San José and the Greater Metropolitan Area have many places to stay. You may want to stay just across the street from the airport if you are there for the night. 

The Central Valley is the most culturally exciting area in Costa Rica, with museums, art galleries, theaters, and colonial structures spread evenly across the cities. 

<h2>Welcome to Our Capital City of San José!</h2><h3>Best Time to Travel</h3>San José is an <a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/san-jose/stay/">excellent place to stay</a> 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.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846916/san_jose_city_rainy_season_466341940f.jpg" alt="san-jose-city-rainy-season.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846917/thumbnail_san_jose_city_rainy_season_466341940f.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846918/small_san_jose_city_rainy_season_466341940f.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846918/medium_san_jose_city_rainy_season_466341940f.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648846918/large_san_jose_city_rainy_season_466341940f.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h3>San José Weather</h3>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.<h3>Is San José Safe?</h3>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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652906228/vip_city_bus_sightseeing_tourist_playing_maracas_close_up_san_jose_6524c9332f.jpg" alt="vip-city-bus-sightseeing-tourist-playing-maracas-close-up-san-jose.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652906229/thumbnail_vip_city_bus_sightseeing_tourist_playing_maracas_close_up_san_jose_6524c9332f.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652906230/small_vip_city_bus_sightseeing_tourist_playing_maracas_close_up_san_jose_6524c9332f.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652906229/medium_vip_city_bus_sightseeing_tourist_playing_maracas_close_up_san_jose_6524c9332f.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1652906229/large_vip_city_bus_sightseeing_tourist_playing_maracas_close_up_san_jose_6524c9332f.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>Top Restaurants in San José</h2>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.<h3>Fine Dining &amp; International Cuisine</h3>Park Cafe: This International European restaurant in Sabana Norte is probably the most progressive restaurant in Costa Rica. Run by head chef and two-Michelin star winner Richard Neat, the restaurant has an inventive tasting menu with wine pairings and serves tapas-style dishes. The food is matched only by the ambiance, a wonderful antique shop that makes you feel like dining in a period mansion.&nbsp;La Esquina de Buenos Aires: This Argentinian Steakhouse is located in downtown San Jose. However, any “Top Restaurants in San José” list will always feature La Esquina. And for a good reason. There’s low-key music and floor-to-ceiling black and white photos of movie stars and celebrities.Furca: This steakhouse located in Rohrmoser is an understated, upscale restaurant with a chic atmosphere. While pricey, you get what you pay for, from several cuts of steak to homemade bread. Fresh produce is harvested from their garden and bought from local organic producers.&nbsp;Bacchus: This is an Italian restaurant located in Santa Ana. Beautiful open-air patio, excellent service, unusual and traditional dishes that are phenomenal.Tin Jo: Tin Jo, located in downtown San Jose, features several Asian flavors from Thailand, India, China, Indonesia, and Japan.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512540/hotel_grano_de_oro_steak_bird_eye_view_dish_detail_san_jose_07d639d62a.jpg" alt="hotel-grano-de-oro-steak-bird-eye-view-dish-detail-san-jose.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512542/thumbnail_hotel_grano_de_oro_steak_bird_eye_view_dish_detail_san_jose_07d639d62a.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512545/small_hotel_grano_de_oro_steak_bird_eye_view_dish_detail_san_jose_07d639d62a.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512544/medium_hotel_grano_de_oro_steak_bird_eye_view_dish_detail_san_jose_07d639d62a.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512543/large_hotel_grano_de_oro_steak_bird_eye_view_dish_detail_san_jose_07d639d62a.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Local Flavors</h3>Sikwa: Chef Pablo Bonilla at Sikwa, located in Barrio Escalante, has done a fantastic job researching and recovering the most ancient Costa Rican indigenous cuisine. Truly a unique dining experience, the menu is brought to life through storytelling with each plate. &nbsp;Soda Tala: Soda Tala serves each dish on a tamale leaf in the Central Market. A tortilla covers sausage on top of pinto on top of the egg. There are multiple sodas in the “Mercado” or market, so keep an eye out for Soda Tala, the best.Maxi's by Ricky: Manzanillo born and raised chef Ricky transplanted the Caribbean Vibe with the Reggae and casual feel to Santa Ana. He opened Maxi by Ricky, a casual soul food restaurant. It’s a fantastic, big house with a sand yard, porch, and groovy colors and art: reggae music, good service, warm and friendly people—a little piece of Caribbean.<h3>Sports &amp; Wings</h3>Chubbs: Located in Escazu is the most famous place for wings. The BBQ chicken sandwich rivals the fantastic wings. Why not get both? A great place to chill and watch your team of choice.C Lounge: There are great wings and beer at this Sports Bar in Cariari, Heredia. There are lots of fun, live music, screens for sports lovers to follow the events. You can watch any game that’s happening around the world! Significant events for significant sporting events.Hooligan’s: Hooligan’s Sports Bar in Escazu is an American-style hangout with great Angus burgers and honey mustard wings.<h3>Breakfast &amp; Coffee</h3>Alma de Café: Alma de Café is inside the National Theater, downtown San Jose, so take a camera. It has quality coffee, light fare, sandwiches and pastries, and desserts, including some beautiful cakes.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/hilton_garden_santa_ana_breakfast_san_jose_3bf62fae7a.jpg" alt="hilton-garden-santa-ana-breakfast-san-jose.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/thumbnail_hilton_garden_santa_ana_breakfast_san_jose_3bf62fae7a.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/small_hilton_garden_santa_ana_breakfast_san_jose_3bf62fae7a.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/medium_hilton_garden_santa_ana_breakfast_san_jose_3bf62fae7a.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/large_hilton_garden_santa_ana_breakfast_san_jose_3bf62fae7a.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw">Grano de Oro:&nbsp; Brunch is great at the Restaurante Grano de Oro located in Barrio Dent. You’ll find French, Latin, and vegetarian options. Take your time, take in the ambiance, and taste everything!Cafeoteca: Coffee connoisseurs rejoice! If bringing back fresh coffee from small plantations is your idea of souvenirs, this is THE shop to visit, as Cafeoteca features more than 20 different coffees from eight other regions of Costa Rica. And while you’re there, enjoy some specialty brews located in Barrio Escalante.<h3>Vegan, Vegetarian &amp; Plant-Based</h3>LuvBurger: All vegan except for a couple of honey recipes. The food at Luv Burger in Barrio Dent is delicious, the portions are large and the service is excellent. Arguably the best tasting vegan burger you will have, topped with some coconut bacon chippies and a side of sweet potato fries, yum!