Costa Rica · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Costa Rica
These are the places we would send a friend in Costa Rica, from sodas and coffee farms to cloud forest trails, hot springs and quiet Caribbean beaches. Mix the classics with a few off the beaten path picks, and check opening times before you go.
Places to Visit in San José
Arts and Culture
- Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica (Downtown)
The country's grandest building, with painted ceilings, guided tours and a lovely café inside. - Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (Downtown)
The nation's story told in an old fortress still scarred from 1948, with a butterfly garden at the door. - Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica (Plaza de la Cultura)
A dazzling underground collection of pre-Columbian gold, plus coins and Costa Rican art. - Museo del Jade (Downtown)
The world's largest collection of American jade in a striking modern building. - Museo de Arte Costarricense (La Sabana)
Costa Rican art in the old airport terminal, with a gilded hall upstairs. - Museo de los Niños (Barrio Aranjuez)
A hands-on children's museum inside a former prison that looks like a castle. - Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Cartago)
The country's most important church and the goal of the August pilgrimage.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Central (Downtown)
A maze of sodas, spice stalls and coffee sellers trading since 1880. - Mercado Borbón (Downtown)
The working wholesale market where locals buy fruit, vegetables and fish. - Feria Verde de Aranjuez (Barrio Aranjuez)
A Saturday organic market with local growers, crafts and breakfast stalls.
Restaurants
- Soda Tapia (La Sabana)
A classic diner near La Sabana for casados, gallo pinto and big fruit shakes. - Restaurante Silvestre (Barrio Amón)
Modern Costa Rican cooking with local ingredients in a restored old mansion. - Café de los Deseos (Barrio Otoya)
A bohemian, colourful café restaurant with art on every wall and cosy corners.
Bars and Nightlife
- Barrio Escalante bars (Barrio Escalante)
The city's food and drinks street, lined with craft beer bars and small restaurants. - Stiefel Pub (Barrio Amón)
A busy craft beer bar with a long list of Costa Rican brews on tap.
Cafés
- Café del Teatro Nacional (Downtown)
Coffee and cake beneath marble and frescoes inside the National Theatre.
Nature and Outdoors
- Parque La Sabana (La Sabana)
The city's big green park, with a lake, sports fields and Sunday family life. - Poás Volcano National Park (Alajuela)
A huge active crater with a milky turquoise lake, reached by road from the capital. - Irazú Volcano National Park (Cartago)
The country's highest volcano, with lunar craters and views of both oceans on clear days. - Orosi Valley (Cartago)
Coffee country with a colonial church, hot springs and quiet viewpoints.
Things to Do
- Doka Estate Coffee Tour (Alajuela)
A family coffee farm showing every step from cherry to cup. - La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Vara Blanca)
Waterfalls, hummingbirds, butterflies and rescued animals in one easy park. - Pacuare River rafting (Turrialba)
One of the world's most scenic whitewater runs through jungle gorges.
Events
- Romería to Cartago (Cartago)
Hundreds of thousands walk to the basilica each August in a moving pilgrimage. - Festival de la Luz (Paseo Colón)
The capital's December night parade of floats, lights and marching bands.
Stays
- Hotel Grano de Oro (Paseo Colón)
A boutique hotel in an old mansion, known for its restaurant and quiet patio.
Places to Visit in La Fortuna
Nature and Outdoors
- Catarata Río Fortuna (La Fortuna)
The classic Arenal waterfall, with a swimming pool at the bottom of a long stairway. - Arenal Volcano National Park (Arenal)
Trails across old lava flows with views of the perfect cone. - Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park (El Castillo)
A rainforest walk across suspension bridges at canopy height. - Arenal 1968 (Arenal)
Private trails over the 1968 lava flow with lake and volcano views. - Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park (Bijagua)
A river that turns sky blue, with a waterfall at the end of a muddy trail. - Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge (Los Chiles)
Boat tours through wetlands full of caimans, herons and kingfishers. - Lake Arenal (Nuevo Arenal)
The country's largest lake, for kayaking and windsurfing.
Things to Do
- Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa (Arenal)
Steaming volcanic river pools set in lush gardens, open for day passes. - Baldi Hot Springs (Arenal)
A large hot spring complex with many pools and water slides for families. - Venado Caves (San Carlos)
A muddy, wet crawl through limestone caves with bats and formations. - Ecocentro Danaus (La Fortuna)
A small reserve with sloths, frogs and an evening night walk. - Arenal Ecozoo (El Castillo)
Snakes, frogs and butterflies explained by passionate local guides. - Sky Adventures Arenal (El Castillo)
A tram ride, ziplines and hanging bridges in one park.
Restaurants
- Soda La Hormiga (La Fortuna)
A simple soda near the bus stop serving generous casados. - Don Rufino (La Fortuna)
A long standing town centre restaurant for steaks and Costa Rican plates.
Cafés
- Café Rainforest (La Fortuna)
A popular café for breakfast, smoothies and local coffee.
