What to See in San Jose Costa Rica
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Contrary to what you may accept heard, in that location are really a ton of fun and exciting things to exercise in San Jose, Republic of costa rica! And in this blog, I'one thousand going to tell you all nearly these activities and attractions so you can take the best time possible in Costa Rica'due south vibrant upper-case letter city!
San Jose, Costa Rica is often the forgotten destination of this beautiful country known for its lush jungles and amazing beaches. However, on your style to Costa Rica, San Jose is a likely stop before y'all head off to other destinations such as Monteverde (which is cute past the manner!).
So, y'all may likewise relish your fourth dimension here and explore some of the amazing things to exercise in San Jose!
But flying into a big urban center can be daunting, particularly if you haven't been to San Jose before!
So while this article volition cover all the amazing things to do in San Jose, it'southward as well going to allow you know a little fleck near the urban center itself, how to plan your trip to San Jose, and some of the metropolis'southward dangers.
About San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica. Information technology'due south habitation to over ii one thousand thousand people and is the business concern heart of the country. For a big Latin American city, San Jose has one of the best standards of quality of life and safety.
For any traveler unsure about the city, (this is great news!) San Jose, Costa Rica is now the 6th near visited Latin American city – cheers mostly to visitors from the United States.
Despite the city'southward large urban sprawl, San Jose itself is technically built in the middle of a tropical rain forest and information technology only takes a brusque drive outside the city limits to find humid forests and wild animals you'd expect to encounter in Republic of costa rica.
This makes San Jose a great base for day trips in and out of the city – equally you'll read below!
How long should I stay in San Jose?
This tin can be a hard question to respond simply I'yard going to give information technology a skilful shot! In my honest opinion, it really depends on how much time yous have to spare. After visiting the rest of Costa Rica I can tell you honestly that although San Jose is i of the best places to visit in Costa Rica, it doesn't compare to some of the other destinations.
However, if you actually want to travel to the country and get to know its people, then visiting its most of import metropolis is a must!
So my overall recommendation is to spend at least 1 full solar day San Jose. If you can spare an actress day, and so spend a twenty-four hour period on either side of your trip (if you lot're flight in and out). For many reading this, San Jose will be both your entry and exit betoken in Costa Rica, and in two days you can explore lots of the city and be satisfied yous did it well enough.
In fact, there are really many things to do in San Jose, Costa rica that can easily be accomplished within a day. For example, a San Jose city tour will only take an hour or ii and costs next to aught. This brings me to our side by side question!
What are the best things to do in San Jose, Costa rica?
25 Best Things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica
i. San Jose City Tour
A city tour of San Jose is hands down the all-time way to get to know the city, observe your bearings, and become settled into the city overall.
At that place are a few not bad options for city tours in San Jose so it all depends on what you enjoy. There are lots of tour companies that provide paid tours which frequently involve a hotel/hostel pick-upward equally well as transport around the city.
If you are non feeling up to a long walking tour then maybe choose a private paid tour with transport and lunch included. On these tours, y'all'll cover a lot more than ground and enjoy a private bout with an practiced guide.
However, if yous're subsequently a cheaper option and don't listen a flake of walking and then join the FREE walking tour! It was a cute day so this is what we decided to do!
The bout was rich with historical facts, architecture, equally well as interesting stories. I find that walking tours are the all-time manner for me to get orientated quickly in a city and find some places I want to return dorsum to.
The company I went with was chosen San Jose Free Walking Tour and they were a good company that I tin can recommend. They have tours leaving every morning at 9 am that depart from the Holiday Inn in the heart of downtown (always check the starting location and book your spot before.)
Information technology was great to learn so much nearly the history of Republic of costa rica. Everywhere else I visited in Costa rica had such a stiff focus on nature and the outdoors that I truly think that San Jose is the simply place to actually learn nigh the history of the country.
For this reason, a urban center tour of San Jose (gratuitous or paid) is definitely my number one pick out of all the things to exercise in San Jose, Costa Rica downtown surface area.
two. Visit the National Theater – Teatro Nacional Costa Rica
The National Theater (or Teatro Nacional Costa Rica) is i of San Jose's well-nigh prestigious buildings. It's filled with lavish furnishings and many stunning marble statues. In the by, information technology was used every bit the chief selling indicate to attract rich visitors to the country and city.
