Life Style
Shopping ...
Costa Rica offers you not only Ocean and Mountain Views but also excellent Education, Health System and more... Want shopping tips to know where to find the best shopping area's in Costa Rica. Ask any Tica and the response will be the San José area. Most locals, with the colones to shop, travel to San José for the best selection and bargains. Avenida Central is a pedestrian-only street mall where you'll find store after store of inexpensive clothes for men, women, and children. Depending on the mood of the police that day, you might find a lot of street vendors as well.
The Central valley has three large malls providing great selection, nice ambiance, but few bargains. The Multiplaza mall chain has two locations. San José boasts a wide variety of stylish shopping centers and malls ideal for enjoying a luscious café latte, browsing among local arts and crafts, or purchasing the latest top selling novel. The city of Sarchi is all about street shopping for souvenirs, furniture of all sorts, and home of the Ox cart factory.
The Multiplaza in Escazú www.multiplazamall.com is between the airport and downtown San José. This area is a favorite of expatriates and is home to the best restaurants and an excellent selection of hotels as well as bed and breakfast options.
Multiplaza del Este is in Zapote a suburb of San José and is approximately 15 minutes from downtown. This mall is similar however much smaller to the Escazu location. Includes stores like Carrion, Universal and Zara 201-5045.
Terra Mall between San José and Cartargo is about 20 minutes from downtown and provides a good variety of stores such us Keneth Cole or Nautica and a central place to find what you need. No real bargains in my opinion.
Mall San Pedro The first true mall in Costa Rica, this three level behemoth lies next to the San Pedro traffic circle and includes numerous specialty shops, boutiques, a two level food court, a ten-screen movie theater and a Office Mall.
Plaza Real Cariari Located on the highway to the airport about 20 minutes from downtown San José. Includes three levels with movie theaters and large food court. Department mega stores include Aliss, Blooms and Brand Fashion. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Mall International Alajuela Located near the airport in Alajuela, this somewhat run down two-level mall includes a small food court, shops and a movie theater.
PriceSmart Modeled after Cosco in the U.S., offers wholesale groceries and home products for card-carrying members. Central Valley three locations: Zapote, Heredia, Escazú.
Aliss Tel:(506)2830164 is another very good department store that has appeared in the market in the last couple of years and offers furniture, great decorative items, toys, casual clothing. Four locations: Zapote, Tres Rios, Real Carriari and Escazú location: at the old Metrobowl about 200 mts South of Multiplaza.
Cemaco Depatment Store Has few locations one between Zapote and San Pedro with Ace Hardware & Radio Shack.
La Artística the biggest furniture store in Central America. Offers an incredible variety of furniture, accessories for decoration and the most prestigious appliances. Established in San José, Costa Rica since 1933.
Costa Rica Dining, Cultural Directory and Cinemas and more ...
Costa Rica's many Bars and Restaurants offers fine dining experience. San Jose is a culinary delight with a wonderful selection of world-class restaurants and eateries that specialize in gourmet food from the world over. The meals offered here are superb and are set amid a stunning environment with an ambiance par excellence.
Whether you live here or are vacationing, travel to San Jose, Escazu, San Pedro or other town, visit restaurant with the links below...
