San Jose Orientation

San José’s design follows a typical Costa Rican grid, with avenidas running east-west and calles running north-south. Directions in San José, as well as in other large cities, are usually given by listing the street and cross street where a destination is located. For example, a building located at Av. 2, C. 5/7 would be located on Avenida 2, somewhere in the block between C. 5 and 7. Avenida Central (called Paseo Colón north of C. 22) is the main drag, with a shopping and eating area blocked off to traffic between C. 2 and 5. Just west of the city center is the frantic Mercado Central, bordered by Av. Central/1 and C. 6/8. Four blocks further west of the market is Terminal Coca-Cola, on Av. 1, C. 16/18.

Barrio Amón, northeast of Av. 5 and C. 1, and Barrio Otoya, slightly east of Amón, are the most architecturally interesting neighborhoods in the city center, filled with Spanish colonial buildings dating back to the 19th century. West of downtown, past C. 42, La Sabana is home to the large Parque Metropolitano La Sabana. Five kilometers farther west, the quiet suburb of Escazú is home to gorgeous B&Bs and some of San José’s most posh restaurants. Other upscale regions include Los Yoses, east of downtown past C. 3, and San Pedro, home to the University of Costa Rica and some of the city’s best entertainment.

Watch Out! Although San José is relatively safe, theft, prostitution, and drugs still make some areas a bit risky. Problem spots include: Terminal Coca-Cola, south of Av. 8 between C. 2 and 14, Av. 4 to 6 between C. 4 and 12, and areas north of the Mercado Central. Generally, areas beyond a few blocks from San José’s center pose more of a threat after dark. The city’s parks and crowded streets can present the risk of pickpockets and grab-and-run thefts, so hold on to your belongings. After sunset, the safest way to get around is by taxi, especially for women traveling alone.

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