San Jose Walking Tour: Hidden Gems & City Highlights Guide

Summary

Discover San Jose’s Local Art, History & Culture on Foot

If you want more than just postcard views, this San Jose walking tour is for you. You’ll get real stories, hidden art, and a feel for daily life—all with a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut and secret corner.

What’s the experience like?

The dome temple in Parque Morazan was already buzzing when I arrived—street vendors setting up, the faint smell of fresh coffee drifting over from a nearby cart. Our guide, Luis, waved us over right on time. He had this way of weaving stories about Costa Rica’s past and present that made even the quietest corners feel alive. We didn’t just tick off famous buildings; we ducked into tucked-away galleries and paused at murals that most people walk right past.

At one point, we stumbled onto a small protest near the National Theater—nothing rowdy, just locals with hand-painted signs chatting with passersby. Luis explained what was going on and shared some old photos from his backpack. It felt like being let in on a secret side of San Jose. The tour moved fast—over 40 stops—but never rushed. Sometimes we’d linger under shady trees in Parque España or listen to street musicians by the post office steps. You’ll see big sights and plenty of little surprises along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Jose City Highlights Tour

• Meet at Parque Morazan
• Walking tour with 40+ stops: galleries, architecture, parks, historic sites, public art

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Strollers are fine too—just let us know if you have special needs so we can help out.

Can I join last minute or same day?

Same-day bookings aren’t possible through TripAdvisor due to a system error. Please email us directly to check availability if you’re hoping to join today.

How many people are usually in each group?

We keep groups small so everyone can hear the guide and ask questions comfortably—usually around 8–12 people per tour.

What’s included

You’ll be guided by a knowledgeable local who brings San Jose’s history and culture to life. The route covers more than 40 stops including galleries, parks, historic landmarks, public art—and there’s always time for questions or quick breaks along the way.