The Grand Hotel of Costa Rica is a true gem among the hotels of San Jose, Costa Rica, and it also happens to be the very first such hotel in the country. It was formed in 1928, and up till that time, there was no major first class hotel in the capital city. An act of the Constitutional Congress of the Republic of that year made it possible to get the hotel in town. The hotel got funding from the government, and in turn the hotel agreed to always sell Costa Rican coffee, as well as the hotel agreed to always keep two rooms available for the government to use for dignitaries and the like.

In 2004, President Abel Pacheco declared the hotel to be a national landmark of the country. The architecture of the place is also quite wonderful, expressing the best in Victorian style architecture. In recent times, the Choice International Hotel chain has acquired the hotel, and added it to its growing list of historic hotels that are being turned into Resorts. It remains a popular destination in the capital city not only because of its historicity, but because it also sits very close to the ocean and some of the best mountain side landscaping in the country.

On December 7th, 2004, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica was declared by the President of the country Abel Pacheco a historical-architectural landmark of Costa Rica, not only for being the first major hotel of the country, but also for its long trajectory, its architecture, which represents the San José of those years, and the historical complex it forms with other landmarks in the area.

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.

The construction of the Church of Our Lady of La Merced began in June 1894, making it one of the city’s oldest surviving churches. Its soaring tower dominates the skyline, a beacon visible from across town, while the building itself showcases a distinctive blend of German and neo-Gothic architectural styles.

Inside, the church showcases a wealth of intricate craftsmanship. Stained glass windows cast colorful light across the nave, while a richly carved wooden ceiling draws the eye upward. Three of the windows depict the apparition of the Virgin of Mercy, adding a spiritual focal point. The altar, elaborately detailed and ornate, further enhances the sense of grandeur.

Another notable piece is a sculpture of Christ in Agony by artist Manuel María Zúñiga, which presents Christ on the cross with remarkable anatomical accuracy and detailed depiction of his wounds, creating a deeply powerful and realistic portrayal.

Positioned beside Merced Park, the church is set amidst a lively neighborhood popular with the city’s Nicaraguan community.

Recognized for its architectural and historical value, the Church of Our Lady of La Merced has been listed as part of Costa Rica’s historical-architectural heritage since 1996, cementing its status as one of the city’s most recognizable buildings.

Tip:
Be aware that the adjacent park is not a good area to be in after dark.

The Central Market buzzes with activity in the heart of San José, 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’s bounty.

Souvenir hunters gravitate toward the famous Costa Rican coffee beans—whole 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’s 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.

The Correo Central is the old historic Central Post Office of San Jose, Costa Rica. The neat thing is that it is still in full operation today. It was first opened in 1917, though the overall architectural design of the building would suggest that it is much older.

On the first floor of the building there is a Stamp Museum that is pretty neat, especially seeing as how the hobby of stamp collecting is very popular in the country. You can get classic examples from the history of the country here. Plus, how often do you see a stamp museum in an operating post office? The area is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. It is also open 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Admission to the museum is free, since it is part of the post office.

There is a small park that is located right next to the building, which is a great spot to stop and rest. Some of the most beautiful fig trees in the country are located here, and provide a peaceful resting place for the wearing traveler.

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.