While Costa Rica is famous for its stunning landscapes and lush jungles, San José offers an exciting glimpse into the country’s architectural legacy. From grand neoclassical buildings to sleek modernist structures, the city is home to a fascinating array of architectural gems that reflect both its historical and contemporary identity.
With its compact city centre and affordable transportation, San José is a gritty urban centre that is worth a quick explore before heading into the simply stunning Costa Rica countryside. For architecture enthusiasts, the variety of colonial, Beaux-Arts, and modernist styles offers plenty to admire and explore. Here is a snippet from my arrival into the urban centre having come from the green vistas of La Fortuna
This guide will take you through 15, yes 15! must-see architectural landmarks a few more than our usual 10; that showcase San José' evolution and cultural heritage. Making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Costa Rican design and history. As always thanks for reading and let me know your favourite Costa Rica stop in the comments below.
If you want to know more about the history of Costa Rica, make sure to listen to my Wheres Next? Costa Rica Podcast Episode.
15 Costa Rica Architecture Treasures to Discover in San José Numbers 1-5
No.1. Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
Year of Construction: Completed in 1897
Architect: Lesmes Jiménez Bonnefil and Jules Etienne
Style: Neoclassical
Website: https://teatronacional.go.cr/
Purpose: National theatre for cultural performances and events
Why it’s special: The Teatro Nacional stands as the crown jewel of San José’s architectural landscape. Modelled after European theatres, this neoclassical treasure was built to showcase Costa Rica’s artistic and cultural ambitions. Its opulent interiors feature marble statues, gilded detailing, and stunning frescoes by Italian artists, reflecting a time when Costa Rica sought to project a refined international image.
What to explore: Backpackers can join affordable guided tours to learn about the theatre's rich history or catch a live performance. Architecture lovers will be captivated by the intricate stonework, grand facades, and lavish decor, making this theatre a true architectural masterpiece.
No.2. Edificio Metálico (Metal Building)
Year of Construction: 1892
Architect: Charles Thirion, with ironwork by Gustave Eiffel’s company
Style: Neoclassical with prefabricated iron construction
Purpose: Originally built as a school
Why it’s special: The Edificio Metálico is a remarkable structure, completely made from iron and one of the city’s most unique examples of architectural ingenuity. Designed by Charles Thirion and produced by the Gustave Eiffel company, this prefabricated iron building was imported piece by piece from Belgium, showcasing Costa Rica's early embrace of innovative construction methods.
What to explore: Backpackers can view this unusual building from the adjacent Parque Morazán, while architecture lovers will appreciate its iron framework and distinctive design, a rarity in Costa Rican architecture.
No.3. Museo del Jade (Museum of Jade)
Year of Construction: Opened in 2014
Architect: Miguel Rivera
Style: Modernist
Website: https://museodeljade.grupoins.com/
Purpose: Museum dedicated to pre-Columbian jade artifacts
Why it’s special: The Museo del Jade stands out for its striking modernist architecture, with its bold, angular design reflecting the precision of the artifacts housed within. Boasting the largest collection of pre-Columbian jade in the world, the museum is a testament to Costa Rica’s rich indigenous history. The building's clean lines and minimalist approach contrast sharply with the ancient jade pieces displayed inside, offering a unique blend of old and new.
What to explore: Backpackers can dive into Costa Rica's indigenous heritage, while architecture lovers will admire the modern design, characterised by sharp angles and a harmonious use of space that highlights the museum’s cultural significance.
No.4. Iglesia de la Merced
Year of Construction: 1907
Architect: Lesmes Jiménez Bonnefil
Style: Gothic Revival
Purpose: Catholic church
Why it’s special: One of San José’s most visually striking landmarks, the Iglesia de la Merced features stunning Gothic Revival architecture, rare in Costa Rica. Its towering spires, pointed arches, and detailed stone carvings make it a standout in the city’s architectural mix. The church’s history and design offer visitors a taste of Costa Rica’s spiritual heritage.
What to explore: Backpackers can attend mass or explore the church's tranquil interior, while architecture enthusiasts will be drawn to the intricacy of its Gothic design and the way it contrasts with the city’s more prevalent colonial and neoclassical styles.
No.5. Estación del Ferrocarril al Atlántico
Year of Construction: 1908
Architect: Alfredo Andreoli
Style: Neoclassical
Purpose: Railway station for connecting San José to the Atlantic coast
Why it’s special: The Estación del Ferrocarril al Atlántico is a beautifully preserved neoclassical building, showcasing the golden age of Costa Rica’s railway system. This elegant station, with its grand arched entrance and symmetrical design, was once vital to the country’s coffee trade. It now stands as a historical monument to Costa Rica’s industrial past.
