At first, San José is frustrating for the tourist eager to experience Costa Rica’s beauty. Modern concrete structures encroach on the city’s surviving examples of colonial architecture. Smog and grime dominate the capital, while piercing car horns never stop blaring. During the summer rainy season, travelers should expect daily downpours.
San José, however, is filled with the energy of a young and bustling city. As irritating as the fast-food joints on every corner may be for someone attempting to escape civilization, the neon facades demonstrate how rapidly the city is modernizing. Internet cafes have sprung up on nearly every corner. Luxury hotels and restaurants offering international cuisine provide the discerning traveler with a plethora of culinary options.
For those seeking nightlife, bars and clubs in the city’s center, El Pueblo, and San Pedro are alive with energy and music until the wee hours of morning. San José is home to approximately 300,000 people (over 1 million including the suburbs), and most of them will show you up on the dance floor—the speed and elegance of salsa takes most gringos by surprise. Don’t be too intimidated, though, as you will quickly discover the friendliness of Costa Ricans. Look too lost or confused, and someone will stop to ask if you need help.
Home to two universities and the transportation and economic hub of Costa Rica, San José offers a glimpse at the country’s future. Surrounded by mountains and perched 1132m above sea level, San José was first settled in 1736, though it spent much of the colonial era as a tobacco-farming town. In 1823, San José replaced Cartago as the capital of Costa Rica and came into its own as the center of the coffee trade. As an ever-changing city, it is a worthy stopover between the two coasts and not just a convenient way to pass between them.
Get transportation information tips for domestic flights, car rentals, boats and ferries, buses, and walking while traveling in San Jose. With Let's Go raveling to San Jose is made easy.
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 ...more
Buses: Local buses run every 5-10min. from 5am to 10pm and go all over San José, including to the suburbs and the airport. There are no official printed schedules, and timing is generally approximate ...more
Tourist Offices: Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, (☎ 2299 5800, from US or Costa Rica 1-866-COSTARICA/267-8274). Offices located at Av. Central/2, C. 5, next to El Museo del Oro (☎ 2222 1090; open ...more
San José has hundreds of accommodations for every budget—from basic hostels to Holiday Inns. That said, it’s best to steer clear of the cheapest lodgings; paying the relatively &ldquo ...more
Black beans, white rice, and chicken are staples, though American culture has left a mark, and fast food joints abound. Vegetarian and international cuisines are popular, offering respite from the monotony ...more
Teatro Nacional. Small but exquisite, the National Theater is a must-see. In 1897, the construction of the theater was inspired (and funded) by Costa Rican citizens clamoring for more cultural ...more
A number of 24hr. casinos have opened in San José, many in hotels on Av. 1 near C. 5. Fiesta Casino, Av. Central, C. 7/9, has tables and slots if you want to try your luck. You must be 18+ to gamble ...more
San José’s sheer size and tourist following make buying anything from basic necessities to souvenirs easier—and sometimes cheaper—than in other Costa Rican towns. You&rsquo ...more
San Jose Nightlife San Pedro pulses with life at night: the dances are salsa and merengue, the drinks are cervezas or guaro cocktails, and the scenes range from karaoke bars full of ticos belting out ...more
Museums and parks aren’t your style? Costa Rica is the place for you. Even from the largest city, there are many opportunities for outdoor adventure. Tropical Bungee (☎ 2248 2212 or 2221 4944 ...more
Take day trips to see the surrounding areas. Recommended day trips from San Jose are Inbioparque, Moravia, and Escazu & San Rafael De Escazu.
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