San José
Surrounded by picturesque mountains and valleys, San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is the hub of the country. It has excellent museums, cultural venues, good hotels and authentic restaurants.
The best way to experience the city's lively scene is to take a stroll downtown, enjoying its eclectic, historic architecture and sometimes stopping for a coffee or snack in any of the area's quirky spots. A walking tour of the area might be a good option for those who like to learn about history on foot. One of the most interesting museums in San Jose is Museo Nacional. It has a large butterfly garden and a collection of large stone spheres from the Diquis Valley near the Pacific Ocean. The building which hosts the museum is itself a sight to behold: this is an old fort called Cuartel Bellavista.