The tour is worth it, you get to see different areas of the theater and history of it. It's truly beautiful inside
Had a private tour (a stroke of luck being the only English speaker on the tour) and had a change to practice my Spanish and learn about Costa Rican history.
I am not a history buff but enjoyed learning about the building immensely and really enjoyed my tour guide.
Beautiful building that makes you just step back in time. Performance of Dracula was eerie and intriguing. Would definitely return on future trips to Costa Rica. A word of caution, if you purchase tickets online, you may not get a confirmation as you are used to. Our pending charges on our credit card "disappeared" entirely then came back after a day as finalized. In that interim, we worried they had been cancelled and purchased another set of tickets. We ended up with two sets. Picked tickets up at will call.
Just visited after many years, beautiful architecture but definitely needs a facelift on the front, since is a Historic building I know it's going to be a difficult process.
We have seen frankenstein. It was Top performance for me. Complex, top class choreography!
Not a building that would catch your eyes on the street, but the interior didn't fail to impress me.
The National Theater is not just beautiful, but also haves a great history. It's basically the pride of the city, it's the place where visiting presidents dine, as the theater room can be transformed into a ballroom.
Guided tour haves a lot of interesting information, but I really disliked the attitude of the guide.
Incredible place! Absolutely loved it! The price is very low for the amazing experience that the National Theater offers, from every perspective this is one of the best experience s you can have in Costa Rica. A must when you visit. I would compare it as a small version of the insides of Versace or the Summer Palace of Saint Petersburg.
Beautiful architecture. Definitely do the tour, they run every hour. The tour guide was very informative about the history and architecture of the theater.
Great place for history. English speaking guide was bit cocky.. Everytime you ask him question which is kind of reassuring the fact will come out "yes, exactly as I just explained" seems like he is discouraging us to ask any question .. The picture in the center hall roof is so amazing that it seem following you and rotates itself.. Makes me to give 3 star .. Everything else is average.
Very beautiful building and have a world class programme. Price from 9000 till 30000 colones. Discounts for students of 20%
Old theater, palco seats very uncomfortable a big person doesn't fit at all. Bathrooms are OK. Restaurant expensive for the quality and the quantity. Important on recess don't by canned sodas security won't let you take into your seat only bottled water.
I was given the special opportunity to perform with the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra as a Tuba player for the Teatro Nacionale. We were given private tours and I must say that the minute details and breathtaking paintings are astonishing. The history behind the architecture and founding of the theater are just as enhancing as the rest of the building.
The best cultural experience in San Jose. A must do is to enjoy the guided tours, a coffee in the Cafe or an evening show!
El Teatro Nacional, which was built in 1897 is one of the cultural centers of San Jose. It was designed by a Costa Rican architect, who was tasked with bringing European opulence to the city during the 19th century coffee trade boom. They offer 1-hour tours during open times, when no events are taking place. I learned a lot about the building's history and significance during the late 19th century. President Obama visited the theatre in 2010, when the building played host to a state dinner. Be sure to get the ticket in the outside booth. Don't forget to try the cafe for some great Costa Rican coffee.
Nice historical theater!!! Very well manicured grounds outside of the theater. It is a centerpiece of the San José Central area. It has great architecture!!! The interior of the theater is exquisite!!! Great place for couples and families!!!
Great place with lots of history perfect for quick tour I loved that they had the option of guided tours in English
Great place for a quick tour. Great architecture and beautiful paintings on the roofs. Make sure to find someone who works there and ask about the changes in the paintings on the roof due to perspective.
Never thought I'd come here but this building is pretty from the outside and inside.
The National Theatre of Costa Rica is located at the capital, San Jose. This history of this infrastructure spans over almost a decade. A great example of a Victorian Opera house. The architecture is marvelous, and well preserved. They host tours (English/Spanish) every hour except 12-1pm. Tour guide spoke fluent English and make sure we understand everything she said, which made this visit extra special. A lot of reviews commented that the tours was overhyped, but it was truly enjoyable.The top-5 site of San Jose. Also, don't miss out the large painting on the ceiling!
Disappointment! After reading online about a guided tour, we stopped by the theater twice. At first we were advised to return at 4 because a show was in progress. We were assured a tour was still possible, so we came back early and waited for the theater to empty. Only after paying $20 entrance fees, we were allowed to enter, but after asking, no tour was given. Completely arbitrary. The guide was at the front door playing on his cell phone. Inquire carefully, $20 to look around absolutely not worth it.
Great place to visit and see the early European influence on Costa Rica and its wealth during the early days of coffee export. There are two ways of seeing this place and we did both: 1) go on a tour 2) go to a concert
A friend and I went to the Teatro Nacional for a Big Band music recital. It is an extraordinary venue with beautifully crafted frescoes everywhere you look, including the ceiling. The acoustics were also astounding.
This is a very beautiful historic building in the down town San Jose area. Gorgeous archetecture and design and is a must see for any visitor. If course they may be a privece inside to look but it may be worth for you to spend the money. I suggest walking here if you can have a look at the downtown area before you get there.