A day in San José, Costa Rica's dynamic capital

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. Its history dates back to the 18th century, when the city was founded as a small colonial village by the Spanish. At the beginning of the 19th century, San José was still under colonial control. In 1821, Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain and San José became the capital of the newly independent republic. Over the decades, San José became the political, economic and cultural centre of the country. San José grew rapidly and soon became a modern city. Its cobbled streets, government buildings and dynamic economic growth make it a charming and influential city.

In the 20th century, San José continued to develop and modernise. Its economic growth is dynamic and its demographic growth strong. The city became a centre for American tourism, commerce, finance and technology, attracting foreign investment and skilled workers. Today, San José is a cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant culture, rich history and diverse population. Compared with its neighbours, Costa Rica and San José are a major financial hub for Americans and Europeans.

Reflecting the history of Costa Rica, San José's culture is rich. It is a melting pot that gracefully blends diverse influences. The city is the country's cultural and artistic centre, offering a variety of events, festivals and activities for tourists and locals alike. Art is not left out, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing works by some of Latin America's greatest artists. The capital attracts artists, writers and thinkers from the countryside.

The National Museum of Costa Rica

The National Museum of Costa Rica is one of the country's most important museums. It houses an impressive collection of historical and cultural objects that tell the fascinating story of the country.

The music of Costa Rica

Music is an important aspect of San José's culture. The music scene is lively and includes year-round music festivals, concert halls and nightclubs. The most popular music in Costa Rica is salsa, merengue and cumbia. The country has also developed its own unique music scene, blending Afro-Caribbean, Latin and indigenous influences. If you love dancing, music and a caliente atmosphere, head to El Steinvorth for some electronic music.

Traditional Costa Rican cuisine in San José is fairly simple, healthy and delicious. It is mainly based on local ingredients, in other words rice, beans, vegetables, chillies and meat.

The dishes not to be missed on a trip to Costa Rica are :

• Gallo Pinto: a dish of mixed rice and beans, served with eggs, cheese and corn tortillas.

• Casado: a dish of rice, beans, plantains, salad and meat, usually chicken, pork or fish.

• Olla de Carne: a beef stew with vegetables, corn and herbs.

• Sopa Negra: a black soup made with beans, onions and coriander.

• Chifrijo: a dish of rice, beans, pork, avocado and pico de gallo (a tomato, onion and coriander salsa).

There are plenty of restaurants in town where you can try one of these marvels. We recommend Restaurante Grano de Oro , Sikwa, Al Mercat, Arbolito, La Esquina de Buenos Aires or the small local canteens.