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

4/5(25 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 Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater.

La California
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Barrio Escalante

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Barrio Escalante
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
San Jose showing mountains and forests

Hospital

4/5(67 area reviews)

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

Hospital
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, Asamblea Legislativa and National Center of Art and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen
This beautiful sunset was taken from the Marriott in San Jose, Costa Rica. A peaceful, relaxing hotel to enjoy!

Pavas

While there might not be top attractions in Pavas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Avenida Escazú Shopping Center and Amusement Park San Jose.

Pavas
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 ¥13,750 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
¥13,750
¥15,537 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
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! (2,235 reviews)
"great location close to SJO Wish there is a pick up sign at SJO so we can wait for hotel pick up Overall excellent hotel with beautiful pool !"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica
Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica
4 out of 5
Calle Central y Tercera Av. 15, Calle Blancos, San Francisco, San Jose
The price is ¥17,647 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥17,647
¥19,941 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Doesn’t really look like the pictures. Very old needs renovating. Looks like they’re working on it."

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2025

Radisson San Jose-Costa Rica
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas, 3 Miles South of Intl Airport, La Asunción, Heredia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,713 per night from Apr 13 to Apr 14
¥14,713
¥16,626 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 13 - Apr 14
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,663 reviews)
"In general, the Hotel is good, but I think that need en some areas maintenance and the only thing I have an observation is that some days was missing towels, drinking bottled water, cleaning room."

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Wyndham San Jose Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
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! (829 reviews)
"We wish we would have stayed here sooner! We have stayed at multiple ABnB’s and other places and this place is by far one of our favorites. We will be back soon!"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante
BEE Suites San Jose - 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! (172 reviews)
"Nice hotel in a good spot in Barrio Escalante. It was nice to have our own apartment with a kitchen. Room was clean and the staff was friendly. I could tell that booking through Expedia was an extra hurdle for them, because we didn't get standard messages like our room door code or the wifi details, ..."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

BEE Suites San Jose - 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! (817 reviews)
"I loved it, need some updates. The hot tub don’t really get hot."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025

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

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
309
5 - Excellent 29%
4 - Good
483
4 - Good 45%
3 - Okay
235
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
37
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful, friendly city. I could totally live there.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

The place has little charm and horrible traffic, but there is a much better chance you can find what you're looking for (from a consumer perspective) than in any other part of the country, IF you know where to look

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

safe,. very friendly people, many english speakers and helpful with my spanish, good mix of stores and especially great food, good prices. great park for walking. no major freakouts re; corona virus.great dental work@ 1/3 u.s. price!! dr bonilla.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

is a city like many others good with bad

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A generally shabby, very noisy town with precious few architectural attractions blessed by extremely friendly people, at least if one speaks Spanish, its 1,100-metre altitude and mountain surroundings (although these are, sadly, all-but-denuded).

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

the city itself was not that great. we went to other areas away from San Jose.

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