Stays
- Arenal Kioro (Arenal)
Volcano view rooms and hot spring pools on the slopes of Arenal. - Arenal Observatory Lodge (Arenal)
A former research station with trails, birds and the closest volcano views. - Arenal Backpackers Resort (La Fortuna)
A lively hostel with a pool and volcano views in town.
Places to Visit in Monteverde
Nature and Outdoors
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve (Monteverde)
The original cloud forest reserve, with mossy trails and a hanging bridge. - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Santa Elena)
A higher, wilder and quieter forest run by the local community. - Curi Cancha Reserve (Monteverde)
A small reserve known for quetzals and excellent birding. - Children's Eternal Rainforest (Monteverde)
The country's largest private reserve, saved by children's donations worldwide.
Things to Do
- Selvatura Park (Santa Elena)
Hanging bridges, ziplines and a hummingbird garden in the cloud forest. - Sky Adventures Monteverde (Santa Elena)
Ziplines and a sky walk through the treetops. - 100% Aventura (Santa Elena)
Long ziplines including a face down superman cable and a Tarzan swing. - Children's Eternal Rainforest night walk (Bajo del Tigre)
A guided night walk to spot tarantulas, frogs and sleeping birds. - Don Juan Coffee Tour (Santa Elena)
A family farm tour covering coffee, chocolate and sugar cane. - Monteverde Butterfly Garden (Monteverde)
Butterflies, insects and leafcutter ants, explained by enthusiastic guides. - Bat Jungle (Monteverde)
A small exhibit where you can watch and learn about live bats.
Shopping and Markets
- Monteverde Cheese Factory (Monteverde)
Cheese and ice cream from the dairy founded by Quaker settlers.
Restaurants
- Tree House Restaurant (Santa Elena)
Dinner around a huge fig tree in the middle of town. - Morpho's Restaurant (Santa Elena)
Hearty plates and vegetarian options in a cosy central spot.
Cafés
- Café Monteverde (Monteverde)
Local coffee from the Monteverde cooperative, roasted nearby.
Arts and Culture
- CASEM Women's Craft Cooperative (Monteverde)
Handmade crafts by local women, running since the 1980s.
Stays
- Hotel Belmar (Monteverde)
A mountain lodge with sunset views towards the Gulf of Nicoya.
Places to Visit in Manuel Antonio
Nature and Outdoors
- Manuel Antonio National Park (Manuel Antonio)
Rainforest trails, sloths and monkeys leading to calm white sand coves. - Playa Espadilla (Manuel Antonio)
The long public beach outside the park, with surf lessons and sunsets. - Playa Biesanz (Manuel Antonio)
A small, calm cove hidden down a short forest trail. - Nauyaca Waterfalls (Dominical)
A dramatic two tier waterfall with a big swimming pool. - Marino Ballena National Park (Uvita)
Home of the whale tail sandbar and humpback whales in season.
Restaurants
- El Avión (Manuel Antonio)
A bar restaurant built around an old cargo plane, with sunset views. - Emilio's Café (Manuel Antonio)
Mediterranean dishes and desserts on a terrace overlooking the sea. - Ronny's Place (Manuel Antonio)
A family restaurant on a quiet ridge with views of two bays. - Falafel Bar (Manuel Antonio)
Quick, tasty Middle Eastern plates loved by travellers.
Bars and Nightlife
- Kapi Kapi (Manuel Antonio)
Elegant dinner and cocktails in a jungle setting on the hill. - Marina Pez Vela (Quepos)
The marina boardwalk with restaurants, ice cream and boats at sunset.
Things to Do
- Damas Island mangrove kayaking (Quepos)
Paddle through mangroves to spot white faced monkeys and herons. - Rainmaker Conservation Project (Quepos)
Hanging bridges and waterfall pools in a quieter inland forest.
Shopping and Markets
- Quepos Farmers Market (Quepos)
A weekend market with tropical fruit and local snacks by the waterfront.
Stays
- Arenas del Mar (Manuel Antonio)
An eco resort with beach access and wildlife in the gardens. - Hotel Si Como No (Manuel Antonio)
A family friendly hillside hotel with pools and ocean views.
Places to Visit in Tamarindo
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Tamarindo (Tamarindo)
A long beach with gentle waves for beginner surfers and big sunsets. - Las Baulas National Marine Park (Playa Grande)
Protected beaches where leatherback turtles nest in season. - Playa Conchal (Brasilito)
Shell sand and clear turquoise water perfect for snorkelling. - Rincón de la Vieja National Park (Liberia)
Bubbling mud pots, fumaroles and waterfalls on a volcano slope. - Llanos de Cortés Waterfall (Bagaces)
A wide curtain waterfall with a sandy pool for swimming. - Palo Verde National Park (Bagaces)
River boat tours with crocodiles and huge flocks of wading birds.
Things to Do
- Witch's Rock Surf Camp (Tamarindo)
A long running surf school on the beach in Tamarindo. - Tamarindo estuary boat tour (Tamarindo)
A quiet boat ride among mangroves, crocodiles and birds. - Hacienda Guachipelín (Rincón de la Vieja)
A working ranch with hot springs, ziplines and horseback rides.
