Exploring Downtown San José, Costa Rica: A City Guide

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is one of the most populated cities in the country. It became the capital for the first time in 1823 and has been the permanent capital since 1839. The city serves as an important political, economic, and social hub, boasting many museums, landmarks, and cultural centers as well as various culinary offerings. If you are planning to spend a day or two in San José, Costa Rica, this guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

Getting to San José

Getting there from SJO Airport

Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) is located in the Alajuela province about 16km (10 miles) from downtown San José. This proximity makes it relatively easy to reach the city using various types of transportation.

By Car: The drive from the airport to downtown San José typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes; however, during rush hour traffic it can take up to an hour and a half. The route follows a three-lane highway that is in good condition.

By Bus: Several bus routes stop at Juan Santamaria Airport with the most frequent being the Alajuela-San José route; buses depart every 6 to 12 minutes, making this option reliable and affordable for travelers going towards the city center.

By Train: To take the train you need first reach Alajuela city, where the train station is located; from the airport, it should take around 10 minutes by taxi/Uber/bus. Trains have limited schedules only in mornings and afternoons following workday hours’ pattern departing every 25 minutes so this may be suitable if your timetable matches with the trains’ schedule.

Getting there from LIR Airport

Daniel Oduber International Airport Liberia (LIR), Guanacaste, is situated approximately 222km (138 miles) away from San José. Given such distance, there are several alternatives for making the trip.

By Car: Depending on road conditions & traffic situation journey could last anywhere between four to five hours; the majority of the way is a highway but there are certain areas where single-lane roads can slow down traffic flow.

By Bus: To travel by bus you should first get to downtown Liberia using local public transport then proceed to Pulmitan terminal where buses heading towards San José can be found. The duration of ride often exceeds five hours so this method is quite time-consuming.

By Air: There are daily domestic flights from Liberia to San José which take approximately one hour, but they might cost more than $200 for a round-trip ticket, thus being a relatively expensive option compared to other modes of transportation, nevertheless, it ensures quickest arrival.

Getting There with a Shared or Private Shuttle

Either Shared or Private Shuttles presents a convenient way of reaching San José from either Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR). These services can be booked in advance and offer comfortable journeys without any hassle; shared shuttles save money as you share a vehicle with other people while private shuttles provide a more personalized experience. Prices and schedules differ between companies hence before making a selection one should check all details on their websites to find suitable alternatives according to his/her requirements as well as budget considerations.

Getting Around San José

San José is a very busy city, many people pass through here every day, so it is very easy to move from one place to another and there are several ways to do it.

By Walking: Most of us locals walk in San José on foot. There are two pedestrian avenues in the city: Avenida Central and Avenida 4. They run parallel to the busy Avenida Segunda and are each 1.10 km (0.7 miles) long. It is possible to walk during the day, but it is not recommended at night because it may be dangerous.

By Bus: Buses in San José leave from various terminals across the city that go to different parts of Costa Rica. The difficulty is finding where one should board them since signs do not always exist. It could be helpful to ask locals or use the Moovit app which gives information about public transport routes and stops.

By Train: Yes, Costa Rica has a train! But don’t expect a first-world train. This service is available only for the central valley, connecting the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, San José, and Cartago. However, it operates only at certain hours, in the mornings and afternoons thereby being suitable for beating traffic during these times while providing an alternative way of seeing the city.

By Taxi/Uber/Didi: These services are very easy to hire in San José. Red taxis have designated spots all over town making them easy to find. And the supply of Uber / Didi’s is quite high compared to rural areas, so there is no need to wait a long time for a ride.

By Driving: This is the easiest way to get around San José, however, it is not the most recommended, at least not Monday through Friday due to the amount of traffic. But if you dare you will only have to look for public parking around the area where you want to go, which is not a problem since there are many parking lots in the city center.

Things to Do at San José, Costa Rica

Museums to Visit

There are several museums in San José, all with very different themes, about history, culture, art, and science.

National Museum of Costa Rica: The oldest museum in the country, it is located in the Bellavista Barracks building, where former President Figueres abolished the army in 1948. The most important archaeological exhibit in this museum is the one that displays the Diquís stones spheres which are unique in shape. There is also a significant collection of historical artifacts which tell about the country’s story since contact and conquest up until today.

Museum of Jade and Pre-Columbian Culture: Built like a block of jade cut in half, this modern facility houses around 7,000 pieces from pre-Columbian times. The collection comprises ceramics, stone objects, and works of art among other things relating to ethnography.

Costa Rican Central Bank Museum or Gold Museum: This museum has two parts. In its main hall is displayed the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum featuring many gold objects from various pre-Hispanic cultures. Numismatic Museum is another part of it where the world’s largest collection of Costa Rican coins and banknotes can be found. Temporary exhibitions also take place here alongside these permanent ones.

Children’s Museum: This museum opened its doors in 1994. It is the very first interactive museum in Central America and is situated inside a magnificent Penitentiary Building structure from the early 1900s. Science, history, technology, and art exhibitions are among its offerings.

