San Jose offers many interesting attractions to entertain visitors. There are several museums; the National Theater, a centennial architectural jewel depicting the cultural level of this society, churches, parks, and an active nightlife featuring elegant gourmet restaurants and entertainment areas, including casinos, sports bars and more. Shopping is a must in the area, with shops and artisans displaying their work in selected areas of the city. If the thrill of the hunt for that perfect souvenir is just as exciting for you as bungee jumping, then Costa Rica won't disappoint.

And you certainly can work up a sweat walking from shop to shop if you like to get your exercise in a little more sedate way than climbing mountains. San Jose has a little bit of everything to buy. You'll find the standard tourist fare like T-shirts and postcards. All manner of books have been written about this country, many of which make great souvenirs. Music stores have a wide selection of recorded music by local artists. And then there's the distinctive art and handicrafts made by local, indigenous and international artisans.

San Jose is the perfect gateway to access not only the Central Valley but the entire country as well. Its cosmopolitan concept has turned the city into a mirror of the country's culture, something clearly demonstrated in the excellent museum network that surrounds the city's perimeter. Historical buildings and industrial complexes from the past have been transformed into houses of art, science and social achievements. A former prison, a transformed airport terminal, a fortress housing the country's history, an old liquor factory-constructions from the past that today, as museums, preserve the heritage of the Costa Rican people. Even though the builders of these structures never considered the possibility of them housing museums, the truth is that some of the most important museums in San Jose operate today within buildings that range from prisons to airports, adding more value to visitors interest.

The relatively small size of San Jose and the good location of its museums make it possible for visitors to tour the city's museums on foot in one day, either alone or with a guide who will enlighten the circuit with proper comments and historical facts. San Jose Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Art Museum located at Parque La Sabana, is a good start from the west side of the city. Several art collections depict the best of the fine arts created in Costa Rica throughout history, with the work of national masters in techniques such as water color, oil, and sculpture.

The excellently preserved building used to be the city's international airport. It recreates an atmosphere resembling the 1950's architectural style. The museum is open Tue-Sun 9:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m.

One of the capital's real gems is the National Museum (Museo Nacional), housed in the 114-year-old Bellavista Fortress, a former army barracks that sports a few bullet holes in its towers. But not to worry. Costa Rica has no more army and the building's central courtyard, overlooking the Plaza de la Democracia, is one of the most peaceful settings in the center of the crowded city. San Jose Costa Rica

With one of the country's most active research facilities and educational programs, the National Museum is one of those "little bit of everything" places. It really shines when it comes to Costa Rica's indigenous heritage and enviromental exhibits. (Calle 17, Ave. Central /2; open Tue-Sun 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

The imposing castle-like buil-ding just north of downtown houses the Children's Museum (Museo del Niño). Believe it or not, this used to be the city's prison.(Ave. 9, Calle 4; open Tue-Fri 8 a.m., 3 p.m., Sat-Sun 10 a.m., 4 p.m.) San Jose Costa Rica

At another museum nearby, all that glitters is gold. The Gold Museum (Museo de Oro), below the Plaza de la Cultura, is part of a complex of museums operated by Costa Rica's Central Bank.

The museum's vaults showcase yet another collection of pre-Columbian art. Among these displays, 2,300 pieces of gold jewelry, armored plates, and objects of religious devotion can be admired and studied. (Calle 5, Ave. Central/2; open Tue-Sun 10 a.m., 4:30 p.m.)

Costa Rica's venue for modern art is the Contemporary Art and Design Museum (Museo del Dise-o y Arte Contempo-raneo). Facing Parque Nacional, it is housed in the large arts complex known as the National Cultural Center (Centro Nacional de Cultura) which was once part of the National Liquor Factory. Fittingly, the Ministry of Culture has its offices in this complex, too. (Ave. 3, Calle 15/17; open Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.)
All city museums charge an admission fee. Inquire at the entrance area for rates and discounts for children.
Into the Central Valley: San Jose Costa Rica

Costa Rica's Central Valley has a lot to offer. If handicrafts and souvenirs are at stake, then a trip to Sarchi is a must. Widely known for its woodcrafts, the Sarchi area is a blessing for those in search of a famous hand-painted ox- cart and many other wooden designs including beautiful artistically carved doors.
The good thing about Sarchi is that one can visit the shops and admire the artists at work. Painting or carving delicate pieces featuring tropical designs ranging from birds to colonial settings, they use a wonderfully varied color palette.

If nature is what visitors are after, then San Jose is a key stop while in the country's Central Valley. From the city it is easy to join a one day tour to one of the two main volcanoes that overlook, from the distance, the country's capital. Poas Volcano is located in the northwestern area of the Central Valley, while Irazu Volcano is located to the northeast. In fact, a tour to Sarchi, sitting on the slopes of Poas can also combine with a visit to this semi-dormant smoky giant. A one-day tour can perfectly combine both destinations.