Is San José worth visiting? It definitely is!
There are more things to do in San Jose Costa Rica than you may imagine. I have been there twice – once years ago, and then again on a more recent trip, each time spending a few days in the city to soak in its vibe and experience thetrue Costa Rican identity.
While this is not the best place to visit in Costa Rica, it’s certainly one you should see as a great introduction to the country.
Chepe, as Ticos lovingly call their capital, is the heart of Costa Rica. Most travelers do not spare it negative comments, but I find that despite its messy architectural style – due to the economic boom and urban expansion – this modern city is a cool starting point for a Costa Rica trip.
In this post, I will highlight the best things to do in San Jose Costa Rica, and share some tips on how to make the most of it. Before that, let me share some background information about this interesting city.
Table of Contents
Background Info About San Jose Costa Rica
San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, with a bit over 1.4 million people living there. The city was founded in 1737 and it was originally called Villanueva de la Boca del Monte del Valle de Abra. The name was then changed to remember that of its saint patron.
For a long time, the city was only of secondary importance to the bigger Cartago. After Spain took everyone by surprise by abandoning its colonies in Central America, Cartago and San Jose signed several treaties while preparing for war in secret.
On 5 April 1823 San Jose won the battle of Ochom*ongo and became the capital of Costa Rica. Later on, Cartago, Heredia and Alajuela attempted to ransack the city in a siege known as La Guerra de la Liga, but the capital managed to win and confirmed its status.
In more recent times, San Jose has undergone a vast urban development, as many Ticos and Nicaraguans moved to the capital in search of a better life. This has led to the creation of vast shantytowns and to increased crime rates.
Today, San Jose is a modern town with a functioning transportation system. Compared to other cities in Central America, it is much more European with its shopping malls, traffic lights, modern buildings, and trendy restaurants.
The standard of living in San José, Costa Rica, is quite high compared to other capitals in Central America. Despite being a large city, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the people are very friendly.
Now, let’s discover what to do in San José during your trip.
20 Epic Things To Do In San Jose Costa Rica
Take a walking tour of San José
One of the coolest things to do in San Jose Costa Rica to get acquainted with the city is to join a guided walking tour that goes around the Downtown Area.
One of the spots you will visit is Avenida Central. This is the main artery of the city, where you will get to see most of the local action.
The street is lined with shops and local restaurants, and it is not uncommon to come across street artists and musicians, as well as street vendors. Depending on the time of day, you will see lots of locals on their way to work, or getting off work and heading back home.
There are all sorts of walking tour of San José, and what you pick will depend on your interests and budget.
I recommend this walking tour of San José that also stops at the central market for food tastings. It’s one of the best tour options in San José.
Another option I recommend to travelers on a budget is the San José Free Walking Tour. It’s a great and easy way to discover the city as a local guide shares lots of historical facts, information about the city’s architecture and more.
Among other places, the tour stops at the National Theater (more about that in a bit), but keep in mind it doesn’t go inside as there is a fee to pay for that; and at the Metallic Building, which was designed by a Belgian architect and is Central America’s first-ever metallic building, and now houses the Buenaventura Corrales Elementary School.
The San José Free Walking Tour departs daily at 9:00 am in front of the Holiday Inn Aurola, in Downtown San José. You should book your spot in advance directly on the website. You will be expected to tip the guide at the end of the tour.
Visit the Central Market
I am starting with the Mercado Central as this is one of my favorite places to visit in San José Costa Rica.
It honestly has little to do with the colorful markets of other countries in Central America (I am thinking about Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala here), but it is a good introduction to the local culture and way of life, and it is lively and busy and has a great selection of fresh produce.
It’s also a good place to go if you want to try out some local specialties – there are some of the most well-known eateries in the country, such as Soda Tapia.
Things you should make sure to try while at the market include caldosas – a fun local version of ceviche that is served in emptied bags of potato chips; Costa Rican ice cream – which has a strong flavor of vanilla and cinnamon, local cheese, and the delicious fruits of Costa Rica.