Árbol de Seda: Lots of vegan or gluten-free options at this vegetarian restaurant located in Barrio Escalante. You can have Moroccan, Caribbean, Tico, Asian, and traditional comfort food options in one meal.<h3>Hidden Gems</h3>Cafe Rojo:&nbsp; At Café Rojo, located in Barrio Amón,&nbsp; you can build your perfect bowl. Choose your base and vegetables. Then, add shrimp, pork, whatever you’d like. It’s Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and highly customizable to your preferences. &nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512515/hotel_grano_de_oro_exterior_sunrise_overview_san_jose_a880fd15d1.jpg" alt="hotel-grano-de-oro-exterior-sunrise-overview-san-jose.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512515/thumbnail_hotel_grano_de_oro_exterior_sunrise_overview_san_jose_a880fd15d1.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512516/small_hotel_grano_de_oro_exterior_sunrise_overview_san_jose_a880fd15d1.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512516/medium_hotel_grano_de_oro_exterior_sunrise_overview_san_jose_a880fd15d1.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1651512515/large_hotel_grano_de_oro_exterior_sunrise_overview_san_jose_a880fd15d1.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>Great Day Trips from San José</h2><a href="https://www.vacationscostarica.com/san-jose/things-to-do/">Take a day trip.</a> Volcano visits are doable from San José. There’s Barva, Irazú, and Poás. Another option is a coffee tour at the Doka or Britt Coffee Estates. After that, you could go rafting down the Pacuare or Reventazon River or check out the Braulio Carrillo National Park. Then there’s a waterfall garden, a botanical garden, and a wildlife rescue center. All of these are within an hour of San José.If you have the luxury of time, devote a few days to the city and its countryside. If you don’t, try to earmark at least an overnight to explore the verdant valleys that most Costa Ricans call home. Most San Jose’s attractions are located within an hour of the city–perfect side trips, even if you’re there for just a day. Finally, if you have a little more time, check out these great asides:<ul><li>Guayabo National Monument: Costa Rica’s most critical indigenous ruins.</li><li>Lancaster Gardens: One of the world’s most spectacular botanical gardens with more than 3,000 plant species!</li><li>Braulio Carrillo National Park: Costa Rica’s second-largest park and home to a startling array of scenery and animals.</li><li>Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (Zoo Ave): A must for animal lovers, the Zoo rescues illegal pets, and injured wildlife, rehabilitates whenever possible, and provides a haven for the animals that can’t live in the wild.</li></ul>Cartago is famous for its colonial churches, with some jokingly saying that “there is one church per block.” The Basilica de Los Ángeles is the most famous, as it’s home to the Virgin of the Angels, the patron saint of Costa Rica. Around 1 million people–a quarter of the country’s population–pilgrims to the church.In addition to harboring the only entirely urban spaces in the country, the Central Valley is also surrounded by natural beauties such as the volcanoes of Poás, Irazu, Turrialba, and Barva.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1649188768/guanacaste_zoo_tucan_4f3892b851.jpg" alt="guanacaste-zoo-tucan.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1649188768/thumbnail_guanacaste_zoo_tucan_4f3892b851.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1649188769/small_guanacaste_zoo_tucan_4f3892b851.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1649188769/medium_guanacaste_zoo_tucan_4f3892b851.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1649188769/large_guanacaste_zoo_tucan_4f3892b851.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Wander Where The Locals Go</h3>Wander around on your own or take a guided walking tour around the city to see the bustling downtown area, remnants of colonial life, churches, plazas, parks, shops, cafes, restaurants, monuments, souvenir shops, and architectural gems, both modern and historical. Ask your guide to point out the best nightlife spots too.<h3>Make a Day of Great Coffee and Museums</h3>Spend a few hours in museums, like the Children’s Museum, the Museum of Jade, and the Museum of Pre-Columbian Gold. The National Theater, just across the street from the gold museum, is beautiful too. There’s a cafe inside with adorable pastries and aromatic coffee. Don’t forget to look at the ceilings on your theater tour. The artwork will leave you speechless.<h3>San José Shopping</h3>Souvenirs, crafts, clothes, accessories, and even the ultimate designer outfits can be found in San José. There are infinite places to shop depending on what you’re looking for, inexperience, and products. The top 6 places to visit in the Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica are:&nbsp;San Jose’s Main BoulevardThe boulevard is full of eateries and shops, including the Central Market and la Casona, two great places to purchase souvenirs. In addition, the avenue is near San Jose’s main attractions, such as the National Theatre and the Democracy Plaza.Avenida EscazúThis new shopping center unites some of the most exclusive stores in the country with other services, such as real estate agencies, medical services, car dealerships, etc. The design is also appealing for enjoying open-air spaces and contemplating the featured art pieces, sculptures, and fountains that garnish the facilities.Multiplaza EscazúLocated in the west of San Jose province, it provides customers with the top trends and brands from around the globe, including luxury and designer brands. Here you can also find casual restaurants, fast food chains, cinemas, and cafeterias.City Mall, AlajuelaThe largest in Central America. With great shops and restaurants, and it's just five minutes away from the Juan Santamaria airport.Lincoln PlazaIf you find yourself on the east side of the capital, Lincoln Plaza might be the best option to visit. This shopping center also provides the best chain stores and eateries in the country and is the central hub for the newest stores in Costa Rica.Paseo de las FloresLocated to the North in the Heredia province, Paseo de las Flores is another large shopping mall worth visiting.It has the same profile as the others listed here, but it has an attractive design that combines the historical roots of the province with beautiful outdoor spaces.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/hilton_garden_santa_ana_outside_view_san_jose_2_ccdaf1e684.jpg" alt="hilton-garden-santa-ana-outside-view-san-jose-2.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/thumbnail_hilton_garden_santa_ana_outside_view_san_jose_2_ccdaf1e684.jpg 245w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/small_hilton_garden_santa_ana_outside_view_san_jose_2_ccdaf1e684.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/medium_hilton_garden_santa_ana_outside_view_san_jose_2_ccdaf1e684.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1665774917/large_hilton_garden_santa_ana_outside_view_san_jose_2_ccdaf1e684.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>How to Get to San José</h2>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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Your transfer can take just five minutes if you stay across from the Airport at the Hampton Inn &amp; 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.With San José being so central, there are easy, private transfers between it and all parts of Costa Rica. We will set you up with a private driver who speaks English.

