Culture Square, located on Central Avenue between Calle 3 and Calle 5, is considered by many to be the heart of San Jose. Found right in the city center, the plaza is home to the National Theater, a five-star hotel, hundreds of ravenous doves, musicians, clowns, marimba bands, street preachers, peddlers who sell their handicrafts to locals and tourists, and a number of street fairs throughout the year. In addition, the Plaza de la Cultura forms the ceiling of the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and its heavy security contingent, making this one of the safest places in the capital.
The plaza also hosts the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, where you can pick up maps, brochures and plenty of tips on the best places to visit.
Plaza de la Democracia (Democracy Square)
This square, located on the western side of the National Museum, was built in 1989 to welcome the Presidents of the Americas. Street peddlers often set up shop in the square to sell their handicrafts.
Just west of the plaza is an artisan market, stocked with high-quality goods and wares. Fair prices and beautiful craftsmanship make this market stand out from all others. Vendors offer hand-woven hammocks, inexpensive jewelry and exquisitely carved wood products. Please note that the market is due to change locations in mid-2009.
Handicraft Shops
Plaza González Víquez (Gonzales Viquez Square)
Often shortened to "Plaza Viquez", this square is located on Avenida 18 and Calle 11. The park houses the Cleto Gonzalez Viquez monument, a carousel open only on weekends, and a large sports complex, open seven days a week.
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