We took this walking tour of San José Central Market and loved learning about the country’s flavors and the city’s culture. We had a very knowledgeable local guide who took us to the best stalls and helped us try all the best fruits and snacks.
Shop for souvenirs art the Municipal Craft Market
If you know you will have to bring back some souvenirs from Costa Rica, the Municipal Craft Market is one of the best places to visit in San José Costa Rica, as it is infinitely cheaper than most of the other souvenir shops you will find around the country.
We grabbed a bunch of small trinkets to bring to our friends – mostly fun fridge magnets which we bought for a few dollars, whereas they were sold for $10 each at the Poas Volcano National Park souvenir shop we visited on the same day.
You will also find things such as nice t-shirts, clothing and accessories.
Another recommendation for souvenirs and gifts is a shop called “Donde Chavela” which is however found in the Mercado Central. We bought quite a few things and managed to negotiate a discount.
Go on a good tour
If you have just landed in Costa Rica, a food tour is what to do in San José to learn loads about the country’s culture and identity. So much of a country’s culture and way of life can be understood by learning what people eat and how they prepare their food!
Food in Costa Rica is actually quite simple – you will see some ingredients appearing in many dishes – yet tasty and very wholesome.
I recommend this food tour of San José which lasts 4 hours and starts every day at 4:00 pm. It includes lots of samples as you explore the market, and at the end, you will sit down for a 4-course dinner which you can enjoy with drinks (sangria or beer are also included).
Check out the National Theater
One of the nicest things to do in San Jose is to visit the National Theater (known locally as the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica). This is one of the most beautiful buildings in town and among the most famous tourist attractions in San José Costa Rica.
The theater was built in 1891 with funds coming from taxes put on coffee (back then, the main local export). Inside, the furnishing are absolutely plush and there are marble statues too. There is a nice café inside where you can also have a drink or a snack.
The National Theater is located next to the Gran Hotel. It’s open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and you have to pay fee for visiting. Otherwise, go back at night for a show.
Walk inside the Metropolitan Cathedral of San José
Nobody ever mentions San José Cathedral among the tourist attractions in San José Costa Rica, but it’s a pity as it’s actually quite a nice place. The original church was built in 1802 but was destroyed by an earthquake, so the church had to be rebuilt.
We walked in at the very end of our walk around downtown (and grabbed an Uber back to the hotel from there) and we were surprised to see how the plain exterior of the church is in stark contrast with the beautiful interior.
You will find the Cathedral on Calle Central between Avenues 2 and 4. Outside, there is the Parque Central, the city’s main square. Here you’ll find a fountain, a nice kiosk, the monument to the national flag and to the workers, and other interesting monuments.
Find the statue of Anne Frank
During our wanderings around downtown San José, we came across this statue and it immediately looked familiar and similar to a statue I had seen just a few weeks before during my trip to Amsterdam.
I stopped to check it out and realized it was indeed Anne Frank’s statue. I then learned that the statue was a gift from the people of Holland to Costa Rica, and it was presented during a ceremony by the Dutch Ambassador to Costa Rica in 2008.
Apparently, the statue had been removed and stolen in July 2022, but found soon after and immediately placed again where it belongs.
Hang out at Parque Metropolitano La Sabana
Visiting the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana is what to do in San José to escape the chaos of the city. You can hang out at the park, admire the lagoon, the fountain and use of the sports court and swimming pool.
The park is located at the top of Paseo Colon, at easy walking distance from Downtown San José. La Sabana is home to the National Stadium and here used to be the first airport of San José (which is now in next door Alajuela Province). When it was created, lots of trees were planted so it really feels like a forest now!
Visit the National Museum
Located in a building that was once a fortress, visiting the National Museum of Costa Rica is one of the unmissable things to do in San José Costa Rica for a day.
The museum is located in a building of great historical importance – the Bella Vista Barracks – as this is the place where former president Jose Figueres Ferrer announced the abolition of the army in 1948.
The exhibit will walk you through the most important facts of Costa Rica’s history, as well as its best archeological remains, its nature and more.
The museum is daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Sundays from 9:00. There is a small admission fee to visit.
