San José
- Costa Rica
Durations
1 Week
Difficulty
Easy
Min Age
0
San José
The capital city makes an excellent base for culture, gastronomy, shopping, and adventure tours. San José is the cultural heart of Costa Rica. Museums, volcanos, traditional markets, and sophisticated gastronomical tours are available. Don’t forget to try the local coffee. Delicious! Two-thirds of Costa Ricans live in the Central Valley. So let’s dig deeper into San Jose and how the locals live:
Highlights
-
The real Costa Rica
Where most “Ticos” live. See a “day in the life” with your own eyes. Check out the market they shop at (and pick up some souvenirs while you’re there), then eat at a local favorite. -
Cultural immersion
Take a guided tour to see the colonial buildings and cobblestone streets and make a few stops at museums and theaters. -
The Central Valley experience
Located near volcanoes, hiking trails, white water rafting, coffee plantations, national monuments, national parks, shopping malls, and the airport.
Welcome to San José!
San José is more than a pit stop in your journey through Costa Rica. With access to both cultural experiences and nature activities, the Central Valley offers a lot to the right kind of traveler. This is what you need to know.
Best Time to Travel
San José is an excellent place to stay your first or last night in Costa Rica if you have a late arrival or an early departure. San José is most famous for tourists from January to March, yet it’s the dry season from mid-November to the middle of April. Remember that Easter week is very crowded and should be avoided.
San José Weather
San José has pleasant temperatures year-round. The average daytime temperatures are in the mid-70s, but it gets colder at night. The drier season in San José runs from mid-November to mid-April. The months with the most rainfall are September and October. Expect afternoon showers but not enough rain during the rainy season to ruin your trip.
Is San José Safe?
Of course, we only recommend hotels and tours that we know are safe. Still, San José is like any other city globally, meaning you should keep valuables out of sight, pay attention to your surroundings, and stay in well-lit, populated areas. Our clients have very much enjoyed getting to know San José.
Activities
ATV Riding
Campfire
Hiking
Fishing
Exploring
Photography
Navigating
Rafting
Top Restaurants in San José
San José offers a buffet of restaurants and nightlife, arguably the country’s best–or, at least, the most diverse. Find everything from streetside ‘sodas’—Costa Rica’s version of a diner, to Michelin-awarded chefs.
If you enjoy ethnic foods, the city serves authentic Chinese dim sum, succulent sushi, Argentinian churrasco, tasty Lebanese (plus hookah bars), and more. Nightlife ranges from techno to live rock music and everything in between. San José also has several gay bars, popular for drinks and dancing.
If you enjoy ethnic foods, the city serves authentic Chinese dim sum, succulent sushi, Argentinian churrasco, tasty Lebanese (plus hookah bars), and more. Nightlife ranges from techno to live rock music and everything in between. San José also has several gay bars, popular for drinks and dancing.
Fine Dining & International Cuisine
- La Esquina de Buenos Aires This Argentinian Steakhouse is located in downtown San Jose.
- Furca This steakhouse located in Rohrmoser is an understated, upscale restaurant with a chic atmosphere.
- Bacchus This is an Italian restaurant located in Santa Ana.
Local Flavors
- Sikwa A unique restaurant in Barrio Escalante focused on traditional indigenous Costa Rican cuisine.
- Soda Tala A famous spot in the Central Market serving traditional dishes on banana leaves.
- Maxi’s by Ricky Caribbean-style restaurant in Santa Ana with reggae vibes and flavorful soul food.
Sports Bars
- Chubbs Famous for wings and BBQ chicken sandwiches in Escazú.
- C Lounge ports bar in Heredia with wings, beer, and live music.
- Hooligan’s American-style sports bar in Escazú known for burgers and honey mustard wings.
Breakfast & Coffee
- Alma de Café Located inside the National Theater in downtown San José, offering quality coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
- Grano de Oro A great brunch spot in Barrio Dent with French, Latin, and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed setting.
- Cafeoteca A must-visit for coffee lovers in Barrio Escalante, featuring over 20 coffees from different regions of Costa Rica.
Vegan & Vegetarian
- LuvBurger Popular vegan restaurant in Barrio Dent known for large portions and tasty vegan burgers with sweet potato fries.
- Árbol de Seda Vegetarian restaurant in Barrio Escalante offering vegan and gluten-free dishes with international flavors.
Hidden Gem
- Cafe Rojo A Vietnamese-inspired restaurant in Barrio Amón where you can build your own bowl with fresh ingredients.
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
Gallery
How to Get to San José
If you flew into San Jose Airport, the transportation you need is likely between the airport and a hotel in or around the capital. Keep in mind that while referred to as “San José Airport,” SJO Airport is actually in Alajuela, which is part of the Central Valley but not in the capital, San José.
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport “meet and greet” service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers. This means you’re all set when you arrive in-country – just sit back, relax, and our driver will get you to your destination, whether in the heart of the capital or another part of the Central Valley.
Your transfer can take just five minutes if you stay across from the Airport at the Hampton Inn & Suites. Suppose you are heading to Grano de Oro in the heart of San José or Finca Rosa Blanca in Heredia, each is 10 miles away, which takes about 40 minutes. If you are heading over to The Peace Lodge, which is 21 miles away, this may take about 1.5 hours.
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport “meet and greet” service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers. This means you’re all set when you arrive in-country – just sit back, relax, and our driver will get you to your destination, whether in the heart of the capital or another part of the Central Valley.
Your transfer can take just five minutes if you stay across from the Airport at the Hampton Inn & Suites. Suppose you are heading to Grano de Oro in the heart of San José or Finca Rosa Blanca in Heredia, each is 10 miles away, which takes about 40 minutes. If you are heading over to The Peace Lodge, which is 21 miles away, this may take about 1.5 hours.
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