San Jose Bites & Sights: City Walking Tour & National Museum
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San Jose Bites & Sights: City Walking Tour & National Museum

5.0(5 reviews)
5 hour(s)
English (United Kingdom)
San Jose, Costa Rica

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Explore Borbon and San Jose Central Market with a knowledgeable guide

See handicrafts, herbal remedies, and fresh produce with their cultural stories

Enjoy an introduction to San Jose’s history and culture through food and local life

Visit the National Museum to learn about the city’s early history

Experience the Vibrant Flavors and Rich History of San José Through Markets and Museums


San José is a city that pulses with life, offering a unique blend of traditional markets and modern cultural institutions. This tour is designed to provide an immersive experience, starting with a deep dive into the local culinary scene at the Central and Borbón markets. These bustling hubs are the perfect places to taste authentic Costa Rican flavors, from fresh tropical fruits to traditional snacks, allowing you to connect with the local community through their vibrant food culture.


As you navigate the colorful stalls of the markets, your guide will introduce you to the ingredients that form the backbone of Costa Rican cuisine. You will learn about the history of these markets and how they have served as the social and economic heart of the city for generations. This sensory journey is not just about eating; it is about understanding the daily life and traditions of the people who call San José home, making it a truly authentic experience.


Following the market tour, the focus shifts to the National Museum of Costa Rica, where you will explore the nation's rich heritage. Housed in a historic fortress, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the country's past, from pre-Columbian artifacts to colonial history and beyond. The exhibits are carefully curated to tell the story of Costa Rica's development, offering valuable insights into the cultural identity and historical milestones that have shaped this beautiful Central American nation.


This tour is the ultimate combination for those who want to experience the best of San José in a single, well-rounded excursion. By blending the sensory delights of local markets with the intellectual depth of the National Museum, you will gain a holistic understanding of the city's character. Whether you are a food lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the local culture, this tour provides a perfect introduction to the heart and soul of Costa Rica's capital.

What's Included
  • Visit the Central Market
  • Visit Borbon Market
  • Entrance fee to National Museum
  • Taste fruits, tamal, plantain empanada, caldosa, and agua de sapo
  • Coffee Tasting
  • Visit Central Park, Morazan Park, and National Park
What's Not Included
  • Additional food and drinks
  • Souvenirs and personal shopping
  • Gratuities for your guide
Price start from

$ 63

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Activity Provider: San Jose Urban Tours

Customer Reviews

5.0
Excellent
Based on 5 reviews
J
J Google
May 01, 2025

Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour : Great tour for solo travellers in San Jose. Andrea was a very knowledgeable guide and explained many aspects of Costa Rican culture. The tour itinerary was well crafted to see many different sights, 2 markets where we sampled unique local fruits and ice cream, and a traditional meal at a café (tamale, banana ceviche). To end the tour, we made our own empanadas and had coffee prepared the local way. This is not a boring walking tour, it is an introduction to Costa Rican food, culture and history! I recommend this tour to people who have never been to San Jose because you will miss many of the most interesting places without a local guide to take you there and explain their significance.

D
Deanne N.Google
March 22, 2024

It was a great experience as a single person learning more about the city and walking around the markets. I enjoyed eating quite a lot of the food and it was easy for me as a gluten-free individual to enjoy many traditional dishes of Costa Rica. Oscar was well versed in his city history as well as history of Costa Rica and San José. I would recommend this tour early on your stay in San José so you get an idea of what the city is like and can feel more confident exploring on your own.

G
Gustav Google
September 01, 2023

Really good local food tour, very professional and excellent value. We had a great 3 hour tour discovering all the best “sights and bites” highlights that San Jose has to offer, all from a local perspective. There was a total of 6 in our tour group. Our guide was very knowledgeable and told us all about the local history and the food culture. We went to the two big markets where all the locals eat Street Food at “Sodas”. We got to try a local favourite “Picaritas Caldosas” which is fresh ceviche on top of Dorito corn chips. We also visited the fruit & veg market where we got to taste a wide selection of local fruits, and enjoy a fresh whole coconut water. We then visited the main cathedral and the beautiful national theatre, and also visited a few landmarks along the way. We ended the tour at the Sloth Cafe where we had a tamale, and got to prepare a traditional cheese & bean empanada made with plantains. Very different and interesting, and surprisingly delicious ! The last 20 minutes is a coffee tasting- unfortunately we had to skip that part as we had prior arrangements. Overall a great day- highly recommended.

Explore More San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum
Explore More San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum
Explore More San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum
Explore More San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum
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Day In a City

Explore More San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and National Museum

Discover the wonders of San José, Costa Rica with this unforgettable experience. Make the most of your day in San Jose! This tour takes our usual Bites Sights Tour and combines it with a trip to a National Museum for the ultimate Costa Rican cultural experience. Get your cameras ready because you don’t want to miss... Highlights of your tour include: Explore Borbon and San Jose Central Market with a knowledgeable guideSee handicrafts, herbal remedies, and fresh produce with their cultural storiesEnjoy an introduction to San Jose’s history and culture through food and local lifeVisit the National Museum to learn about the city’s early history. San Jose Walking Food Tour and National Museum Small GroupVisiting San Jose’s markets with a guide turns an everyday scene into a rich cultural experience as your guide tells you the stories behind the markets’ offerings and takes the guesswork out of deciding what’s worth a try. After visiting top . This tour includes: Visit the Central MarketVisit Borbon MarketEntrance fee to National MuseumTaste fruits, tamal, plantain empanada, caldosa, and agua de sapoCoffee TastingVisit Central Park, Morazan Park, and National . Visiting San Jose’s markets with a knowledgeable guide transforms an everyday stroll into an enriching cultural journey. As you walk through Borbon and the Central Market, your guide reveals the fascinating stories behind the handicrafts, herbal remedies, and fresh produce on display. Instead of guessing what to try, you’ll be introduced to authentic flavors and experiences, turning your visit int. Duration: 5 hours . Book your San Jose: Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and Nationa...