Fun Things To See Do In San Pedro San Jos

Part of the province of San José, San Pedro is the capital of Montes de Oca Canton and home to the University of Costa Rica. (Though it’s technically a freestanding city in itself, its overlapping proximity to San José has led to it being seen as an Eastern suburb of the larger metropolitan downtown area.) Just a few steps from the rather drab main drag, Aveninda Central, San Pedro’s heavy student population gives it a hip, youthful air that draws great crowds and brings fresh energy to downtown San José. Here are a few of the best things to check out while you’re there, both on and off campus.

1. Universidad de Costa Rica

Building, University

Universidad de Costa Rica

The obvious first stop in this charming student quarter is its buzzing central campus. Universidad de Costa Rica is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious university in Costa Rica. Immerse yourself in its busy, bustling atmosphere for a sunny afternoon, strolling at your own speed as students rush past you to their exams. Since you don’t have class, take your sweet time exploring the campus’s many garden paths, eye-catching sculptures, and educational buildings. If you keep an eye on the trees, you may even spot someone moving at an even more leisurely pace, a sloth.

Watch out for: the Enrique Macaya Lahmann building, it has a beautiful sunflower mural

Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica, +506 2511 0000

2. The Insect Museum

Building, Museum, School, University

The Insect Museum

Sloths aren’t the only surprising creatures you’ll find on the Universidad de Costa Rica campus. Located on the lower level of the Faculty of Music building, the Museo de Insectos hosts a fascinating collection of approximately a million different insect specimens gathered through several academic research projects, collected and curated in a collaborative effort by 100 international specialists in the field. The museum aims to exhibit the biodiversity of bugs throughout the country and educate students and outsiders alike on the important roles these species play in Costa Rica’s environment.

Price: Free

Hours: Monday-Friday 1pm-4:30pm, Closed Saturday-Sunday

Watch out for: The dragonfly section

Basement of the Faculty of Music, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica, +506 2207 5318

3. Planetarium of San José

Planetarium of San José

Also located on the university campus, the Planetarium is a beautiful, dome-shaped building (especially lovely when lit up at night). Open to the public, it contains a special cinema that projects the stars and planets on the ceilings above, and the simulation projector makes for an entertaining show of beauty and realism. Be sure to stay for the Celestial Zoo show, an enchanting 40-minute presentation on the ancient animal constellations.

Price: Adults: 3000 colón, Students: 2800 colón

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-12 pm, 7pm-8pm; Saturday 6pm-7pm; Closed Sundays

Watch out for: the Celestial Zoo show

Planetario de San José, San Pedro, Costa Rica, +506 2511 2580

Un cocodrilo pianista en la Universidad de Costa Rica © Carlos Reusser Monsalvez / Flickr

University Theater

As the name implies, University Theater is part of the university campus and is located in front of the southern façade of the Saprissa building on the road that runs perpendicular to the Calle de la Amargura. Founded in 1950, it is a professional theater and center for stage production and experimentation, encouraging individual expression among the student body. It puts on some wonderful shows that are definitely worth a viewing.

Price: Budget

Hours: Thursday-Sunday 5pm-10pm

Watch out for: the concert schedule

100 m north of the University Library, San Pedro, Costa Rica, +506 2511 6722

4. Mall San Pedro

Food Court

Mall San Pedro

The major shopping center of San Pedro, this mall contains three floors with shops and a great food court. The stores are a bit smaller than the usual chain stores, making for a less overwhelming and more personalized shopping experience. It also has a beautiful cinema on the top floor if you’d like to cool down and relax with a movie. It’s a great place for young people to pass an afternoon, or for anyone seeking some retail therapy.

Price: Varies by storefront, generally mid-range

Hours: Sunday-Saturday 10:30am-8pm

Rotonda de la Fuente de La Hispanidad, San Pedro, Costa Rica, +506 2283 8884
By Sinead Schenk

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