These days, the theatre still operates and y'all can come and scout a show here or just have a look around. The theatre is really visited on the free walking tour of San Jose, still, y'all won't go to see much of the theater. Instead, come back on your own for a closer look.
Important info: It costs $10 USD to enter the theater for a look around. The National Theater is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm and is located in the cardinal section of San Jose near the Grand Hotel.
3. Explore National Museum – Museo Nacional De Costa Rica
San Jose is home to many neat museums that give visitors an insight into Costa Rica's history, culture, and politics. The next few things to do on this listing include the all-time museums to check out in San Jose, starting with my personal favorite, the National Museum!
The National Museum of Costa Rice showcases exhibits that highlight Costa rica's history, archeology, anthropology, and natural history.
The National Museum itself is actually an sometime fort called the Bella Vista Barracks and quondam bullet holes can even so be seen in the walls that surround it.
This museum is a great place to visit for a broad agreement of Republic of costa rica and I consider it i of the best attractions in San Jose, Costa rica.
Important info: Foreign visitors pay $8 USD to enter or $four USD with a student card. The museum is open from 8:30 am to four:30 pm every day, except Sundays when information technology opens at 9 am.
4. Explore La Paz Waterfall Garden
If you lot came to Republic of costa rica to encounter magnificent waterfalls (as you should), and so a visit to La Paz Waterfall Garden will blow your mind.
The La Paz Waterfall Garden is a privately owned property that combines natural waterfalls with a huge range of other attractions such as a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, trout lake, hummingbird garden, and other animal enclosures. It's the largest animal sanctuary in Costa rica.
With that said, I personally came for the waterfalls. There are 5 spectacular waterfalls on the property that you can visit forth the trail network on the property. They are all breathtaking!
The La Paz Waterfall Garden is located a i.5-60 minutes bulldoze outside of San Jose and can be visited on tour or on your ain.On this specific tour, you'll exist transported from San Jose and guided effectually the gardens to explore and learn. On meridian of that, the tour includes a delicious lunch!
If you lot visit on your own, let 3 to v hours at La Paz Waterfall garden, depending on how long yous spend at each attraction (that's on summit of the i.5 hours drive each way – information technology'southward a full twenty-four hour period!)
v. Bank check out the Jade Museum – Museo del Jade
The Jade Museum is home to over seven,000 pieces of jade. Information technology'southward the largest collection of pre-Colombian jade in the world! Here y'all can find out the importance of jade to the Costa Rican people equally well as how jade artifacts are made.
I loved this place (only I've had a weird thing for jade always since I lived in New Zealand where you could collect small jade stones from beaches.)
Important info: Foreign visitors pay $16 USD entry, free with a pupil carte du jour or for children 12 years and younger. The museum is open up from eight:xxx am – three:thirty pm Mon to Friday, and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
six. Become on a Food tour
Ane of the best means to become to know a metropolis or country is through its food. By sampling the national dishes of Costa Rica on a food tour, you lot'll larn almost the people and their history. On top of that, yous'll exit the tour with a full belly!
On this specific nutrient tour, you'll visit 3 restaurants in San Jose and sense of taste a wide diversity of local cuisine. Travel back in time to the pre-Hispanic period and try ethnic recipes while learning of their history. So, try traditional Costa Rican food before visiting the terminal restaurant to sample more modern, contemporary recipes.
This bout doesn't just scrape the surface, merely it takes you deep into the history of food in Costa rica. On the bout, you'll gustatory modality eight dishes and enjoy four drinks.
vii. Visit the Pre-Colombian Gilt Museum
The Pre-Colombian Gold Museum is habitation to the largest drove of pre-Colombian golden in Latin America. At the museum, you can find many gold artifacts dating dorsum thousands of years. Information technology is home to over 1,600 private pieces.
Its a really nice exhibit with some astonishing gilded artifacts. I would recommend this museum to anyone who loves art and history!
Important info: Foreign visitors pay $9 USD entry or $5 USD with a valid student card. The museum is open from ix am to 5 pm every day.
8. Hike to the giant hand at La Chimba Coffee Subcontract
One of the about unique activities I have done in San Jose was a short hike through a coffee plantation to a viewpoint shaped like a human being manus.
