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

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

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
San Jose showing forests and mountains

Hospital

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Precolumbian Gold Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital
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Ciudad Cariari

Ciudad Cariari is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Cariari Golf Course and Cariari Bowling Center while you're in town.

Ciudad Cariari
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Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Asamblea Legislativa and National Center of Art and Culture are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen
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Catedral

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

Catedral
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
Hwy 1 Airport Blvd, Rio Segundo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,976 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
P6,976
P7,883 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
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! (2,283 reviews)
"Great for a quick stay next to the airport. Breakfast was fresh and delicious."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
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 P4,287 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P4,287
P4,845 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,674 reviews)
"Excellent service !"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Barceló San José
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 P5,155 per night from Sep 18 to Sep 19
P5,155
P5,825 total
Sep 18 - Sep 19
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! (2,627 reviews)
"Room was very spacious for a family of 5 and the kids loved it. Good services with the shuttle, and breakfast boxes. Staff were okay, answered questions but were not in a very friendly mindset. But overall it was good."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

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
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (902 reviews)
"The rooms are lovely and spacious. The staff is helpful and kind. The pools are awesome. Breakfast delicious."

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

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! (856 reviews)
"Beds were comfortable. Very clean"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

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! (203 reviews)
"We had no complaints during our stay. The room was spacious and all amenities(cookware, plates, salt, towels, shampoo, body soap, conditioner, fridge and freezer, clothes iron, hangers, & others) were available for use. Aircondition was great and strong enough for the entire space. TV was smart which ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

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.

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