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National Theater (Teatro Nacional)

Second Ave. and Fifth St., San Jose, Costa Rica
506-221-1329
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Ranked #2 of 34 attractions in San Jose
Type: Theatres, Historic Sites
Description: Since 1897, this elegant theater has been a source of pride.
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360 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    220
    113
    22
    4
    1
Date Rating
St. Petersburg FL
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

We took the guided tour on a rainy Saturday afternoon - and highly recommend it. The tour is only about an hour and our guide was excellent, incorporating the use of an iPad mini to show different photos/videos to the group that enhanced the history/background and information being provided. It's a beautiful and amazing building that is still in active... More

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el Cajon de Grecia
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

The Teatro Nacional (National Theater) was completed in 1896 to provide a venue for world-class performers. It is a national treasure that should be on every tourist's "To-Do" list. Be sure to ask for a guided tour.

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Heredia, Costa Rica
Top Contributor
80 reviews 80 reviews
35 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

This is a beautiful building that deserves better care. If you can, it is worth going to see one of the productions as they are still quite reasonable but the tours continue to get more expensive with tourists paying twice what the residents do. There is a small period restaurant on the premises but due to danger to the artwork... More

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See 34 more reviews by crafterincr for San Jose
Vancouver, Canada
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

The theater is a reminder of days gone by. Build to resemble La Scala in Milano there is much to admire with regard to the structure and interior design. Highly recommended. The Costa Ricans treasure this building and after a visit you will see why. Recommended to take the guided tour.

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Noosa
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

Well worth a visit write in the centre of town with a lovely cafe.I went to see the ballet there an awesome night.

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London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013

it's so close by you cannot possibly miss it. The showa are on daily and you can book your ticket for about $3! the statues are beautiful and there is a resturant insude too if you fancy a bite.

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See 2 more reviews by angel0410 for San Jose
Florida, Massachusetts
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013

This building (Teatro Nacional) is so special and beautiful. Every time I see it find new details missed before. The tour guide, Jeff, was very knowledgeable and made the teatro's history very much so alive. I definitely recommend it to everyone who plans to visit San José. Do not forget to visit also a Gold Museum next to the Teatro.... More

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Savannah, Georgia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013

The Theater is beautiful it brings you to the past. The tour guide was very knowledge, he did a great job. I certainly recommend visiting the Theater. I would have loved to be there during a concert or show.

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See 2 more reviews by Clausher for San Jose
Windsor, Canada
Top Contributor
88 reviews 88 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
35 helpful votes 35 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013

When Adelina Patti refused to come because there was no suitable venue the result was the building of the National Theater in San Jose at the end of the 19th century. For a relatively poor country this was an astounding undertaking. The history of the building and its construction, the story of its main pictorial element, and its small, but... More

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Paris, France
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013

One of the best thing to do in San Jose. Our guide, Jeffrey, was awesome. The theater is beautiful and has a very great history. During this tour, we've learned a lot about Costa Rica's history. I highly recommend this place.

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