Restaurants
- Pangas Beach Club (Tamarindo)
Seafood under trees by the estuary mouth.
Bars and Nightlife
- Sunset at Nogui's (Tamarindo)
A beachfront favourite for a drink as the sun goes down.
Shopping and Markets
- Tamarindo Night Market (Tamarindo)
A weekly evening market with crafts, food stalls and music.
Stays
- Hotel Capitán Suizo (Tamarindo)
A calm beachfront hotel at the quiet end of Tamarindo.
Arts and Culture
- Guaitil pottery village (Santa Cruz)
Potters keeping Chorotega ceramic traditions alive by hand.
Places to Visit in Nosara
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Guiones (Nosara)
A long, wild surf beach with no buildings on the sand. - Ostional Wildlife Refuge (Ostional)
Where thousands of olive ridley turtles nest at once in arribadas.
Places to Visit in Sámara
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Sámara (Sámara)
A calm, reef sheltered bay that suits families.
Places to Visit in Santa Teresa
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Santa Teresa (Santa Teresa)
Consistent surf, sunsets and a laid-back village on the Nicoya Peninsula. - Montezuma Waterfall (Montezuma)
A jungle trail to a series of waterfalls near a bohemian village.
Places to Visit in Liberia
Events
- Fiestas de Liberia (Liberia)
July festivities with parades, rodeos and folk dance for Guanacaste Day.
Places to Visit in Puerto Viejo
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Punta Uva (Punta Uva)
A calm, palm fringed bay with clear water and shade. - Playa Cocles (Cocles)
The main surf beach just south of town. - Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge (Manzanillo)
Coastal trails, reef snorkelling and dolphins at the end of the road. - Cahuita National Park (Cahuita)
A coastal forest trail with sloths and monkeys beside a coral reef.
Things to Do
- Jaguar Centro de Rescate (Playa Chiquita)
A rescue centre caring for sloths, monkeys and other injured animals. - Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica (Cahuita)
A long running rescue centre focused on sloths. - Bribri chocolate tour (Talamanca)
Indigenous families show how they grow and grind cacao. - Bike the coast road (Puerto Viejo)
Rent a bicycle and ride from beach to beach to Manzanillo.
Restaurants
- Miss Lidia's Place (Puerto Viejo)
Caribbean rice and beans and home cooking from a local family. - Bread and Chocolate (Puerto Viejo)
A beloved breakfast spot with homemade bread and chocolate. - Koki Beach (Puerto Viejo)
Caribbean fusion and cocktails facing the sea. - Miss Edith's (Cahuita)
A Cahuita classic for rondón and Caribbean chicken.
Bars and Nightlife
- Salsa Brava (Puerto Viejo)
A beach bar by the famous reef break with reggae nights.
Stays
- Rocking J's (Puerto Viejo)
A colourful hostel with hammocks and camping by the beach.
Shopping and Markets
- Puerto Viejo craft stalls (Puerto Viejo)
Seafront stalls with jewellery, sarongs and local art.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Selina San José (Barrio Amón, San José)
A sociable hostel with private rooms and a co-working space in a historic house. - La Esquina de Buenos Aires (Downtown, San José)
A long running Argentine style bistro for a cosy dinner in the centre. - El Chollín free hot river (La Fortuna, La Fortuna)
A warm river where locals soak for free beneath the trees. - Rocking J's Chocolate Tour (La Fortuna, La Fortuna)
Learn how cacao becomes chocolate on a small farm near town. - Café Mediterránea (La Fortuna, La Fortuna)
Homemade Italian pasta and pizza in a relaxed garden setting. - Lava Lounge (La Fortuna, La Fortuna)
A relaxed bar and grill with live music most nights. - Soda la Amistad (Santa Elena, Monteverde)
A friendly local soda serving casados at fair prices. - Monteverde Backpackers (Santa Elena, Monteverde)
A friendly budget base in town. - Hummingbird Gallery (Monteverde, Monteverde)
Feeders by the preserve road where dozens of hummingbirds whirl past. - Soda Sanchez (Quepos, Manuel Antonio)
A down to earth Quepos soda for casados and fresh fish. - Wide Mouth Frog Backpackers (Quepos, Manuel Antonio)
A relaxed budget stay in Quepos with a pool. - Soda Las Brisas (Tamarindo, Tamarindo)
Simple local food steps from the sand. - Dragonfly Bar and Grill (Tamarindo, Tamarindo)
Creative dishes in a relaxed garden spot. - Johnny's Place (Puerto Viejo, Puerto Viejo)
A beachfront spot for dancing and late nights. - Café Rico (Puerto Viejo, Puerto Viejo)
A garden café for coffee and breakfast with a book exchange. - Physis Caribbean Bed and Breakfast (Cocles, Puerto Viejo)
A small, quiet stay in the jungle between beaches. - Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve (Hone Creek, Puerto Viejo)
Bribri land with a raptor watch tower and guided visits.