There are many places, arts, crafts, and food that you might consider, when it comes to shopping. Intricate Woodworks, Silver & Gold, The Farmer’s Markets, The Mercado Central, Handmade Guzman Guitars since 1833, these are just a few of the local goods and products you'll find shopping in San Jose. 

Also, San Jose now has many fine malls, that are located in different places in the city. Although the prices here will be higher, due mostly to import taxes that have gone down, but still exist.  Many foreigners living in Costa Rica, especially the beach areas, must come to San Jose to do general shopping as selections and services are limited in outlying areas. 

In downtown San José you will find Avenida Central's nine blocks in a sort of promenade, where you will find anything, from restaurants, clothes' shops, pharmacies, internet cafes and, in general, all types of commercial activity.

You can find anything of the highest quality in there, from goods (like clothes, sport outfits, jewelry, groceries, souvenirs) to services (beauty saloons, restaurants, cinemas, etc.). Their prices range from less expensive than average to really expensive, but that depends on the item and the store.

Moravia is the area of San José where you will find streets full of souvenir stores. There is a really big variety of little things to remember San José and Costa Rica, from keyholders to clothes, leather and glass articles, ceramics, etc., and at the lowest prices and special discounts for volume.

There are tons of Costa Rican souvenirs, however, the best recommended is the typical Costa Rican that you won't find anywhere else: the wooden carriage of coffee. You would find it at any size, any color and any prize, and Moravia offers them all to you.

Costa Rican Coffee is just exceptional, especially after weeks of watery American brew... There are many coffe brands where you can choose your favorite from. Cafe Britt is a name brand you'll see almost anywhere, and they also have a nice plantation with tour, restaurant etc. outside San Jose. Try the Tarrazu and Tres Ríos Valdivia for something different. They have also recently brought out a range of Pervian coffees which are pretty good. Other brands to look out for are Oro and Rey, all of which you can generally find in supermarkets.