La Chimba Coffee Plantation is home to a 5 kilometer and nine kilometer trail called Hacienda y Beneficio La Chimba. Both trails lead to the viewpoint, with one slightly longer for those who love to hike. The trail is easy to follow and, although a petty muddy and slippery in some places, fairly easy with a gradual incline up to the viewpoint.
Nosotros took the shorter route to the pinnacle and had a blast! We arrived early in the morn when they opened at 5:thirty am and hiked through the plantation without anyone else around – information technology was gorgeous!
You tin can easily accept an Uber to the plantation from San Jose, and it costs $12 USD to hike the trail. As I mentioned higher up, the trail opens at five:thirty am with the last hikers allowed on the trail at 2 pm. You can also practise coffee tours at La Chimba, and in that location is a gorgeous restaurant on the property where yous can consume surrounded by birds! In that location is also a zipline experience for those who want a piddling extra thrill.
9. Discover the Costa Rican Centre of Science and Culture
The Costa Rican Heart of Science and Civilization is actually home to 3 museums. These are the Children'south Museum, the National Gallery, and the National Auditorium. The exhibits on show are near science, culture, recycling, and engineering science.
Unfortunately, I never had time to go so I tin't tell you how practiced it is, but reviews on TripAdvisor charge per unit information technology high especially for those with kids!
Important info: Access is free and it'south open from eight am to 4:thirty pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
ten. Visit the Museum of Costa Rican Art – Museo de Arte Costarricense
The Museum of Costa Rican Fine art is domicile to the virtually prominent art collections in San Jose and Costa rica. The museum is both indoors and outdoors and features paintings, sculptures, engravings, photographs, videos, and photos.
I found this place to exist okay, just out of the museums I visited, it was my least favorite!
Important info: This museum is now completely free. The museum is open from 9 am to iv pm from Tuesday to Sun.
11. Bank check Out the Central Marketplace
The Central Market place in San Jose is a must-visit! This place is filled with interesting shops to purchase souvenirs and lots of food! On a San Jose city bout, they may take you here, but if non, make sure to take a wait on your own.
I could hands spend a couple of hours looking at items for sale or having a inexpensive lunch at ane of the "sodas". Ane thing y'all must try is the ice foam shop called "Helados de Sorbetera".
It's a very unique tasting ice cream and is only found at this one specific store. Others in San Jose have tried to re-create the recipe but they have all failed. When I saw the locals enjoying it I thought "yuck, that looks gross." But once I tried it, wow!
This identify is famous so requite information technology a try!
12. Speak to the locals and feel the "Pura Vida"
Republic of costa rica is keen for speaking to the locals as they are very friendly people and many speak English language.
If you lot go a chance to converse with a local it'southward an awesome fashion to get to know the city and ask for some local recommendations. Locals in San Jose are more than willing to assistance and yous're sure to find a keen restaurant or bar from a local suggestion.
At that place is a super friendly and chilled-out vibe in which the locals call "Pura Vida," which translates to "Pure Life". It ways a life with no stress which is quite the opposite of the typical western culture follows.
One of the greatest things about San Jose is that because it isn't as touristy equally the other spots yous will likely become in Costa rica, you get a more authentic feel. Y'all will encounter it for yourself just from walking around San Jose!
13. Visit a butterfly garden
Visiting a butterfly garden is 1 of the more iconic activities you tin exercise all over Costa Rica, and there are a ton of unlike places to visit all effectually the country.
Tours through the gardens usually starting time with an informative video explaining the life of butterflies as well equally some interesting facts about them. Y'all're guaranteed to learn something new!
Afterward, wander through an enclosure filled with butterflies and accept a closer look. Your guide will teach you more and indicate out the dissimilar species. It'due south a actually absurd expereince!
In San Jose, I went to a identify chosenMariposario La Casa de la Morpho Azul, located on the outskirts of the metropolis. However, you don't need to travel that far with a couple of gardens closer to San Jose, such every bitMariposario Butterfly Kingdom Costa Rica andSpirogyra Butterfly Garden.
You lot can simply take an Uber to the garden of your choice or join an organized tour.This specific tour visits a coffee plantation besides equally a butterfly garden which is perfect if you lot program on doing both!
