Monday
Go to El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte in Barrio La California. For years, Monday nights have become the only thing to do in the city to start the week in a party mood. tropical music band; Marfil plays dance music, and covers, until the last man/woman is left standing.
There is no coverage for women and the drinks are cheap. Due to its popularity, Monday nights at El Cuartel are the perfect setting to meet other tourists and bohemian locals.
The club was built inside a turn-of-the-century house and was remodeled to pay homage to Costa Rica’s history. The rest of the week, El Cuartel is known for its delicious tapas and Latin food, as well as being the stage for emerging national artists.
Tuesday
The National Museum in downtown San José has recently been renovated and now boasts impressive permanent collections, as well as an enchanting butterfly garden where you can see some of the country’s unique butterfly species (over 600 specimens live there in this moment). Seasonal exhibits change throughout the year and you’ll likely find yourself with a newly curated spotlight for a local artist or historical artifacts.
Once you’re done with the museum, walk a few steps to one of the city’s largest souvenir markets, and after all the shopping has exhausted you, cross the street and enjoy exotic dim sum at Wong’s, one of the the most notorious Asian restaurants in the city. .
Wednesday
Spend the day at the Museum of Costa Rican Art (Museo de Arte Costarricense) located in a charming spot in Sabana Park. There you can see the works of various local and international artists, organized by their respective era. Do not leave without visiting the Golden Room; an impressive carving work done by French artist Luis Féron Parizot in 1940.
In the evening head to Lubnan, an intimate Lebanese restaurant on Paseo Colón. Enjoy their exquisite cuisine (you have to try their vegetable platter and their cheese custard!) stay for the belly dance. After the show is over, hit the bar in the back and kick back.
Thursday
The Children’s Museum may sound like a quirky option, but think of it as an educational amusement park. Adults can enjoy playing with the facilities and why not learn a thing or two in the process.
If you prefer a little more “grown-up” fun, head to Parque de Diversions, where you can enjoy rides, watch live musical performances, and visit “Pueblo Viejo,” an attraction that recreates an old Costa Rican town. When night comes, head to the Home Lounge on Via Lindora for drinks and relaxation.
Friday
Just a few minutes from downtown San Jose, you’ll find the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden. This sanctuary is located in one of the last forested areas of the capital, and is an enchanting place where people can learn about the environment and share an exotic paradise with its multicolored inhabitants.
The night offers innumerable possibilities but among our favorites is Vertigo, on Paseo Colón, for a night of dancing (especially electronic, so make sure you are well hydrated) or come to a quiet gourmet dinner at the Grano de hotels gold restaurant. . They have the best creme brulee in town!
Saturday
Shopping day! You can start at the Mercado Central, where you’ll find all kinds of exotic foods, souvenirs, and one of the most authentically Costa Rican atmospheres in the city. Afterward, you can head to the organic market in Aranjuez (only held on Saturdays!) where you can mingle with farmers who will love to tell you how they grow their own produce. The market is also a perfect place for brunch. Make sure to try all of their vegan meals, we can assure you that you won’t miss out on the bacon…
Come evening, take a stroll to Multiplaza in Escazú for a couple of hours of high-end shopping and maybe even a movie.
Sunday
Pack a basket and enjoy a merry picnic at Sabana Park. Sundays are family day, so you’ll see lots of kids with kites, skates, and pets.
Relax in the sun and walk the cool trails of the park. Then head to the Grand Hotel Costa Rica cafeteria where you can have a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and some of the best focaccia in San José.
The pianist arrives at four, so sit back and get ready for an evening filled with jazz and piano standards.