Parque Nacional and Monumento Nacional

Tip

Walk it on the way between the Museo Nacional and the Plaza de la Democracia; early morning is quietest and the bronze catches good light.

Be careful

Busy daytime park, but quiet after dark: visit in daylight and keep valuables out of sight.

Places nearby

• Museo del Jade y de la Cultura PrecolombinaTours & AdventureMuseum of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros with one of the largest jade collections in the Americas, plus ceramics, gold and stone sculpture in five themed permanent rooms and two rooms for temporary shows.
• Restaurante Nuestra TierraFood & CoffeeRustic, folkloric-themed Costa Rican restaurant near the National Museum with big homemade plates, live music at times and late hours.
• La CriollitaFood & CoffeeLong-running Costa Rican restaurant in central San José serving generous plates of meat, chicken or fish with rice, beans and salad, Tico-style ceviche, chicken soup and daily specials, with a covered patio.
• San José Free Walking TourTours & AdventureGuided walk through central San José covering the main squares, the National Theater area and the historic centre, advertised as a free tour, with morning and afternoon departures and a Spanish-language tour.
• Spirogyra Butterfly GardenParks & WildlifeSmall, shaded butterfly garden inside the city, with native species flying free in a netted forest garden, a pupae display, and a trail along the river corridor.
• CafeotecaFood & CoffeeSpecialty-coffee house in Barrio Escalante that serves Costa Rican beans from eight growing regions by the cup and by the bag, with a daytime menu of brunch plates, salads and pastries.