Costa Rica Travel News – You may be afraid to wander around San Jose too much because of stories of pick-pocketing. Don’t let the guidebooks scare you out of seeing Barrio Amon in San Jose. This neighborhood is emerging out of neglect and crime and becoming a tourist destination.
It’s found just north of the National Theater. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and is coming alive once again. There are new cafes popping up every day. The city recently provided lighting in the park, tourist police, and projects like sidewalk widening, landscaping, and restoring buildings.
The first thing to see is Paseo de las Damas, an avenue named for unmarried women who used to wear their best dresses and wander the avenue in hopes of finding a suitor. Then there’s the Metal School gifted from Belgium and the Jade Museum.
You can take a walking tour through the neighborhood with Stacey Auch who has put together amusing facts and history of the barrio to fit in a fun two-hour walk. She’ll take you to art galleries and by the theater. The tour has 40 stops. She will help you discover Barrio Amon in a unique way. Reservations can be made at barriobird.blogspot.com
To really get to know the town you may want to try a casado at a local restaurant called a soda. Kalu, Arte y Gusto, and La Criollita are recommended.
Museums to check out while you’re in the area include the Gold Museum and the National Museum, which used to be the country’s army barracks.
If you’re not interested in museums there are other options. Visit the English-language bookstore called Seventh Street Books, relax at Downtown Yoga, shop in the artisan market, or get a beer at Chubbs Sports Bar.
This historic town is best to visit during the day to see the charm without the trouble. After the sun goes down a different crowd emerges.
