Avenida Central
Avenida Central is the Pedestrian Mall located at the very center of San Jose, in Costa Rica. Located along Main Street, or Central Calle, this area of the city is known as the financial district, the most thriving area in the whole city. Here your group will find a continuation of local street life and street performers, as well as many vendors and hawkers along the way. Avenida Central is located between Calle 6 and Calle 9, taking up an entire eight blocks full of plazas, shopping, local eateries, major fast food chains, and local post offices and banks. Nearby Avenida Central can be found artist and central markets, as well as the previously mentioned Plaza de la Cultura.
Central Calle is another really safe spot in San Jose, with police stationed every few blocks within the area. One big thing about Avenida Central is that it is vehicle free, meant only for pedestrians on foot. This allows your group to enjoy all the street vendors to the fullest, selling everything from shirts to lotto tickets, as well as different department stores selling electronics, clothing, books, crafts, and other local treasures. Besides shopping your group will delight in the opportunity to see Ticos and tourists alike eating everything from local bakery delicacies to international food chains such as Burger King and Taco Bell. Bring your camera and people watch, eat and drink to your stomach’s content, dance to local live music, or watch street performances as you take in all that Avenida Central has to offer.