Librería Internacional, Avenida Central

Librería Internacional on Avenida Central is one of Costa Rica's best-known bookstores, and the downtown San José location is a genuine highlight for book-loving families visiting the city. With a 4.7 rating from nearly 850 reviewers, it consistently delivers on both selection and atmosphere — two things that matter when you're trying to keep curious kids engaged.

The store stocks an impressive range of children's books in Spanish, with a solid bilingual section that's perfect for families raising multilingual readers or looking for an educational souvenir from Costa Rica. The illustrated non-fiction section alone can keep a curious 8-year-old occupied for 20 minutes. Beyond books, the stationery and art supply departments are well-stocked with quality items at fair prices.

The location on the pedestrian Avenida Central means you're right in the heart of downtown San José's most walkable stretch. Families can combine a book run with a visit to the nearby Plaza de la Cultura, the Gold Museum underground, or a stop at one of the Avenida Central cafes. Open seven days a week with generous hours, it's one of the most reliably family-friendly indoor stops in downtown San José.