San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica. Set in the central valley it sits at just over 1,000mtrs above sea level and so is a bit less humid and not as hot as the coastal areas.

San Jose is often just seen for its International airport and as a launch point for the country’s other attractions rather than a place to visit in itself.

It’s sort of gritty feel make it seem a little challenging at times and perhaps a place to be careful at night.

But we tried to see as much as we could for our two days there and liked what we did see. Our first port of call was the glamorous national theatre building near the plaza de la cultura.

Its grand interiors were designed by Italian artists and craftsmen and the construction was completed just before the end of the 19th century.

It remains in great condition and further renovation works are underway. They offer a guided ‘dramatic’ tour which is fun.

Around the city you get these spots were there are glimpses of colonial or local beauty set close to quite run down or basic buildings.

Below is an antique room/box originally used by the police in parque Espana. The Argentinian embassy is behind it.

Built in 1886, the ‘Metallic Building’ below is a primary school and is still in use today.

Designed by a Belgian architect, it’s wrought iron facade was apparently inspired by the Effel Tower.

More glimpses of the City’s colonial history.

Below is the city’s cathedral.

The post office building is quite something too!

These wonderful statues are outside of a bank building near the Plaza de la Cultura.

Apparently it is lucky to touch this statue, however, the tell tale signs show the preferred places where people tend to touch her body!

Ty

Below is the National Museum which is well worth a visit. Previously a military barracks until Costa Rica disbanded their national army in 1948 after the end of the civil war.

Filled with a butterfly garden area, details of the building’s military history as well as history of the country and a floor full of ancient historical artefacts (some 1-2 thousand years old).

And finally, a lovely piece of street art.

We now have a hire car and are driving to Uvita on the south west Pacific coast for our next stop.