Visit the Costa Rican Centre of Science and Culture
Visiting the Center of Science and Culture is what to do in San José if you are visiting with children. Indeed, the center is home to 3 museums – the National Gallery, the National Auditorium, and most importantly the Children’s Museum.
The latter one is located in what used to be a prison, and kinds can enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about science and culture.
The museum is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. It is free to visit.
Visit the Museo de Arte Costarricense
One of the best free things to do in San Jose to learn about its history is to visit the Museum of Costa Rican Art, which is located on the east side of the Parque Metropolitano La Sabana.
It has a permanent exhibition of Costa Rican art of the 19th and 20th centuries and it is located in a nice colonial building. The exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, photographs and more. Make sure not to skip the outside area, which is particularly pleasant.
The Museo de Arte Costarricence is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.It is free to visit.
Visit the Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
On the southwest side of Parque Metropolitano La Sabana there is the Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle. If you are interested in natural history and don’t mind observing embalmed animals and butterflies, this is an interesting place to visit.
The museum is open Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 am to 4.00 pm and on Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Go to the Museo de Oro Precolombino
For more things to do in San Jose Costa Rica, check out the Museo de Oro Precolombino. It’s located in Plaza de la Cultura – the geographic heart of Costa Rica and a cool place to hang out to catch a bit of local action.
The museum is actually underground. It has a fantastic collection of more than 1600 artifacts of pre-Columbian gold dating back to 500 AD.
The museum is open every day from 9:15 am to 5:00 pm. This walking tour of San José also stops at the Museo de Oro Precolombino.
And to the Jade Museum / Museo del Jade
This fantastic museum located in Plaza de la Democracia is always a favorite of travelers, and it’s easy to see why. The museum has an impressive exhibit of more than 7,000 artifacts of pre-Colombian jade, thus being the largest collection of jade in the Americas.
It’s a great place to learn how jade is worked and how important it was throughout history for the people of Costa Rica.
The museum is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For information on tickets and special exhibits, visit the official website.
Explore Barrio Amon
Not many tourists make it there, but if you have the time, definitely check out the lovely Barrio Amon is one of the most pleasant places to visit in San José Costa Rica.
It’s located northwest of Plaza España, and it is a colonial district that is still the residence of “cafétaleros” (coffee producers), with homes that were built between the 19th and the 20th centuries.
Some of the buildings have been recently restored and turned into hotels, restaurants and offices, making it extremely pleasant to walk around. Among the main spots you should see there are:
CASTILLO DEL MORO – Also known as the “Castillo de Amón” and “Casa del Moro”, it’s by far the most impressive building in the area. It was built in 1930 when it was used as the Episcopal Palace. It currently is a private house, so you can’t go inside.
LA CASA VERDE – Located on the corner of Calle 5, it was built in 1910 with the extensive use of pine wood.
DON CARLOS HOTEL – Located in Calle 7, it was once the residence of President Tomás Guardia. It’s an interesting mix of art decó and neoclassical styles.
Learn about the meaning of Pura Vida!
People in Costa Rica are extremely friendly, and even in San José you will have plenty of opportunities to meet the locals, and to talk to them. Most people in Costa Rica speak at least some English, but you should definitely test your Spanish if you can.
I found the local accent to be easy to understand: people speak quite slowly and will make sure that you understand them.
One thing you will want to learn straight from a local is the meaning of the expression “Pura Vida” which you will hear all the time during your trip. Pura Vida literally means “pure life” and it is used to say that everything is going great, but also to say “you are welcome” and “all is good”.
In short, is symbolizes the more relaxed way of life of Costa Ricans compared to the Western World.
Go on a beer tour
The first time I visited Costa Rica, craft beer wasn’t on the radar. The second time around, I discovered that the craft beer scene is thriving! So, one of the best things to do in San José Costa Rica is a beer tour.
I recommend this beer tour of San José that also includes food tastings – because nobody should drink on an empty stomach!
If you’d rather explore on your own, the Costa Rica Beer Factory is where you should start your tasting experience: they serve food and obviously have their own beer. Another place I liked is Wilk Craft Beer, which is also a good spot to stop for lunch.
