Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

Tip

The lobby café is open to everyone and is the cheapest way to see the interior; guided tours of the hall are paid.

Be careful

Plaza de la Cultura gets busy: watch your bag and phone, especially after dark.

Places nearby

• 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.
• Café RojoFood & CoffeeSmall, much-loved café-restaurant in Barrio Amón with a Vietnamese-inspired menu of noodle bowls and rolls and good vegan and vegetarian choices.
• 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.
• 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.
• Lolo Mora's Ice CreamFood & CoffeeTiny stall in the central market that has long sold one thing: a cinnamon-vanilla ice cream served in cups.
• Restaurante Nuestra TierraFood & CoffeeRustic, folkloric-themed Costa Rican restaurant near the National Museum with big homemade plates, live music at times and late hours.