Costa Rica is certainly more than a nature lovers paradise. It is also a country known for its culture. There are more than thirty museums scattered around Costa Ricaeverything from the Costa Rican Art Museum to the Entomological Museum to the Gold Museum. Art galleries are opening all over San Jose. Costa Ricas theatrical tradition is well established in the capital, and its fine theaters are complemented by a vibrant fringe group that performs in small theaters across San Jose. The performing arts scene includes an annual concert series by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Costa Rican Youth Symphony. Dozens of movie theaters feature U.S. films usually in English with Spanish subtitles for just a dollar or two.
In addition to the Cultural Activities, San Jose has a fairly active nightlife, offering everything from the National Lyric Opera Company to sleazy strip joints. Theres no shortage of seedy bars, loud Western music, and video screens. Serious drinkers frequent Nashville South. An impressive mariachi band makes Bar Mexico a popular hangout. Other bars popular with North Americans include Risas, Luckys Piano Bar, Tropical Tinys, and Marleys. If you enjoy gambling, Costa Rica has more than twenty casinos to choose from. Most casinos serve free drinks while you play, and are open from about 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 a.m.

back to previous page - back to main information page