San José Favorite Tips by penumbra Top 5 Page for this destination

ATM's

Favorite thing: Lining up to access an ATM just doesn’t appeal. Fortunately, there is a cluster of six bank machines in a small shopping mall (Pasaje Plazavenida) at the extreme east end of the Avenida Central pedestrian mall at Calle 9. The downside is that there is a $5 charge per transaction. The upside is that there is no waiting, a security guard present, and money available in either colons or US dollars. The mall, and access to the machines, is only open during normal business hours 9am-6pm.

Bakeries

Favorite thing: The Costa Ricans do bakeries right. No two are alike and the pastries are always fresh and tasty. Let’s face it, walking around downtown San Jose is hungry work. My favorite bakery is Samuelito along Avenida Central between Calle 1 and 3.

Banco Central de Costa Rica – National Bank Bldg.

Favorite thing: One of the taller and more modern buildings in San Jose, the National Bank building sits on the site from which the town of San Jose was born. Surrounded by immaculate gardens and trees, there are also sculptures to admire as you pass by. By the western wall of the bank there is a bronze sculpture of Costa Rica farming people.

Address: Avenidas Central-1 - Calles 2-4