San Jose is in the heart of Costa Rica and is the gateway and natural hub to both coasts. At an altitude of 3,900 feet, surrounded by towering, cloud-draped mountains, Costa Rica's capital will never win any beauty contests. Like any other metropolitan city in the world, the streets are congested and noisy - it's better than Rome, but its architecture is not its forte. Initial impressions are misleading, so why do so many visitors leave Costa Rica with such fond memories of San Jose? San Jose is like an island unto itself.
It has a reputation of being the most democratic and peaceful capital city in Latin America. San Jose kindly welcomes visitors and it is the Josefinos (as the city’s residence are known) who give the city a character and charm that is not apparent when you sit in the car in your first traffic jam on the way to your hotel. Josefinos will urge visitors to set aside a few days to cut through the urban facade of North American sophisticated shopping malls and fast-food joints to visit come of the city's intriguing attractions.
The museums in San Jose are rewarding cites to see. The Jade Museum is an absolute must - it displays jade pieces traded by the Olmecs from Mexico and Mayan carvings of owls, bate and other motifs. The Costa Rican Museum of Art is housed in the control tower of the old airport and contains an excellent collection of 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures. The National Museum in the Bellavista Fortress is also a great attraction.
The Mercado Central is located in downtown San Jose. The market is a crowded, bustling mate of chops, restaurants, and produce stands covering approximately two blocks. The Mercado Central is where you can get a peek at the Ticos' simple way of living. (Tico is the nickname given to Costa Ricans by their neighboring countries). Everything from leather goods to hammocks, from fresh fish (great ceviches!) to mangoes are sold at the Mercado Central There is also stands with special herbs for medicinal uses (or to mix in magical potions!).
Closer to the city's center, there are a number of parks that are pleasant places to take a stroll. The city's hub is the Plaza de la Culture - a large paved area between Central and Second Avenues that is a magnet for pigeons and street performers. There's plenty to see and do. Nearby, the outdoor tables of the Gran Hotel's Cafe Parisienne is a great place to have Coffee or something to eat as you do some people watching.
Geographical Division 
