Teatro Nacional (National Theater), San Jose (must see)

The National Theater of Costa Rica stands as one of San José’s crown jewels, a monument to the city’s golden age of coffee wealth and cultural ambition. Construction began in 1891, and by 1897 the curtain rose on Goethe’s Faust, inaugurating what would become a symbol of national pride. Its creation was fueled, quite literally, by coffee — when export profits soared, a tax on the trade helped finance this grand temple of the arts.

Inside, the theater impresses with marble staircases, gilded ceilings, and ornate furnishings that would feel at home in Paris or Vienna. Every inch of its interior whispers of a time when San José dreamed big and refused to settle for provincial charm. The blend of European opulence and Costa Rican craftsmanship creates a stage that’s as captivating as any performance held there.

Outside, the statues of playwright Calderón de la Barca and composer Ludwig van Beethoven stand watch at the entrance, immortalized not only in bronze but also on the country’s currency. Today, the theater remains an active venue, hosting regular performances that keep its grand spirit alive — proof that art, like coffee, continues to be one of Costa Rica’s finest exports.

Tip:
If you have a ticket for a performance, ask for the free English tour included in the ticket price to learn a bit of history about the place.