What to explore: Backpackers can explore the nearby National Railway Museum, while architecture lovers will appreciate the station’s neoclassical symmetry, its historical role, and its architectural elegance.
15 Costa Rica Architecture Treasures to Discover in San José Numbers 6-10
No.6. Correos de Costa Rica (Post Office Building)
Year of Construction: 1917
Architect: Luis Llach
Style: Beaux-Arts
Purpose: Headquarters for Costa Rica’s postal service
Why it’s special: The Correos de Costa Rica building is one of San José’s finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its grandeur reflects the prestige of public buildings in the early 20th century, with its symmetrical design, arched windows, and detailed ornamentation. The building remains a functioning post office, offering a glimpse into the city’s architectural and functional history.
What to explore: Backpackers can explore the building’s Postal Museum, while architecture enthusiasts will admire its Beaux-Arts design, a style known for its elegance and grandeur.
No.7. Plaza de la Cultura & Museo del Oro Precolombino
Year of Construction: Plaza (1970s); Museum (1980s)
Architect: Edgar Brenes
Style: Modernist subterranean architecture
Purpose: Public plaza and museum for pre-Columbian gold artefacts
Why it’s special: The Plaza de la Cultura is a dynamic public square located in the heart of San José, sitting directly above the Museo del Oro Precolombino, an underground museum. The plaza is a lively space for tourists and locals alike, while the museum below showcases an incredible collection of pre-Columbian gold artefacts. The museum’s subterranean design is a marvel of modernist architecture, blending culture and public space seamlessly.
What to explore: Backpackers can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the plaza or visit the museum for a deep dive into Costa Rica’s indigenous heritage, while architecture lovers will appreciate the innovative underground design.
No.8. Catedral Metropolitana
Year of Construction: 1871 (rebuilt after multiple earthquakes)
Architect: Eusebio Rodríguez
Style: Neoclassical
Purpose: Catholic cathedral and central place of worship in San José
Why it’s special: The Catedral Metropolitana is the principal church in San José and a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Its stately columns, large dome, and grand altar create a sense of awe and reverence. The cathedral has been a central figure in the city’s religious and architectural history, surviving earthquakes and modernisation while retaining its majestic appearance.
What to explore: Backpackers can attend a service or simply explore the serene interior, while architecture enthusiasts will be captivated by the building’s neoclassical design and its significance in San José’s spiritual landscape.
No.9. Mercado Central (Central Market)
Year of Construction: 1880
Architect: Various architects over the years
Style: Eclectic commercial architecture
Purpose: Public market for food, goods, and crafts
Why it’s special: The Mercado Central is the beating heart of San José’s commercial life. This bustling market, which features an eclectic mix of Victorian and colonial styles, is the perfect place to experience the daily rhythm of the city. With its narrow corridors, colourful stalls, and lively atmosphere, the market offers a sensory overload for both locals and visitors.
What to explore: You can sample local dishes and shop for souvenirs, while appreciating the market’s historical design and its evolution as the commercial hub of San José.
No.10. Parque La Sabana & Estadio Nacional
Year of Construction: Stadium built in 2011
Architect: Zhou Yunjian
Style: Modernist sports complex
Purpose: National stadium and public park
Why it’s special: Parque La Sabana is San José’s largest green space, offering locals and visitors a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Its centrepiece is the Estadio Nacional, a state-of-the-art sports stadium that showcases modernist architecture with its curved roof and sleek design. The park is a popular spot for joggers, picnics, and recreational activities.
What to explore: You can enjoy a relaxing day in the park, whilst also being impressed by the stadium’s contemporary design and its role in bringing modern architecture to San José.
15 Costa Rica Architecture Treasures to Discover in San José Numbers 11-15
No.11. Republic General Comptroller (Contraloría General de la República)
Year of Construction: 1946
Architect: Jose María Barrantes
Style: Rationalist with Art Deco influences
Purpose: Government office overseeing public funds and accountability
Why it’s special: The Republic General Comptroller building is one of San José’s most notable examples of Rationalist architecture with subtle Art Deco influences. Built to house the country's top auditing institution, this government building reflects Costa Rica’s post-World War II efforts toward modernisation and transparency in governance. Its clean lines, functional design, and simple geometric forms give the building a timeless elegance.