Enjoy San Jose vibrant nightlife and music scene
Nightlife in San José Costa Rica is thriving.In Avenida Central in front of CIMA hospital in the San Pedro District you will find the Jazz Cafè, the best place to go for quality live music, with bands that play from jazz to salsa.
Other than that, there are lots of bars and pubs where you can go. But if you feel overwhelmed and think it is unsafe to go out in San José at night on your own (more about that in a bit), you can also consider a nightlife of San José tour.
This nightlife of San José tour lasts 4 hours and includes a visit to the Central Market and dinner at The Clandestine House Restaurant, a fantastic farm-to-table. It’s one of the best-rated tours in the city!
Visit a coffee plantation
A coffee plantation tour is what to do in San José to learn everything about the coffee-making process. Costa Rica makes some of the best coffee in the world, so it is only fair you check out a plantation when you are there.
If you are planning on getting a car rental in San José Costa Rica, it’s really easy to do it and there are many places you can visit.
For example, you could opt to visit La Chimba Coffee Plantation, where you can have a coffee tour, enjoy the lovely restaurant on site, and also walk one of the two hiking trails that take you to the famous giant hand.
Otherwise you can join one of the many tours that leave daily from San José.
If you are only interested in coffee, I recommend this Britt Coffee Plantation tour that includes transportation from San José. Britt is one of the most popular local brands for coffee and during the tour, you can learn about the production process, all the way to a great cup of coffee (and of course you will have tastings).
Many tours will also stop at other places. For example, we took this tour to Poas Volcano which also stops at Starbucks’ Coffee Plantation in Alsacia. It was a great experience. We didn’t have much time at the plantation, but we could go around on our own and also grab a cup of coffee.
Go on a day trip outside of the city
One of the best things to do in San José is to get out of the city for a day trip.
I have seen all sorts of places recommended as good day trip destinations from San José – Monteverde, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuga Island and even Tortuguero National Park.
These places can be visited on day trips from San José, but honestly they are far and the road to get there can be very windy and it would be an exhausting day you may not even enjoy. Besides, these are all places that deserve at least a few days!
So, I thought I’d only select some places that aren’t so far from San José that that can be enjoyed on a day trip.
Poas Volcano
A day trip to Poas Volcano is easily one of the best things to do in San José Costa Rica. This is an active volcano that is just about 2-hours drive from San José.
While it is active, here you can’t see lava flows. On the other hand, you will be able to see a bright blue geothermic lake in the crater of the volcano, and the nearby lagoon.
Once you get to the national park, there is some walking to do (don’t worry, it’s nothing extreme) – though the park is accessible to disabled travelers too – to get to the viewpoint. There’s also a nice café and a souvenir shop which we found to be quite expensive.
One important thing I must point out is that Poas Volcano is often covered in clouds, which means the views of the crater may be completely obstructed by the time you make it to the viewpoint. This is something you need to keep in mind to time your visit – most people try to go there early in the morning for a higher chance of a view.
If you are picking up a rental car in San José and wish to visit Poas Volcano independently, remember you will need to get your tickets on the SINAC website in advance. Like other national parks in Costa Rica, admission to the park is limited to a certain number of visitors per day. When we visited, we saw many cars that had to turn back as tickets were sold out!
Otherwise, you can opt for a guided tour from San José that includes transportation. Most tours will also stop at other places – for example, a coffee plantation, a strawberry field or a local cheese factory.
We picked a specific tour because it was organized so that Poas Volcano would be our first stop, which meant higher chances of seeing the crater. It was a great choice, and we also got to see sloths along the way!
I recommend this tour to Poas Volcano which also stops at Starbucks’ Coffee Plantation in Alsacia. It’s the tour we took and we had a great experience – our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, and very flexible with what we could do during the tour. Lunch is not included in the tour, but if the group agrees the guide will stop at a local restaurant to try local specialties.
Cartago and Irazú Volcano
Another active volcano you can visit easily from San José is Irazu – it’s just a 1.5 hour drive from the city which is easy to do if you have a rental car.
