San José

Travel Guide
San José
San José
San José
San José
San José
Immerse yourself in Spanish language, culture and food and European architecture in this inviting Central American capital city.

European charm and Central American vitality combine to provide an interesting blend of old and new, making San José a fascinating Costa Rican city. Interact with friendly locals, investigate impressive European architecture, enjoy cultural arts and perfect your Spanish language skills.

Several of San José’s impressive public structures date back to Spanish settlement from as early as the 1700s. Experience some of the best of San José ’s cultural activities and see interesting buildings near the large Plaza de la Cultura. Here, admire the neo-classical architecture of the Teatro Nacional. Reserve seats for outstanding cultural events at this national theater or tour the opulent interior decorated with murals, paintings and sculptures. 

Nearby, visit three exceptional museums. See dazzling indigenous pieces in the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum. The Museo del Jade has plenty of jade as well as anthropological artifacts. Learn about Costa Rican history and natural science at the Museo Nacional, another example of striking architecture.

Costa Rica is a popular location for language learners looking for immersion in a Spanish-speaking region, either through formal training or casual interaction with local residents. Sign up for one of many structured programs or test your Spanish skills in restaurants in the different barrios of San José. 

You’re sure to get a friendly smile if you order gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast just as the locals do. When you need a break from Spanish, go to the restaurants and country clubs of the western Escasu barrio with many English-speaking expats or visit the relatively new Chinatown area. 

In March, the city hosts the Transitarte Festival. Enjoy pleasant summer weather and travel from one urban park to another to enjoy music, crafts, workshops and art.

Reach San José  via Juan Santamaría International Airport, 10 miles (17 kilometers) northwest of the city center. Use public buses and taxis to get around the city. Many of the main landmarks are in the downtown or “el centro” area, easy to walk from one to another. 

Where to stay in San José

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La California

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Check out the restaurants, shopping, and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Park or National Museum of Costa Rica.

La California
Passing by 3rd Street.  Loved the art

#travel #trip #outdoors #streetart #getaway #phototravelers #traveler #costarica #art&color #sign

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Morazan Park and National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen
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Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but National Park and San Pedro Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Barrio Escalante
The latest war facility in Costa Rica, ironically where the army wa abolished in 1948. #sky #clouds

Catedral

If you're spending some time in Catedral, National Museum of Costa Rica and National Theater are top sights worth seeing.

Catedral
San Jose showing mountains and forests

Hospital

3/5(5 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Chirripo National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital
central american games

Mata Redonda

If you're spending some time in Mata Redonda, National Stadium of Costa Rica and Estadio Nacional are top sights worth seeing.

Mata Redonda
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
3 out of 5
Hwy 1 Airport Blvd, Rio Segundo
The price is CA $165 per night from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18
CA $165
CA $186 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,196 reviews)
"Very convenient to the airport, clean facility, great to have restaurant and bar on site"

Reviewed on Nov. 21, 2024

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
3.5 out of 5
Francisco J. Orlich Road, Alajuela, Alajuela
The price is CA $159 per night from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18
CA $159
CA $180 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Alajuela. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (740 reviews)
"Close to the airport. Transport to early morning flight"

Reviewed on Nov. 22, 2024

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
3.5 out of 5
Sobre Autopista General Cañas, Ulloa, Heredia
The price is CA $141 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $141
CA $160 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Ulloa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,870 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on Nov. 21, 2024

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
3.5 out of 5
East side of Costa Rica Country Club, San Rafael, San Rafael
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (776 reviews)
"Bathrooms need attention and renovation to a more modern standard. Furniture needs to be changed. Sofas were old yellow leather with lots of holes and rips in them. Great location, safe and quiet spot. Very spacious apartments, just need a good shake up."

Reviewed on Nov. 17, 2024

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
BEE Suites Escalante
BEE Suites Escalante
3.5 out of 5
San José, Barrio Escalante., San José, San José
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in San José. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (156 reviews)
"I love this place. Very recommended."

Reviewed on Nov. 18, 2024

BEE Suites Escalante
Casa Conde Hotel & Suites
Casa Conde Hotel & Suites
3.5 out of 5
South-west of Peace Park, Suroeste del Parque de la Paz, San José, San Jose
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in San José. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (799 reviews)
"Willstay there again. Great value."

Reviewed on Oct. 23, 2024

Casa Conde Hotel & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San José

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
49
" "5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
65
" "4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
45
" "3 - Okay 27%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Need to visit my friend

3/5 - Okay

KG

Only stayed in San Jose one night prior to catching flight home

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Street signage could be better. Downtown is not very walker friendly. The sidewalks are narrow, uneven, lots of places to trip and fall.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

They don't have a bus from the airport to the city and vice versa.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

People are friendly, centrally located in the country. Great dining options, found my favorite restaurant in the world: La Esquina de Buenos Aires.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Casa Lima B&B will be my new go-to place for flights in and out of San Jose, especially when using the Pavas airport!

Cities near San José