National Museum (Museo Nacional) Tours
47 Reviews
The National Museum, housed in the barracks of the Bellavista Fortress, has been proudly displaying indigenous and pre-Columbian artifacts, religious artwork and geological and archaeological pieces linked to Costa Rica’s rich and colorful history since 1950.
Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions and statues made of gold. And while the Museum’s impressive collection of grinding stones and other artifacts from ancient Costa Rica grant tourists a chance to travel back in time, visitors should be sure to explore the grounds, too. Nationals fought at the barracks during the Civil War in 1948, and damage from bullet holes and warfare can still be seen in the Spanish-style courtyard.
Separate rooms explore ancient cultures dating back some 12,000 years, as well as collections of ornate jewelry, medallions and statues made of gold. And while the Museum’s impressive collection of grinding stones and other artifacts from ancient Costa Rica grant tourists a chance to travel back in time, visitors should be sure to explore the grounds, too. Nationals fought at the barracks during the Civil War in 1948, and damage from bullet holes and warfare can still be seen in the Spanish-style courtyard.
Practical Info
The National Museum is located in the Bellavista Fortress at Calle 17, between Cenral and Second Avenues. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am until 4:30pm, and on Sundays from 9am until 4:30pm. Foreign visitors pay $8 to enter or $4 with a valid student ID.
Address: Cuesta de Moras, San Jose, Costa Rica
Hours: Tue - Sat 8:30am-4pm; Sundays 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adult: $8; Student: $4
Admission Tickets (1)
Skip the Line: The National Museum Admission Ticket
Visit San Jose’s architectural gem with a ticket to the National Museum of Costa Rica. Visit anytime during opening hours to explore the history of Costa Rica, from pre-Columbian artifacts to colonial furniture and more modern exhibits. Be sure to take a stroll through the outdoor butterfly garden and check out the mysterious stone spheres in the courtyard.
…More
From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
4 Tours and Activities to Experience National Museum (Museo Nacional)
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Skip the Line: The National Museum Admission Ticket
Visit San Jose’s architectural gem with a ticket to the National Museum of Costa Rica. Visit anytime during opening hours to explore the history of Costa Rica, from pre-Columbian artifacts to colonial furniture and more modern exhibits. Be sure to take a stroll through the outdoor butterfly garden and check out the mysterious stone spheres in the courtyard.
…More
From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Lonely Planet Experiences: San Jose Tapas, Traditional Masks and Escazu Visit
Enjoy an insider’s perspective of San Jose on this half-day city walking tour. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll get a sense of daily life in the Costa Rican capital as you ride public transportation, stop by a beautiful local park and visit the artisan workshop of a third-generation craftsman. Taste local flavors while you browse stalls at the historic Central Market, savor a traditional lunch at an 80-year-old inn and learn to make tortillas.
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From
$80.00
From
$80.00
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands
San Jose Costa Rica City Tour. Private Tour with Lunch
San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.
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From
$150.00
Price varies by group size
From
$150.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
5-Hour Guided VIP City Bus Tour from San Jose
A double decker bus tour provides panoramic views of San Jose’s most important landmarks and neighborhoods, accompanied by live guided commentary that brings the sights to life. This 5-hour tour also includes two short walking segments for a closer look at San Jose’s highlights.
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From
$66.00
From
$66.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Discover Costa Rica's Capital City and Museums
Experience San Jose's historical and cultural offerings on a walking tour of Costa Rica's vibrant capital city. Begin at Parque Central to take in the city's main attractions. Explore its Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, Costa Rica Art Museum and National Theater in the company of a local guide. Marvel at the Beaux-Arts-style Melico Salazar Theatre and stop by Churrería Manolo’s to sample its iconic cream-filled churros.
This comprehensive city walk includes all entrance fees, along with a delicious lunch.
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From
$79.46
From
$79.46
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