Once you are at Irazu Volcano, you can walk to the viewpoint to admire views of the crater.
Again, remember this is a national park so you need to get tickets before you get there – you can use the official website for that.
Not far from Irazu, you can also visit Cartago, the former capital of Costa Rica. This is an interesting city to visit for its religious significance and its conservative charm and a good place to go on day trips from San Jose.
Highlights of Cartago include the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, a byzantine style church which has been renovated in 1926 following the 1910 earthquake and where you can see the famous statue of La Negrita (a black Virgin statue).
You will also be able to see Las Ruinas de la Parroquia, the ruins of the Iglesia del Convento built in 1575 in honor of San Juan and destroyed by an earthquake in 1841. Reconstruction works were interrupted in 1910 after the earthquake.
If you only want to visit Cartago, you can get there by bus from San José: it just takes 45 minutes. Autotransportes Lumaca and Transtusa have regular buses. You can get tickets on the bus for just a few USD.
If you don’t want to drive, your best option is to join a guided tour that will take you to both places, as well as to Orosi-
I recommend this Irazú Volcano, Cartago City & Orosi Valley Tour that also includes a traditional lunch.
Arenal Volcano
Finally, you could consider going to La Fortuna to see Arenal Volcano. Personally, I think this is a place that deserves way more time as there is lots to see and do in the area – whitewater rafting in the Sarapiqui River, river tubing, visiting the nearby Rio Celeste Waterfall. Besides, it is a 3-hour drive from San José.
However, since it is easily accessible, many people go just for the day from San José.
The best way to do it is on a guided tour that will include several stops and activities, so you will be making the most of your day.
This Arenal day trip from San José is a fantastic option that includes a lot! You will zip line around the forest, visit the Maleku Indigenous Community, admire the La Paz and San Fernando waterfalls, visit a coffee plantation and have a mini-coffee tour, see the iconic Arenal Volcano, spend time at the hot springs and enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Practical Tips To Plan Your Trip To San Jose
How to get to San Jose from San José International Airport
San Jose International Airport connects Costa Rica to the rest of the world via numerous daily flights. The airport is actually located in the province of Alajuela, about 17 km (10.5 miles) from the center of the city. It’s a 30-minute drive, but that depends on traffic.
The airport is well-connected to the city via public transportation: this is the most budget-friendly way of traveling to the center of San José.
Alternatively, you can get to San Jose by taxi (it will be in the range of $20 USD) or Uber. The second option is cheaper but you will need internet to book your Uber – there is good working Wi-Fi at the airport in case you don’t have data once in Costa Rica.
Finally, you can book a private transfer to take you to your hotel. It’s a bit more expensive than a taxi or Uber, but also more convenient especially if you have come on a long flight and are tired.
We used Welcome Pickups and had a driver waiting for us at arrivals, and the ride to the hotel was smooth and comfortable.
One recommendation I have in case you book a private transfer is to leave plenty of time to go through customs and pick up your luggage. The driver will have your flight number and be aware of any delays, and will get in touch with you via WhatsApp to let you know he has arrived, but the airport is very busy so you may be waiting a while before your luggage finally arrives.
How to move around San Jose
Moving around San José is fairly easy and you will have various options.
You can use the bus to get around – public transportation works well in Costa Rica, and there are a lot of buses going around the capital.
If you are staying downtown or nearby, you can definitely walk to most places. One recommendation I have though is to avoid walking around at night, as it’s not the safest.
When the sun goes down, you should always get an Uber or a taxi back to your hotel. Official taxis in Costa Rica are red. We used Uber to get back to our hotel after exploring the Downtown area and we found it easy and convenient – and it’s generally much cheaper than taxis.
Where to stay in San Jose Costa Rica
There are some good places to stay in San Jose, and I have tried a few. Here are my recommendations on where to stay in San Jose Costa Rica.
AUTENTICO HOTEL – We stayed here during our most recent trip to Costa Rica and we enjoyed it. It’s very close to the Costa Rican Art Museum, and an easy driving distance from Downtown. Rooms are plain, but there is a very generous buffet breakfast and a good bar and restaurant for dinner. There’s a small pool too, and the staff is extremely nice.