What to explore: Backpackers can admire the exterior of the building as they pass through San José’s government district, while architecture lovers will appreciate its fusion of Art Deco stylisation with practical Rationalist design, which emerged as a forward-thinking response to Costa Rica’s development needs in the mid-20th century.
12. Edificio Jenaro Valverde
Year of Construction: 1936
Architect: Jose María Barrantes
Style: Rationalist
Purpose: Originally a residential building, now repurposed for government and cultural uses
Why it’s special: Edificio Jenaro Valverde, located in downtown San José, is a key example of Rationalist architecture in Costa Rica. Designed by Jose María Barrantes, who spearheaded many of the country's early Rationalist buildings, it showcases the functional and stripped-down aesthetic that was gaining popularity in the 1930s. The building’s geometric simplicity and minimalist facades make it a distinct departure from the more ornamental styles of the early 20th century.
What to explore: While its current use is primarily administrative, travellers can appreciate the building’s historical significance and the way it reflects Costa Rica’s embrace of modern architecture during a period of urban development.
13. Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica (Asamblea Legislativa)
Year of Construction: 2020
Architect: Zurcher Arquitectos
Style: Modernist
Purpose: Government building housing Costa Rica’s legislative body
Why it’s special: The newly constructed Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is a striking example of modernist architecture and represents the country’s focus on transparency and democracy. The glass-and-steel structure features a bold, futuristic design, with an emphasis on open spaces and natural light. The building integrates green spaces and sustainability features, aligning with Costa Rica’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
What to explore: While the building is primarily used for governmental purposes, its bold architecture makes it a standout in the heart of the city. Visitors can walk around the exterior, admire the open spaces, and reflect on Costa Rica’s modern political landscape. Architecture lovers will be drawn to the sleek lines and innovative use of materials that represent Costa Rica’s forward-looking approach to public spaces.
14. Plaza de las Artes
Year of Establishment: 2015
Architect: Part of the urban regeneration project
Style: Public art space
Purpose: To showcase art and serve as a cultural hub
Why it’s special: Located in the Barrio Amón district, the Plaza de las Artes is a vibrant public space that has become a hub for local artists and cultural events. The plaza features installations and murals created by both emerging and established Costa Rican artists, making it a dynamic cultural space where art is integrated into the urban landscape. It was designed as part of San José’s efforts to revitalise its downtown through art and community engagement.
What to explore: Backpackers will enjoy wandering the plaza, discovering street art, and possibly catching a live performance. For architecture and art lovers, Plaza de las Artes serves as an example of how public spaces can be used to foster creativity and cultural expression.
15. Parque Nacional & Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones
Year of Establishment: 1895
Architect: Early urban planners of San José
Style: Urban green space
Purpose: Public park and historical landmark
Why it’s special: Parque Nacional is one of San José’s most historic and beloved urban parks, located near key government buildings such as the National Monument and Supreme Electoral Tribunal. With its lush greenery, fountains, and pathways, the park serves as a peaceful retreat in the bustling city. It’s a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike and offers a quiet place to relax while appreciating Costa Rica’s dedication to urban green spaces.
The Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (16 on the map) (Supreme Electoral Tribunal) is one of San José’s key governmental buildings, notable for its modernist architectural style. Built in the mid-20th century, the building reflects Costa Rica’s dedication to democratic governance and political transparency. The structure features a clean, functional design, with a focus on simplicity and practicality, characteristic of the modernist movement that sought to move away from ornate styles in favour of streamlined forms. Large glass windows allow natural light to flood the interior, symbolising the transparency of the electoral process. Situated in the heart of San José, the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones stands as a testament to Costa Rica's proud democratic tradition, embodying both political stability and architectural efficiency in a city that blends the old and the new.
What to explore: Backpackers can enjoy a leisurely walk through the park, visit the National Monuments, before checking out the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones. Architecture and history lovers will appreciate the park’s historical significance, as it has been a gathering place for national events and demonstrations throughout Costa Rica’s history.
15 Architectural Treasures to Discover in San José On the Map
15 Architectural Treasures to Discover in San José Final Thoughts
San José is home to a fascinating array of architectural treasures, from its grand neoclassical landmarks to innovative modernist structures. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or a passionate architecture lover, the city’s buildings offer a glimpse into its vibrant history and cultural evolution. Make sure to include these top 15 architectural highlights in your San José travel itinerary to fully appreciate the city’s unique architectural charm.
Ready to explore San José’s architectural treasures? From iconic theatres to modern stadiums, the capital city of Costa Rica offers something for every traveler. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the rich history and innovative designs that make San José an unforgettable destination for architecture lovers and backpackers alike.
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