National Theater

The National Theatre of Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful buildings in San José and a cultural icon for the country. Construction started in 1890, completed seven years later. The building is decorated with oil paintings, gold finishes, and numerous marble statues including one of Beethoven.

San José Downtown Walking Tour

Taking a walking tour in San José is a great way to explore the city’s historic buildings and neighborhoods. Several companies are offering these services so you can choose according to your preference; while some tours pick up from hotels others may require meeting at certain points within town before commencing their journey around town centers.

Visit to the Central Market

Established in 1880, this market represents the culture and traditions of Costa Ricans as it has been among their favorite places when shopping is concerned. The narrow aisles of over 200 stores and sodas offer various products for sale.

The market is also known for its sodas, where you can try traditional Costa Rican dishes. These small eateries offer a chance to sample local flavors at reasonable prices.

Visit a Butterfly Garden

San José is home to two butterfly gardens:

Spirogyra Butterfly Garden is located just 7 minutes drive from Avenida Central (Central Avenue) in Barrio Turnón. It is a small place, but full of butterflies and vegetation, also with some trails on the property that surround the river.

Butterfly Kingdom is located in Escazú. It’s a small garden yet has an educational tour that explains the life cycle of butterflies. They also offer a restaurant on site.

Picnic at La Sabana

Metropolitan Park La Sabana, often referred to simply as “La Sabana,” was Costa Rica’s first international airport from 1940 until the 1970s, when it was decided to convert it into a park. La Sabana covers a land mass of roughly seventy-two hectares converted into a recreational area. It includes facilities such as a National Stadium, national gymnasium, Olympic swimming pool, athletics tracks, several soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, baseball, skating rinks, etc.

This Park is very popular with locals who enjoy various sports activities and outdoor events due to its vast space, that accommodates many people at once thus making it suitable for jogging, playing different games, or even having picnics.

Buy Souvenirs

The Mercado Central is one of the best places to begin. A lot of hustle and bustle goes on in this market; it has a lot of stores that sell many different kinds of souvenirs and handicrafts. Whether you are looking for something traditional from Costa Rica or an unusual local item, you will find it there.

Another place is the Mercado de las Artesanías. It also sells handmade products like the Central Market, but specializes more in local crafts and souvenirs.

Although these two markets are major ones there still exists countless smaller shops around town where visitors can go shopping too.

Hacienda La Chimba

The coffee farm Hacienda La Chimba can be found in Santa Ana, just 16.5 km (10 miles) from San José. The coffee hacienda provides visitors with an opportunity to see first-hand how coffee is grown and processed.

In addition to coffee, there is also a 9km (5.6 miles) trail on the property with multiple photography stops. For those seeking more adventure, Hacienda La Chimba offers Canopy and High Ropes Tours as well. There is a restaurant serving traditional local dishes and a Souvenir Shop too.

Montañas de Cariblanco

Located only 18.5 km (12 miles) from San José and a short drive from Santa Ana, Montañas de Cariblanco allows you to enjoy nature without going far from the city.

At Montañas de Cariblanco you can do different outdoor activities. It’s a great spot where you can enjoy hiking, a waterfall, picnics, and even a refreshing dip in the river

Stay and Sleep

When visiting San José there are different areas where you can stay that will give you different experiences. Some of them are close to downtown which makes it easy to access most of the city’s attractions while others are located further away offering tranquility but still being convenient for exploring the city.

Near Downtown San José

If staying near downtown San José there are several areas with their character and amenities that you should consider:

La Sabana: This area surrounds La Sabana Park and it’s divided into four sections: Sabana Norte, Sabana Oeste, Sabana Sur, and Sabana Este; each one of these sections offers different types of accommodations and amenities.

• Sabana Norte: With six hotels –including two Hiltons– this area has views towards the park, National Stadium, Central Valley mountains as well as volcanoes; it’s a great option for those looking for nice views.

• Sabana Oeste: There are no hotels in Sabana Oeste but many Airbnb options; this area is known for its numerous restaurants, so it’s worth visiting if you’re a food enthusiast.

• Sabana Sur: This more residential area features many condominiums, schools, and residential buildings; there are three hotels, one hostel, and several Airbnb options to choose from. The variety of restaurants is not as wide as in other areas though.

• Sabana Este: Also known as Paseo Colón, this area serves as the main entrance into downtown San José; it’s a mix of commercial and residential spaces with different types of restaurants, hotels, and Airbnb options available.

Downtown San José: Staying in downtown San José will put you close to most of the city’s activities and attractions; there are several hotels around Plaza de la Cultura which makes it convenient for exploring the city.

Barrio Amón: Located just north of downtown, Barrio Amón is a historic neighborhood with buildings from the late XIX century. It used to be an elegant area and still has much of its charm left. There are various hotels and hostels –including Marriott – as well as different restaurants and cafes to choose from. Best is to stay on the west side of the neighborhood since it’s safer and nicer.

