San José - Costa Rica - page 147

Mercado Central Annex MARKET
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Avs 1 & 3 btwn Calles 6 & 8)
The Mercado Central Annex is less touristy than Mercado Central, and is crowded with
butchers, fishmongers and informal counters dishing out typical Costa Rican casados (a
set meal of rice, beans and cabbage slaw served with chicken, fish or meat).
Mercado Borbón MARKET
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; cnr Av 3 & Calle 8)
The Mercado Borbón is more focused on produce, though it sells a bit of everything. (Be
aware: the streets get sketchy around the Borbón.)
Central San José North
Museo de los Niños & Galería Nacional MUSEUM
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2258-4929; www.museocr.org ; Calle 4, north of Av 9; adult/child
US$2.60/2; 8am-4:30pm Tue-Fri, 9:30am-5pm Sat & Sun; )
If you were wondering how to get your young kids interested in art and science, this un-
usual museum - actually two museums in one - is an excellent place to start. Housed in an
old penitentiary built in 1909, it is part children's museum and part art gallery. Small chil-
dren will love the hands-on exhibits related to science, geography and natural history,
while grown-ups will enjoy the unusual juxtaposition of contemporary art in abandoned
prison cells.
Spirogyra Jardín de Mariposas GARDENS
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2222-2937; www.butterflygardencr.com ; Barrio Amón; adult/child US$7/5;
8am-4pm; ; to El Pueblo)
Housing more than 30 species of butterfly - including the luminescent blue morpho - in
plant-filled enclosures, this small butterfly garden is a great spot for kids. Visit in the
morning to see plenty of fluttering. The garden is 150m east and 150m south of Centro
Comercial El Pueblo, which can be reached on foot (about a 20- to 30-minute walk from
downtown), by taxi or by bus.