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
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
central american games

La Sabana

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

La Sabana
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

4/5(67 area reviews)

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

Hospital
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 NT$3,833 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
NT$3,833
NT$4,331 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,275 reviews)
"The hotel was very clean, the staff was very helpful. The location is great, close to the mall."

Reviewed on 2025/6/13

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
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 NT$2,437 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
NT$2,437
NT$2,754 total
Jun 17 - Jun 18
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,443 reviews)
"Employees were attentive and friendly especially Rafael. They were able to accommodate early check in and it was very much appreciated."

Reviewed on 2025/6/14

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Barceló San José
Barceló San José
4 out of 5
Autopista General Canas 3km, El Robledal - La Uruca, San José, San Jose
The price is NT$1,781 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
NT$1,781
NT$2,013 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San José. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,615 reviews)
"Quiet and comfortable"

Reviewed on 2025/6/14

Barceló San José
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! (864 reviews)
"Great customer service, delicious breakfast, good laundry service and also nice pool"

Reviewed on 2025/6/14

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
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! (842 reviews)
"Was all good."

Reviewed on 2025/6/8

Casa Conde Hotel & Suites
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! (190 reviews)
"This is a great space and a great property."

Reviewed on 2025/6/13

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante
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

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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