Barrio Escalante: It is the most famous gastronomic district of San José; therefore, it has a good number of restaurants and bars. It is an ideal place in case you are looking forward to experiencing the nightlife of Costa Rica. Moreover, there are various boutique hotels, hostels as well as Airbnb choices.

A small bit further away from downtown San José

No more than 30 minutes from San José, are Santa Ana and Escazú, two towns with a great variety of hotels and gastronomy.

Escazú: It is recognized as the wealthiest city in Costa Rica. Many international companies have their service centers here, which has led to a large expat community being formed. The area is filled with shopping centers, restaurants, and a huge mall. Additionally, there is a well-equipped private hospital. Here you will find many hotels to choose from, all kinds of restaurants, and even viewpoints that offer views of the Central Valley.

Santa Ana: Just a few minutes from Escazú, Santa Ana is another area known for its commercial vibrancy. In this town, you can find all types of restaurants and hotels for different tastes and budgets. Moreover, there are various bars and discos in Santa Ana that make it an excellent place for those who want to enjoy nightlife too.

Where to eat

The culinary scene in San José is as diverse as its population – there’s something to cater to every palate! From traditional Costa Rican dishes through upscale dining experiences – this city has it all!

Coffee Shops:

• Café St. Honoré: The best coffee shop. Don’t miss it!
• Café La Mancha: Located just steps from Central Avenue in the Steinvorth Building built in 1907.

Typical Food:

• Soda Tapia: It’s a typical and fast food restaurant. But the best here are the breakfasts and the Ensaladas de Frutas (Fruit Salads)
• Mirador Tiquicia: It is a restaurant and viewpoint in Escazu. They have a “Noche Tica” which is a folkloric dance show on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
• Soda Tala: Located in the Central Market, its star dish is the Talapinto.
• Soda San Martín: Located since 1910 in the central market, typical food with homemade flavor. If you have a sweet tooth, ask for the crema drink.

Italian Food:

• Pane e Vino: It is a Costa Rican Italian food chain, with locations in Santa Ana, Escazú and Sabana Norte. What I like most here are the pizzas.
• Andiamo Là: One of the best Italian Restaurants, located in Santa Ana.

Healthy Food:

• Franco Nunciatura: It is a restaurant and cafeteria, with a variety of healthy dishes and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Asian Food:

• Nacion Sushi: It is an Asian fusion food chain, born in Panama. One of my favorite places to eat Sushi.
• Phở Yummy : Vietnamese restaurant located in Sabana Sur.
• Ban Mee Restaurante: It is a small Vietnamese food restaurant, located on Paseo Colon.

Peruvian Food:

• Machu Pichu: I have been going to eat at this place since I was a little girl. All the food is very tasty, my favorite is Peruvian ceviche.

Grilled Food:

• Aqui es!: It is a small Argentinean restaurant, specializing in meats. Some of the best meat I have ever eaten.
• Restaurante Sabor y Letra: Brazilian food restaurant, the place is located inside the Brazilian Studies Center.

Gastronomic Markets

• El Jardín de Lolita: Meeting place with several food and beverage options, located in Barrio Escalante.
• La Cartonera: Meeting place with multiple option for food, located in Santa Ana.

Tips for Visiting San José

• I’m going to be super honest here, downtown San José is not one of my favorite places, it’s one of the dirtiest cities in the country and super crowded, and the traffic is one of the worst, so don’t have high expectations. However, despite everything, some areas and places are beautiful and well cared for.
• Saturday is the best day to visit downtown San José. It is less crowded, and all stores and museums are open.
• Monday through Friday it is best to visit after 9:00 and before 16:00, otherwise you will be stuck in traffic.
• It’s safe to walk around San José during the day– police officers are regularly seen- but beware of belongings (as in any city) don’t leave them visible!
• At night, the center of San José isn’t safe; most stores close & streets become empty – try not staying out later than 21:00 or 22:00.
• Carry only the cash you need; most places accept cards except buses & some cabs.
• When paying by credit card, if the payment terminal is not brought to your table, it’s safer to go to the cashier’s desk.
• If driving in San José always lock car doors safely – sometimes homeless people try opening them at red lights. This has never happened to me on 2nd Avenue (principal road), but it has happened in nearby non-touristy areas.
• Avoid passing through Barrio Mexico, Paso de la Vaca, La Merced, areas from Avenida 6 to Avenida 20, and streets near the Children’s Museum. Some bus terminals are located here so if you must pass through them do it during daylight hours and take an Uber/ Taxi.
• Best places to stay in San José are Escazú and Sabana Norte – safe areas with lots of stores around!
•  There is a large homeless population living in San José; therefore, it is common to see them on pavements or at traffic lights asking for money. As a local it’s best to ignore them or or tell them no politely – most use the money for drugs. Instead, donate to organizations that provide food and support for these people

San José Tourist Map