National Theater of Costa Rica

Performing arts theater · San José

National Theater of Costa Rica

Performing arts theater · San José

Avenida 2, C. 5, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica

Highlights

Ornate landmark theater offering music, dance & guided tours.

Avenida 2, C. 5, San José, Catedral, Costa Rica Get directions

teatronacional.go.cr

@travelleisure

This Is the Most Budget-friendly Spring Break Destination

"An ornate historic theater and cultural landmark where performing arts are staged, noted as one of the city's must-see cultural sites." - Taryn White Taryn White Taryn White is a D.C.-based travel writer who covers a wide range of topics, including family travel, hotels, food, aviation, beaches, historical and cultural topics, and wellness travel. She can often be spotted around the world with her husband and two travel-loving kids. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/san-jose-costa-rica-budget-friendly-spring-break-11691112

View Postcard for National Theater of Costa Rica

@afar

"For three centuries, Costa Rica ’s national theater has been an important cultural forum, and its beautiful structure is a designated national monument. Docent-led tours of the Renaissance-style building and its performance hall are highly recommended. If you’re making your way on your own, start from the architecturally eclectic entrance and its opulent neoclassical froufrou, then ascend the magnificent marble stairs to the mezzanine. Don’t miss the cedar- and mahogany-inlaid floor (much of the wood was sourced from Alajuela). Inside the auditorium, ceiling frescoes are arguably more impressive than even the profusely decorated balconies, awash in gilt. An in-house café serves brews from every corner of the republic. Hour-long matinees on Tuesdays, featuring top international artists, are a midday delight. By Travesías"

The Perfect Day in San Jose

View Postcard for National Theater of Costa Rica

Helen Polishuk

Google

To visit San Jose and not to visit the theater?! This is the most favorite tourist attraction. Entrance from 10 am to the theater grounds costs 7 dollars, they show the premises. In the evening there are performances and you can also buy a ticket and visit.

Caroline Findlay

Google

Beautifully ornate theatre situated in the heart of central San José. The theatre opened in 1897 and is an exquisite example of neoclassical architecture. We did a guided walking tour of the theatre which was fun and engaging. They do tours on the hour and alternate between English and Spanish (although there are fewer tours in English). We booked our tickets at the kiosk situated outside the theatre and were lucky they weren’t fully booked. I really enjoyed visiting the theatre, and I’d highly recommend booking the guided tour.

Mike Z

Google

Probably most memorable building inside and outside in Costa Rica, kind of a hallmark of the capital. Since I have been in the area in the morning and couldn’t wait couple of hours for English speaking tour, I’ve got tickets for one in Spanish just to get an opportunity to check out interior of the theater. It is really gorgeous, but to my surprise the two tour guides were actually acting different roles and even singing while presenting premises. Visitors had the chance to sit in both orchestra and balcony to get a feel of what might be going on during the performance. Could be better if I understood the plot, but still quite happy with experience.

Jeimy Samchez

Google

The National Theater is located in the Plaza de la Cultura in San Jose. It's a great location, and you can walk the entire central avenue, where you'll find shops and restaurants, and learn a little about Costa Rican history.

Judy Chasey

Google

Visited this in 2003 and again this January. In the heart of San Jose, Costa Rica it is a theater built in the late 1800's and modeled after the Opera House in Paris. Tour cost $7 and is worth it. It has been maintained beautifully and the paintings, statues and gold plating are in excellent shape.

Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari

Google

This is an absolute gem in the heart of San José, and a place not to be missed when you are in town. They have tours on the hour but you need to check when the tours are done in English and when in Spanish. As you enter the main auditorium, you can't stop but to admire the beauty and majesty of the building, which dates back to over 100 years ago. The guides are efficient in their explanation of the history, design, and important events in the theatre. You will also learn about the restoration process going on at the theatre. Overall, it was a great informative tour. The only suggestion is that we could spend more time in the upper hall where the restoration was going on.

Yinzú Nairouz

Google

Beautiful building. Check their website for events or tours. It is possible to walk around. They have public exhibitions

Debbie SALAZAR

Google

A visit to downtown San Jose should include a stop at the beautiful National Theater. It is located in the central section of the city, right off Avenida Central. Tours are offered daily and tickets can be purchased at the box office. It is considered to be the finest historic building in the capital, opening to the public in 1897, and is well known for its exquisite interior and lavish furnishings. We attended a recent Symphony concert and we were able to admire the beauty of one of Costa Rica's National treasures.