Giacomin Bagelmen's |
Tel: (506) 2228-3381 and 2288-3382 Tel: (506) 2224-2432 |
Pastry Shop Coffee Shop |
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Pasteleria Chez Christophe | Tel: (506) 2228-2512 | Pastry & Coffee Shop |
El Chicote | Tel: (506) 2232-0936 | Restaurant and Bar |
El Fogoncito | Tel: (506) 2290-0910 and 2232-0393 |
Restaurant |
El Gran Diamante | Tel: (506) 2221-5411 | Restaurant and Bar |
Il Gatto | Tel: (506) 2220-4439 | Restaurant |
Jürgen's | Tel: (506) 2283-2239 and 2280-9148 |
Restaurant |
La Nuova Piazzetta | Tel: (506) 2222-7896 and 2221-8451 |
Restaurant |
Los Antojitos | Tel: (506) 2231-0153 | Restaurant |
Machu Picchu | Tel: (506) 2222-7384 | Restaurant |
Padrísimo | Tel: (506) 2220-0808 | Restaurant |
Soho Bar & Grill | Tel: (506) 2248-0180 and 2248-0151 |
Bar & Grill |
Spoon's | Tel: (506) 2231-6359 and 2296-1670 |
Restaurant |
The Golden Horse | Tel: (506) 2270-4562 | Restaurant |
Tin Jo | Tel: (506) 2221-7605 | Restaurant |
Café de Artistas | Tel: (506) 2228-6045 | Restaurant |
Donde Carlos | Tel: (506) 2225-0819 | Restaurant |
Sushi Itto | Tel: (506) 2228-7873 | Restaurant |
RostiPollos | Tel: (506) 2228-2494 | Restaurant |
Henrys's Beach Cafe | Tel: (506) 229-6250 | Sports Bar |
The White House Hotel |
Tel: (506) 2288-6362 Fax: 2288-6365 Toll Free Number: (954) 2272-8566 |
Restaurant & Hotel |
Cultural Directory ...
Also famous for its culture, there are more than 30 museums in San Jose as well as a number of art galleries and theaters. However, if you prefer more fast-paced entertainment then visit the many cinema houses here, where one can watch the latest English blockbusters with Spanish subtitles.
National Museum | Tel: (506) 2258-4929 | Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm |
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Costarrican's Art Museum | Tel: (506) 2223-1335 | Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm |
Teatro Nacional | Tel: (506) 2221-1329 | www.teatronacional.go.cr |
Children Museum | Tel: (506) 2258-4929 | www.museocr.com |
Galeria Namu | Tel: (506) 2256-3412 | Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6:30pm |
Galeria Nacional | Tel: (506) 2258-4929 | Open Tueday-Saturday |
Teatro La Comedia | Tel: (506) 2233-2170 | |
Galeria Alternativa | Tel: (506) 2232-8500 | www.galeriaalternativacr.com |
Museo de Arte | Tel: (506) 2257-7202 | www.madc.ac.cr |
Museo del Oro Precolombino | Tel: (506) 2243-4202 | Monday-Sunday 9:30am-5pm |
Cinemas ...
Multiplaza, Autopista Santa Ana | Tel: (506) 2288-1111 |
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Plaza Mayor, Rohrmoser | Tel: (506) 2232-327 |
Outlet Mall, San Pedro | Tel: (506) 2234-8868 and 2280-2735 |
Omni, Plaza De Cultura | Tel: (506) 2221-7903 |
Mall San Pedro, San Pedro | Tel: (506) 2283-5716 |
Cinepolis at Terramall, Tres Rios | Tel: (506) 2278-3506 |
Mall International, Alejuela | Tel: (506) 2442-6100 |
Plaza Liberia, Liberia | Tel: (506) 2665-1515 |
Paseo de la Flores Mall, Heredia | Tel: (506) 2237-6263 |
Mall Paraiso, Cartago | Tel: (506) 2592-3133 |
Costa Rica Nightlife, Entertainment and more...
San José's many clubs, discotheques and dance halls play music for all tastes until the wee hours of the morning; admission is inexpensive or free. International liquors and cocktails, as well as all local beers and beverages are served. Also, keep in mind that many of these clubs serve food and the traditional heaping plates of delicious local appetizers or hôrs d'oeuvres, called bocas. Costa Ricans love to party and dance. There are numerous dance academies in the San José area that offer classes for all levels of experience in various styles of Latin American dance. There is some entertainment here for everyone.
Located a few minutes north of the downtown Holiday Inn, El Pueblo is a mix of more than 100 bars, clubs, restaurants, art galleries and shops. Lining the picturesque cobblestone streets within walking distance of several hotels and resorts, it is a lively place from 9 PM until dawn. For lovers of jazz there are several good clubs in the San José area. The Jazz Café in San Pedro is the best spot to hear the rhythms of soul, blues and jazz.
Clubs ...