San José

Hotel Grano de Oro

Bar/Lounge

Dietary Restrictions

Restaurant

Jacuzzi

WiFi

Gran Hotel Costa Rica

Breakfast Included

Business Center

Fitness Facilities

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose

Panoramic Vistas

Swimming Pool

Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana

Guided Visit to a Butterfly Garden, Costa Rica

Butterfly Garden

Nature & Wildlife

San Ramón

Arenal Volcano

Santa Teresa

Manuel Antonio

Monteverde

Tortuga Island Cruise

Beach Fun

Jaco

Playa Hermosa (Jaco)

Costa Rica Coffee, the Flavors, and Unique Varieties 

Coffee Plantation Visit

Culture

San Gerardo de Dota

Bajos del Toro

Heredia

Poás Volcano

La Paz

City of Alajuela

Spa & Wellness

Relaxing

Papagayo

Nosara

VIP City Bus Tour-San José

City Sightseeing & Souvenir Shopping

City Sightseeing

Liberia

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Waterfalls

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

National Parks

Turrialba

Guanacaste 

Savegre Valley

Rincón de la Vieja

Rio Perdido

Drake Bay

Pacuare

San Isidro

Tortuguero

Tamarindo

Playa Avellanas

Punta Islita

Cahuita

Conchal Beach

Rio Celeste

Las Catalinas

Coco Beach

Quepos

Isla Chiquita

Uvita

Flamingo Beach

Puerto Jiménez

Los Sueños

Samara

Playa Langosta

Puerto Viejo

Esterillos

Fishing on Lake Arenal

Monteverde and San José

Jungle Nights & City Lights

Puerto Viejo and San José

San Gerardo de Dota and San José

Costa Rica Food Trail

Foodie's Dream Vacation: Costa Rica Edition

Beachfront Glamping and City Combo

Matthew put together a great itinerary and was very quick to respond to our emails. We developed a relationship with him and were comfortable reaching out to him. Thanks Matthew for your help!

George and Ellen Lipka - Matthew Briscoe

The in country support was outstanding! My husband left his passport in our hotel in San Jose and Costa Rican Vacations arranged transport so the passport was at our next destination! AMAZING service! They made our honeymoon perfect!