GRAN HOTEL COSTA RICA CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON – THIS is the best hotel in town, with spacious modern rooms, a fitness center, a bar, and a restaurant and perfectly located so you can access all attractions easily.
ECO STAY HOSTEL – If you are looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, this hostel is a great option. You can pick among private rooms, family rooms or dorms that are very well equipped with lockers etc. There’s a nice terrace, a garden and breakfast is included in the price.
Safety in San Jose Costa Rica
Costa Rica, in general, is one of the best places to travel alone, and we found Costa Rica to be safe.
San Jose is a safe city during the day, but you should definitely use some precautions after the sun goes down, and in fact one you realize the sun is about to set, you will be better off taking an Uber to get back to your hotel.
Do not walk around alone at night, especially if you don’t know the area well. And if you need to go out for dinner, ask your hotel to call you a taxi or an Uber – even if you think the restaurant is close enough to walk there.
We were adamant about walking to the restaurant as we saw it was only 15 minutes away, but everyone at the hotel made it clear this would not be an option!
Locals are generally very friendly and helpful and will do their best to keep you out of trouble if they realize you are going in the wrong direction unknowingly. We were on a bus when it was dark already, and a local noticed us and made it a point to get off with us at our bus stop and get us a taxi so we could get back safely!
If you don’t see anybody around and feel like you are lost, find a store or a restaurant and ask for help. Knowing a bit of Spanish helps, but most people in Costa Rica speak at least some English.
When walking around town, it’s best to wear your backpack in the front and keep your big camera inside it, or if you have a purse wear it across your shoulders. If you sit down at a restaurant, don’t hang your bag on the chair or leave it under the table – always keep it somewhere you can see it.
Try not to look too different from the locals. They don’t go around in shorts, tank tops and flip-flops in the city – and neither should you: it would attract unwanted attention.
Avoid areas where prostitutes are known to work.
Finally, the number for emergencies is 911 and there is an option to speak English.
You should get good travel insurance for your trip to Costa Rica. For my recommendations, read my post Why You Need Good Travel Insurance.
How long to stay in San Jose Costa Rica
Good question, and a difficult one! San Jose is hardly the best place to visit in Costa Rica, and there is so much to see in this wonderful country that if your time is limited, you shouldn’t waste much time on it.
Yes, there are some good day trips you can take from San Jose, but it’s much better to plan your trip in a road trip form and move around the country. With this in mind, I think 2 days in San Jose are sufficient: one to visit the downtown area and its museums, and one for a day trip – my recommended one is Poas Volcano.
However, San José is also significantly less touristy than the rest of the country, so it’s a great place to spend some time if you want a more authentic experience and if you want to immerse yourself in the local life.
Best time to visit San Jose
Costa Rica has two main seasons – the dry season and the rainy season. I recommend visiting during the dry season, as it’s not as brutally hot and it doesn’t rain (except in the Caribbean Coast, where it rains throughout the year).
Having said so, I have been to Costa Rica twice – once during the dry season and once (more recently) during the rainy season, and enjoyed it enormously every time. Incidentally, I was there in October which is meant to be the rainiest month, and had two sunny days on a row!
It’s also worth saying that compared to the rest of the country, San Jose enjoys a much milder climate in terms of temperatures, which are more spring-like than in the rest of Costa Rica.
Further Readings
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica and Central America, make sure to read my other posts:
- 30 Unmissable Things To Do In Costa Rica
- A Guide To Renting A Car In Costa Rica
- A Guide To Driving In Costa Rica
- 10 Best Things To Do In Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
- The Most Awesome Things To Do In Nicaragua
- What to expect when volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, Nicaragua
- The Best Things To Do In Panama
- A Guide To Nauyaca Waterfalls
- The Prettiest Waterfalls In Costa Rica
- What You Need To Know Before Visiting Marino Ballena National Park
- Should You Visit Caño Island?
- A Guide To Manuel Antonio
- How To Cross The Border In Central America
Pin It For Later!
