Top Experiences in San Jose Central Market (Mercado Central)

We made a tour taking into account the past and the present in San Jose.

Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture and history on this walking guided tour of the capital city. Highlights include the National Theater, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, the National Museum, the Supreme Court, and Central Market. A bilingual guide is on hand to answer questions and provide insight about what you see along the way.

We know the artistic part, including its most recognized spaces in this area, the culture, history and architecture of the city. The tour will show you the most beautiful areas of San José. The tour describes the past and the present of San José, in order to know it´s actual life. You get to know from art, culture, history and architecture of the city.

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the city. Starting in the Central Market, which is the only way to learn about the city’s food. Stroll the market with your local guide and get to know about uses of the roots, herbs, and fruit common in local cuisines, including ingredients that will play a role in your authentic Costa Rican dinner. After the market, we’ll make our way learning about the city’s history and anecdotes, as well as visiting one of the most architecturally beautiful buildings, the National Theatre, then with a walk through Morazán Park and we will visit Mr Sloth Coffee Shop to make el Morenito, one delicious coffee cocktail. We’ll continue to charm Barrio Amon, one the oldest neighborhoods. We'll be spending the rest of the evening at best private home dining for special menu focused on pre-Hispanic Caribbean food dinner. This cozy establishment offer the best in Costa Rican cuisine, a unique space that offers art, culture, history as well as fine dining.

Unmask the beauty and culture of contemporary Costa Rican life on this San Jose walking tour. You’ll get up close and personal, through local food, history, culture even the herbal remedies of folk medicine. Enjoy a hands on lesson on exotic plants, fruits, vegetables in the Borbon Market. We’ll take a stroll through the vibrant Central Market, tasting empanada with cheese and beans. Seeing diverse sites like the Cathedral, National Theater, and the beautiful Morazan parks will help you get to know the country and its rich history and from this experience, you’ll have another sense taste to get more in tune with San Jose. For the end visit Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop where you will find gourmet coffees and chocolates produced by women, in this special place tasting and learn to prepare Cafe Chorreado, enjoy a tamal cooked by local families and wrapped in a banana leaf, learn how to make plantain empanadas with cheese, try our famous Agua de Sapo make with sugar cañe and lemon.

Visiting San Jose’s markets with a guide turns an everyday scene into a rich cultural experience as your guide tells you the stories behind the markets’ offerings and takes the guesswork out of deciding what’s worth a try. After visiting top San Jose markets, head to the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum to take a look at the city’s early history.

Highlights:
Discover the secrets behind handicrafts, herbal remedies, and fresh produce at Borbon and San Jose Central Market
Visit top markets to learn about local culture through food
Lots of fruits, empanada, ceviche and coffee tastings included, plus museum entrance
Good way for first-time visitors to learn about San Jose history and culture

During this journey you will visit the National Theater, also known as “The jewel of San José”, a masterpiece in art and architecture built by Costa Ricans and completed in 1897. Then visit the Museum of Gold , then the Central Market, place full of the Costa Rican cultural heritage and traditions, where you will be able to browse and buy some local art crafts.
You will also visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. As we travel around the city, we will point you out several historically important or main buildings in our city, for example The Costa Rica University, The Old Train Station, The National Liquor Factory, The National Supreme Election Bureau, the Asamblea Legislativa, The Metallic Building, some parks and various sites of interest. This will be an introduction to our Capital City, and information about our economy, cultural, politics, religion and general current events.
Also, we will visit an Art Gallery, where you will be able to get some souvenirs to take back home.

Join us for a captivating journey through the heart of San Jose. Our unique walking tour is your key to unlocking the secrets, traditions, and flavors that make this country truly special. Give yourself the opportunity to immerse in history with a guided tour by actors in the National Theater.

Our local guide will regale you with gripping anecdotes, historical context, and fascinating insights into the city's past and present. The groups have a maximum of 9 people, so you will receive a closer treatment.

Savor the authentic flavors of Costa Rica with a traditional lunch, prepared like the locals enjoy it. Experience the unique tastes that define the country's culinary heritage.

Explore the enchanting architecture of San Jose's most precious buildings. Our tour will unveil the lesser-known corners of San Jose, revealing hidden gems and enchanting spots that you won't find in guidebooks.

Don't miss the chance to explore San Jose like a true local and create unforgettable memories.

Learn about local life in San Jose through its architecture, history and food. This 3-hour walking tour shows you the typical lifestyle of the capital as you stroll through the streets with a knowledgeable local guide. Get to know the city through its markets and coffee history, ending at Mercado Central (Central Market) where you’ll taste an ice cream and sample some tasty food. Numbers are limited to 12 people, ensuring an intimate experience with a small group.

Discover San José like never before, we are the only operators that gives you the opportunity to truly integrate and get to know the culture of Costa Rica on a city tour, we combine the walking tour and guarantee maximum benefit from the experience while We also have all the comforts of tourist transportation.

This tour will take you through the most important part of the city of San José, we will visit beautiful typical shops, monuments, museums, government buildings and churches that are important for the People of Costa Rica, in addition you will have a highly trained guide to carry out the tour. this activity.

This city tour provides a bird’s eye view of San Jose enhanced with an authentic cultural experience with on-board folkloric music. The tour includes guided city walks in important historic landmarks like the National Theater, the National Monument and San Jose’s Central Market, Gold Museum and others. It is also important to mention that our tour has been declared of “cultural interest” by the Ministry of Culture of Costa Rica.

Enjoy an immersive experience of authentic Costa Rican food. The tour offers a varied and dynamic route to learn about various traditional dishes. The selected spaces illustrate the gastronomic culture of San José and Costa Rica.

This 5-hour evening tour will begin with pick you up at your hotel, our personalized city tour provides a bird’s eye view of San Jose enhanced with luxury, VIP customer service, bilingual tour guide, dinner local cuisine, beverages, folkloric attire, and an authentic cultural experience with folcloric music. The VIP City Bus tour includes guided city walks in important historic landmarks like Costa Rican Art Museum, Lobby National theater, National Monument, Central Market (shopping) and Central Avenue; where the European-style Double Decker City Bus and staff will greet you with a welcome cocktail. This cultural journey includes more than 25 landmarks, hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, come and enjoy a real local experience.

As you explore this enchanting city, you'll discover a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.

Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through the streets, sharing captivating histories and transporting you back in time. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the National Theater, a true masterpiece showcasing artistic brilliance. Admire its neoclassical façade, intricate details, and breathtaking murals that bring the culture to life.

Prepare to be amazed at the Central Market, a bustling hub where vibrant colors, aromatic scents, and lively sounds come together. Indulge your taste buds with local delicacies and tropical fruits that will transport you to paradise.

Allow us to be your guide, your storyteller, and your companion as we unlock the secrets of this mesmerizing destination. Book your tour today. San Jose is waiting to capture your heart!