 Shopping:
Farmers Market
Held every Saturday morning from 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., this massive outdoor market is locally known as “La Feria”. Fruits, vegetables, honey, herbs, flowers, cheese, meats and clothing are just some of the items for sale. Bring a sturdy bag to stock up on goods; everything is incredibly cheap. Two pounds of tomatoes sell for 200 colones (50 cents) and a bag of lychees (rambutans) goes for 450 colones (just under $1).
Try a Chorreada, a type of corn meal pancake topped with natilla, Costa Rica’s version of sour cream. Also available are cold young coconuts, called Pipas, a perfect drink on a hot day. Marimba bands are often heard at the market and taxis are plentiful for the trip home.
Mall Internacional
Alajuela’s mall is located on the main road to the airport, less than one kilometer outside of town. Small in comparison to most American malls, Internacional has several banks with ATMs, a movie theater, food court serving both fast food and Costa Rican cuisine, a large supermarket, bookstores, clothing shops, a jeweler and more.
Open: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, many shops are open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Exotic Woods Diamond Shine
Reasonably-priced souvenir store in the center of town, one block north of POPS ice cream shop. Wood handicrafts, coffee, jewelry, hammocks, CD’s and more.
Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday 
Tel: 506-2-431-2875
Goodlight Books
Located one block north and three blocks west of the Iglesia La Agonia, Goodlight has a great selection of used books starting from 250 colones (50 cents) as well as maps, videos, internet service and a coffee shop. Resident kitty, Chola, makes for nice company while browsing the bookshelves. Owner Larry Coulter is a wonderful source of information on local happenings.
Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
Tel: 506-2-430-4083
Green Turtle Souvenir Store
Just behind the Hampton Inn at the airport intersection, the Green Turtle has a large selection of Costa Rican souvenirs including wood boxes and bowls, hammocks, furniture, jewelry, T-shirts, coffee and more. Green Turtle contributes to PRETOMA, an organization dedicated to saving the endangered sea turtles around Costa Rica's shores.
Open: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5 Saturday and Sunday
Tel: 506-2-430-0211
Tours:
Coffee Tour
A real treat for coffee lovers! Doka Estate, located on the slopes of Poas Volcano, offers guided tours of its plantation and mill where guests learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting and roasting. Tours include samples of award-winning coffees and an optional lunch. Located in San Luis de Sabanilla, about 15 kilometers north of Alajuela via Fraijanes Road.
Schedule:Tours are offered Monday through Sunday at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00 a.m and 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays there is no 3:30 p.m. tour. 
Cost: $16, or $21 with breakfast or lunch.
Tel: 506-2-449-5152
Read our Travel Blog about our coffee tour at Doka Estate
Canopy Tours
Thrill-seekers will enjoy soaring through the air on a zip line canopy tour from a series of 24 platforms at Colinas de Poas. The tour lasts roughly an hour and a half and costs $50 per person (non-residents) and $45 for guests 18 and under. The park has a lake for trout fishing, restaurant and hiking trails. Located a few kilometers outside of Alajuela on Fraijanes Road, follow the signs.
Schedule: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., call for reservations
Tel: 506-2-430-4113
Outdoor Activities:
Swimming
Ojo de Agua, a water park that is frequented by Ticos on weekends, has two swimming pools and a small lake that are filled with natural spring water. The park also features a soccer field, tennis courts and picnic area. Located six kilometers south of Alajuela.
Schedule: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Admission: 1000 colones ($2)
Tel: 506-2-441-2808
Soccer
Alajuela is the proud hometown of La Liga, one of the best soccer teams in Costa Rica. Soccer fans will enjoy a game in the Liga Stadium on the northeast corner of Calle Ancha in Alajuela. Matches are typically held on alternating Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings; ask around for the latest schedule. Ticos are mad about soccer (futbol), and La Liga fans are notoriously passionate about their team.
Culture and Festivals:
Study Spanish
Two language schools in town offer private and group Spanish classes for all levels, Castilian House and Fundacion Castillo. Students can opt to live with a homestay family, where most meals are included, or stay in a hotel and take Spanish classes alone. Schools typically ask for a two-week commitment; monthly programs are popular as students have time to immerse themselves in the culture while honing their Spanish skills. 
Juan Santamaria Day (April 11)
Celebrated with a huge Tope (horse parade), music and civic events every April 11 in honor of hometown boy turned national hero, Juan Santamaria. The entire city shuts down and parties until the wee hours of the night. This festival is an excellent glimpse of local culture and the patriotic revelry of Alajuelenses.
Mango Festival (July)
A nine-day festival kicked off every July with the harvest of mangoes. Features parades, a craft fair, music and lots of delicious mangoes.
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