National Theater of Costa Rica
Performing arts theater · San José ·

National Theater of Costa Rica

Performing arts theater · San José ·

Ornate landmark theater offering music, dance, tours in Spanish & English

guided tours
architecture
national landmark
historical elegance
cultural forum
renaissance-style building
cafe
coffee
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by Photo by Héctor Calderón
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null
National Theater of Costa Rica by null

Information

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

Restroom
Credit card accepted
Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Wheelchair accessible entrance

Information

Static Map

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

+506 2010 1100
teatronacional.go.cr
@teatronacionalcr
𝕏
@teatro_nacional

Features

•Restroom
•Credit card accepted
•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 16, 2026

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@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,540 Cities

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
National Theater of Costa Rica
@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,540 Cities

20 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2024

"I can tour the National Theater of Costa Rica in San José to see its opulent interior with marble statues and plush decor." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cheapest-places-to-travel-around-the-world-2024-8536111
National Theater of Costa Rica
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"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"

Wood grain pattern
The Perfect Day in San Jose
Photo by Héctor Calderón
National Theater of Costa Rica

Melissa P.

Google
This is a a spectacular place to visit while in San Jose. There is a cafeteria for coffee, treats, and sandwiches. The main lobby has sculptures and exhibitions from time to time. Usually, from summer to November, actors provide guided tours dressed in old 1800s attire and there are performances. During the busy season, there is an entry charge for the guided tours, however, you can browse as I did the main corridor to see some of the items I have included in the pictures.

Eddie A.

Google
We visited the National Theater of Costa Rica on our last day in San José and went in with fairly normal expectations, mainly to see the architecture. We left genuinely overjoyed by the guided tour experience. The tour is led by actors who appear unexpectedly throughout the building and interact with you, which makes it engaging and unique. Tours are offered in both English and Spanish, so it’s important to select the correct language when purchasing, as each hour is language-specific. Our guide, Claudia, was excellent and made the experience even more enjoyable. At the end, we also visited the theater’s café, which was very good and worth stopping by. It’s important to note that the theater can only be entered with a show ticket or a guided tour—there is no self-guided option.

Hai N.

Google
The tour was short, about 30 minutes; but the tour guide was great, he explained about everything we saw at the teacher, the origins of every object in the theater with its origin. The theater may be small compared to others in Europe but it’s worth going

Antonis A.

Google
Attending Berta Rojas’s concert at the National Theater of Costa Rica was truly an unforgettable experience. The theater itself is an architectural gem, blending historic elegance with an atmosphere that feels intimate yet grand. From the moment we stepped inside, we were amazed by the beautiful decor, intricate details, and the welcoming staff. Berta Rojas’s performance was spectacular—the acoustics of the theater made every note come alive. Being part of such a special event in this unique setting was pure joy. Whether you’re a lover of classical music or simply appreciate stunning venues, the National Theater is a must-visit destination in San José. The experience was amazing, and I recommend everyone add it to their Costa Rica itinerary!

Josh V.

Google
As a wanna-be architect, this feature is stunning! Invigorates wonder in the craft, material and skill to create a long lasting structure!

Kenneth R.

Google
Elegant and full of history. The interior is stunning, and catching a performance here feels like stepping into a different era. Even the café is charming.

Dave O. D.

Google
Take the tour, enjoy a coffee and snack. This is a national treasure one not yo be missed. SJO has only a few monuments to their rich past, built by and for the coffee plantation owners.. the uber rich of their time

Helen P.

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.