Visiting Plaza de la Democracia

About Plaza de la Democracia

The stepped public square in front of the Museo Nacional commemorates the abolition of the army and the 1948 events, with views towards the mountains around the valley. Craft stalls along its side sell hammocks, wooden bowls and souvenirs, and the Jade Museum faces it.

Tip: Browse the craft stalls at the plaza's edge for wooden souvenirs; prices are open to gentle bargaining.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 30 minutes.
• Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Centro, pedestrian avenue, museums and the central market.

Best time to visit Plaza de la Democracia

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:

• May: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 19 rainy days, quiet crowds.
• November: 25°C (77°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• July: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 20 rainy days, moderate crowds.

When to visit San José has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day San José itinerary visits Plaza de la Democracia on day 3, together with Edificio de Correos and Catedral Metropolitana.

• No. 7 of the 15 sights in our San José things-to-do list.
• Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
• Listed in free things to do in San José.
• One of the picks in historic sites in San José.

Near Plaza de la Democracia

Also in Centro, so you can walk between them:

• Avenida Central — 45 minutes, free
• Mercado Central — 1 hour, low cost
• Museo Nacional de Costa Rica — 1.5–2 hours, low cost

If you like Plaza de la Democracia

• Barrio Amón walk — Barrio Amón, 1–1.5 hours

Staying near Plaza de la Democracia

Stay in Centro ($) to walk here: pedestrian avenue, museums and the central market. All areas to stay in San José.

Questions travellers ask