Free Things to Do in Alajuela
Top Free Things to Do in Alajuela, Costa Rica
Best Free Things to Do in Alajuela
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
11 places sorted by traveler favorites
Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries
What travelers are saying
- Minor RAlajuela, Costa Rica4 contributionsGood place to hike, moderate difficulty, not accessible for people with some disability.
Suggestion: I would include more signaling, since the trails are a little bit confuse so you could easily lose or don’t arrive to the correct lagoon (Hule or Congo).
Recommended. Carry a floater.Written February 21, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - COLETTE BRueil-Malmaison, France15 contributionsvery nice place quiet
beautiful church
it is free and visit is short
the place is green and quiet
easy for childrenWritten January 16, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CiscoTaxLexington, SC15 contributionsThe history of the building and the ticos were beautifully represented. The museum was very clean. The views from the roof were amazing. What set this museum apart was how helpful and knowledgeable the staff were. Wish we had longer as and hour was not enough. 5 teens/2- 40s and a 70sWritten August 10, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- romanshornerMunich, Germany938 contributionsThis mall is quite big and has several floors. Inside, there are a lot of international brand stores and an big electronics store, which are more expensive than in our home country (Europe). There is also a Food Court. Shops for tourists are less. Only one little souvenir shop with a limited choice. And the supermarket in the basement for buying local alcohol, cocoa or coffee. It was very difficult to change money inside (Euro to local currency). But it is more a place for local people than for tourists. I think a tourist you can skip.Written October 4, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoeVaudreuil-Dorion, Canada12 contributionsvery clean and entertaining mall with many restaurants and clothing store not to mention the nicest barber shop I ever sawWritten October 30, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cdub333Chicago, IL302 contributionsAn inspiring statue of Juan Santamaría is of course the centerpiece of this pleasant park, not far from the old cathedral.
Juan Santamaría was part of a rag-tag campesino army trying to repel Tennessee pro-slavery advocate William Walker (who had already invaded Nicaragua and was moving down the coast). A doctor-turned-adventurer, Walker hoped to lead a mercenary conquest of Central America and make the whole region pro-slavery.
Santamaría (of Alajuela) was a drummer boy in the Costa Rican forces. He volunteered to set fire to a wood fort where Walker’s “army” was holed up. He lit it up, but was shot to death. Walker’s forces retreated north after a 14-minute fight.
Santamaría is depicted gripping a torch, charging into possible death. Below the statue are two small cannons on an elevated stage (with a dangerous drop-off; I almost plunged off). Colorful noisy parrots fly around the trees and old buildings by the park. A shoeshine guy is doing a brisk business, lovers stroll, old men read newspapers.
There are several nice parks in this area of Alajuela, but this is the only one celebrating the boy hero. Could he have known an international airport would be named in his honor?Written February 20, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Chris MVancouver, Canada271 contributionsWe had the pleasure of meeting this handsome gentleman during an evening stroll. A striking pose with an air of grace and commitment (was that a twinkle in his eye?) Worth a look.Written May 11, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TyrellStony Plain, Canada1 contributionMelissa is amazing!!! She took the time and explained the artist and the details behind each piece. I really love it.Written March 4, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NatureExplorerGalUnited States2,463 contributionsI have found many books in English to read, although I do not read fiction and prefer more unusual books. Have traded in my books there at good prices. Friendly staff.Written November 9, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- kazi7carrollton, tx7 contributionsAn interesting exposure to souvenir production. You'll see some of their products around the tourist shops but not all of them. Not a sweat shop, it seems like the employees work in a nice environment.
The collection of souvenirs is out of this world. Anything and everything that can be made out of wood is in the store. It's a short distance just west of SJO. I didn't get to visit café, but the Solano's probably have a great one.Written October 30, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SequinMiami, FL25 contributionsWe really loved the store. There is a great variety of Costa Rican handcraft woods, toys, scarves, jewelry, keychains, wind chimes and all sorts of great souvenirs at good prices. The variety of selections is good and not overwhelming.
Then you can stroll around the grounds and visit s lovely friendly donkey and two very large bulls who are very friendly. There are peacocks, exotic roosters and hens and a pig or two.
You can have breakfast, lunch or dinner at a large covered patio restaurant. Food is very good Costa Rican style. Fresh and delicious. And low to average priced. The arroz con palmito is the Costa Rican version of risotto with cheesy delicious hearts of palm.An eclectic afternoon that is just one exit past the airport. Great for couples, families with kids or singles to enjoy an afternoon.Written December 29, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