Club Vertigo, Centro Colon, San José | Tel: (506) 2257-8424 |
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Shehrazad, at Lubnan ,Calle 22-24, Paseo Colon | Tel: (506) 2257-6071 |
Fuzion , San Pedro Mall | Tel: (506) 2253-2565 |
Living Ultra P , Santa Ana | Tel: (506) 2221-6655 |
Night Club Flamingo, Calle 2 Avenida 4 y 6, San José | Tel: (506) 2223-4767 |
Club Star 2 Público, Calle 14, Ave. Central, San José | Tel: (506) 2233-1877 |
Club Puro Platino, Calle 10 y 12 Avenida 3, San José | Tel: (506) 2256-9989 |
Jazz Café | Tel: (506) 2253-8933 |
Volcán Look Disco, La Fortuna | Tel: (506) 2479-9616 |
Bambu Jam, Bar in Manuel Antonio | Tel: (506) 2777-3369 |
Mar y Sombra ( open air dance party ), Manuel Antonio | Tel: (506) 2777-0003 |
El Arco Iris ( latino & pop music ), Quepos | Tel: (506) 2777-0449 |
Dance Acadamies ...
Merecumbé, Rohrmoser | Tel: (506) 2220-8511 |
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Merecumbé, Escazú | Tel: (506) 2289-4774 |
El Malecón Escuela de Bailes Populares | Tel: (506) 2255-0378 |
Academia de Bailes Latinos | Tel: (506) 2233-8938 |
Kinesis Academia de Baile | Tel: (506) 2440-0852 |
Inovación Latina | Tel: (506) 2255-1460 |
Academia Salsabor Estudio | Tel: (506) 2224-1943 |
Casinos ...
Costa Rica has a great number of Casinos around the country from which to choose. Try your luck at our legal gambling. Step up to the slots or card tables and play Caribbean stud poker, mini baccarat, blackjack, canasta roulette, craps, rows of slot machines and video machines. Casinos are all over Costa Rica, in San Jose and resorts throughout the country. Select a destination below, and Good Luck!
Casino Hotel Los Suenos Mariott, Playa Herradura |
Tel: (506) 2298-0000 |
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Casino Hotel Aurola Holdiay Inn, San José | Tel: (506) 2233-9490 |
Casino Flamingo Beach Resort, Flamingo Beach | Tel: (506) 2233-9490 |
Casino Best Western Coco Verde, Playas del Coco | Tel: (506) 2670-0490 |
Casino Central, Calle 7 y 9, Avenida Central, San José | Tel: (506) 2221-4994 |
Casino San José Palacio, La Uruca, San José | Tel: (506) 2220-1310 |
Casino Concorde, Hotel Best Western | Tel: (506) 2232-7910 |
Casino Club Dominio, Hotel Irazú, San José | Tel: (506) 2232-7910 |
The Jungle Casino, Calle 7 y 9, Avenida Central, San José | Tel: (506) 2221-4994 |
Casino Flamingo Bay Resort, Playa Flamingo | Tel: (506) 2654-4350 |
Casino Cariari, Autopista General Cañas | Tel: (506) 2293-3033 |
Casino Hotel del Rey, Calle 9, Avenida 1, San José | Tel: (506) 2257-7800 |
Casino Camino Real, Intercontinental, Escazú | Tel: (506) 2289-7000 |
Casino Divisamar, Manuel Antonio | Tel: (506) 2777-0371 |
Casino Hotel Cocal, Playa Jacó | Tel: (506) 2643-3067 |
Currency EXCHANGE
The national currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. U.S. dollars can be easily exchanged throughout the country at any bank, national or private, and also at most hotels and money exchange companies. In addition, nearly all hotels plus some restaurants and shops will accept U.S. dollars as payment. Canadian dollars may be exchanged at branches of Banco Nacional and other monetary currencies should be converted in San José at either Banco Central de Costa Rica or at a currency exchange house. Be certain to check daily exchange rates at local banks, currency houses or in the local newspaper as it changes continually.
The Euro (EUR) is worth 801.48 Costa Rican Colones (CRC)
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is worth 528.69 Costa Rican Colones (CRC)
Pound Sterling (GBP) is worth 1008.53 Costa Rican Colones (CRC)
Currency data courtesy coinmill.com