodano Chamberlain rented the store to create space for the La Casona market.
Architect Jaime Carranza remodeled the store in a neoclassical architectural style. It was redesigned to more closely match some of the architecture of the city. Specifically, the architect chose to use edged stone for the flooring, which matches San Jose's sidewalks.
La Casona is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
3) Avenida Central (Central Avenue)
Central Avenue stretches for a lively mile through the heart of San Jos茅, linking the northern and southern parts of the city. The pedestrian street hums with activity, where locals and visitors mingle amid the rhythm of street performers, musicians, and dancers that bring energy and color to the thoroughfare.
The Central Avenue serves as a gateway to the city鈥檚 key attractions, including the Central Market, Plaza de la Cultura, Museo del Jade, and numerous historic buildings. Shops, restaurants, and local art galleries pepper the street, offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Central Avenue in San Jos茅 is dotted with an eclectic mix of bronze statues, colorful murals, and creative art installations that reflect the city鈥檚 vibrant culture and history. Life-sized figures, abstract sculptures, and playful public art pieces provide striking visual highlights along the pedestrian boulevard.
The murals on building walls add bursts of color and storytelling, depicting everything from local legends to everyday city life, and providing vibrant backdrops for photos and a sense of the city鈥檚 creative spirit.
The Central Avenue serves as a gateway to the city鈥檚 key attractions, including the Central Market, Plaza de la Cultura, Museo del Jade, and numerous historic buildings. Shops, restaurants, and local art galleries pepper the street, offering everything from handcrafted souvenirs to traditional Costa Rican cuisine.
Central Avenue in San Jos茅 is dotted with an eclectic mix of bronze statues, colorful murals, and creative art installations that reflect the city鈥檚 vibrant culture and history. Life-sized figures, abstract sculptures, and playful public art pieces provide striking visual highlights along the pedestrian boulevard.
The murals on building walls add bursts of color and storytelling, depicting everything from local legends to everyday city life, and providing vibrant backdrops for photos and a sense of the city鈥檚 creative spirit.
4) Mercado Municipal de Artesania (Municipal Market of Handcrafts) (must see)
The Municipal Craft Market in San Jos茅 is a lively open-air hub where the city鈥檚 rich artisan traditions come to life. Colorful stalls brim with handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings, baskets, pottery, t-shirts, and decorative art, many of which can be admired while watching skilled artisans at work.
Unlike other markets in the city, the focus here leans strongly toward authentic handcrafts rather than mass-produced souvenirs, offering a more genuine glimpse into Costa Rican creativity. With room for 88 vendors and plenty of space to stroll, the market invites leisurely exploration amid its vibrant displays and tempting wares.
Beyond shopping, the atmosphere is part of the charm: the bustling stalls, the scent of local foods, and the occasional performance or demonstration create a dynamic, sensory experience that captures the essence of San Jos茅鈥檚 cultural heart.
Unlike other markets in the city, the focus here leans strongly toward authentic handcrafts rather than mass-produced souvenirs, offering a more genuine glimpse into Costa Rican creativity. With room for 88 vendors and plenty of space to stroll, the market invites leisurely exploration amid its vibrant displays and tempting wares.
Beyond shopping, the atmosphere is part of the charm: the bustling stalls, the scent of local foods, and the occasional performance or demonstration create a dynamic, sensory experience that captures the essence of San Jos茅鈥檚 cultural heart.
Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
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
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
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
Ricardo Jimenez Oreamuno, former president of Costa Rica, once said: 鈥淪an Jose is the heart of Costa Rica, where the pulse of the nation beats.鈥�
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鈥檚 shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica鈥檚 main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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鈥檚 shift toward independence and urban development. Before becoming the capital, Costa Rica鈥檚 main... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
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