Plaza de la Cultura (Culture Square), San Jose
Plaza de la Cultura, or Culture Square, is located on the Avenida Central Pedestrian Mall. North of the National Theatre of Costa Rica, Plaza de la Culture is a popular place for people watching, feeding pigeons and enjoying live entertainment.
Visitors can walk around the square or take a break beneath a shade tree or on one of the benches. There are plenty of shopping and dining options nearby as well.
Construction on the square began in 1977 using a design from architects Jorge Bertheau, Jorge Borbón and Edgar Vargas. The purpose of the square was to use the existing Central Park, which had fallen into disrepair, and turn it into a distinctive meeting space. It was completed in 1982.
Along with the Plaza de la Cultura, a museum was erected to share the history of Costa Rica's pre-Colombian days. The Museo de Oro Precolombino, or Pre-Colombian Gold Museum, was completed in 1985. It has more than 4,000 exhibit pieces. It rests beneath the Plaza de la Cultura.
Visitors can walk around the square or take a break beneath a shade tree or on one of the benches. There are plenty of shopping and dining options nearby as well.
Construction on the square began in 1977 using a design from architects Jorge Bertheau, Jorge Borbón and Edgar Vargas. The purpose of the square was to use the existing Central Park, which had fallen into disrepair, and turn it into a distinctive meeting space. It was completed in 1982.
Along with the Plaza de la Cultura, a museum was erected to share the history of Costa Rica's pre-Colombian days. The Museo de Oro Precolombino, or Pre-Colombian Gold Museum, was completed in 1985. It has more than 4,000 exhibit pieces. It rests beneath the Plaza de la Cultura.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Jose. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Plaza de la Cultura (Culture Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza de la Cultura (Culture Square)
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Jose, Costa Rica (See walking tours in San Jose)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Jose, Costa Rica
Create Your Own Walk in San Jose
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Jose is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Tour
What's known today as San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, came into being as a small settlement during the Spanish invasion, circa the mid-16th century. From a town of little importance, San Jose eventually evolved into a densely-populated cosmopolitan city, built mostly with proceeds from coffee trade.
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The historic architecture of San Jose is a mix of European and Latin American styles... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
San Jose Introduction Walking Tour
The history of San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is that of growth and transformation. Founded in 1736 by the Spanish colonial administration (Cabildo de León) to concentrate the scattered inhabitants of the area, San Jose lacked formal city status until 1812. Surprisingly, but only two years later, the status was revoked. However, in 1820, it was reinstated, and San Jose became Costa... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Shopping and Food Walking Tour
Walking the pedestrian-friendly promenades of Costa Rica's capital – San Jose – is a great way to experience the local culture. Despite an occasional rainstorm, the country's tropical weather makes outdoor shopping an undeniably fun experience. The downtown part of San Jose has no shortage of department stores, traditional marketplaces and souvenir shops selling handcrafts.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
17 Uniquely Costa Rican Things to Buy in San Jose
Not to be confused with San Jose, the sunny California, San Jose, Costa Rica is the capital city of a wet (250 centimeters of rainfall per year) and colorful Latin American country renowned for its diverse craftsmanship (courtesy of the numerous indigenous tribes), splendid coffee and rich cultural...