14. Go Shopping
Fifty-fifty if you didn't program on information technology, while walking around downtown San Jose y'all will likely stop and exercise a bit of shopping. There is a huge range of places to shop, and the cracking thing nigh the downtown area is that there are tons of really cheap places to shop.
I was shocked to see how cheap the clothes were (especially in comparison to how expensive clothes were in Puerto Viejo.) In that location are as well knock-off running shoes for sale everywhere for about $12 USD a pair. This is the place to supplant whatever missing items from your backpack or take hold of some souvenirs to bring domicile with you!
If your looking for a mid-range place to go that nonetheless sells existent brands then Mall San Pedro is a great option. Mall San Pedro foursquare is just a 10-15 minutes walk from the main downtown area (but only 2 minutes from where we stayed.) Here, yous volition find all the best brands as well equally a fully American-manner food court and movie theatre!
fifteen. Try some Arts and crafts Beer or Join a Tour
Costa Ricans are quite proud of their fairly new craft beer manufacture. In the downtown expanse, there are various restaurants that feature some of the best local craft beer.
1 place, in item, is The Republic of costa rica Beer Mill. Get here for some proficient food and a range of craft beers. Prices are reasonable and they even have a"Beer School."
Another new identify to check out is Wilk Craft Beer. Here, you can try a huge range of arts and crafts beer from around the state likewise as international beers! The food is also actually skillful and it's the perfect place for luncheon!
Yous can too join a food and beverage tour and meet some new people while sampling all of the best nutrient (paired with beer) that Republic of costa rica has to offer.
16. Visit Tortuga Isle
Tortuga Island is only about the best day trip from San Jose, Costa Rica. This small isle is simply attainable past gunkhole and has something for anybody including amazing diving and snorkeling to see an assortment of fish and even larger animals similar Sharks, Dolphins, Octopus, and Manta Rays.
Tortuga Isle is also home to amazing beaches, hiking trails, and lush forests that include canopy zip line tours. You tin can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, sun chairs, and umbrellas too as buy food and drinks on the beach.
The best style to visit Tortuga Island is on an organized tour from San Jose. Tours include hotel selection-up, lunch, snorkeling, and the boat to the island!
17. Go Whitewater Rafting
The Sarapiquí and Toro Rivers are the best place in Republic of costa rica to become whitewater rafting. And non simply for the rapids, this is also a great place to spot wildlife and relish views of the stunning Arenal Volcano!
This activity is perfect for the whole family as the rapids are mainly Class 3 (which are pretty at-home) with some Class 4 to add in a little excitement!
Tours aren't short and y'all'll need an entire day for this whitewater rafting tour. The tour includes pick-up and driblet-off, a meal and snacks, as well as a professional guide.
18. Learn All Well-nigh Coffee on a Coffee Tour
If yous love coffee then a java tour is perfect for you! Costa Rica is known equally one of the best producers of quality coffee in the world, and coffee is one of their biggest agricultural exports!
Going on a coffee tour will let you to learn about the entire coffee-making procedure. You'll also get to try different kinds of coffee and buy some to bring back home with you! When we did the tour, we likewise got to sample some locally fabricated chocolate too!
Going on a coffee tour is 1 of the best things to do in San Jose simply considering the best coffee producer in the state operates here! Britt Coffee Plantation makes some very amazing java, and their coffee tour is ane of the top-rated activities in all of Costa Rica – don't miss this!
19. Visit the Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
The Arenal Volcano is one of the most magnificent sights in Costa Rica – just look at it! Sure, information technology isn't actually in San Jose, but it is hands accessible, and for that reason, many people visit Arenal on a day trip from San Jose.
I do need to warn you, the drive is most iii hours each style, only if you lot cull a expert tour and guide, the bulldoze itself volition exist interesting and scenic likewise!
This tour is a full-day experience jam-packed with incredible experiences around Arenal Volcano. Expect ziplining, waterfalls, and of grade, relaxing in hot springs. Information technology also includes meals and comes very highly rated past past guests.
Alternative option: If you don't want to visit the Arenal Volcano on a day trip from San Jose, you can also spend a couple of nights in the town of La Fortuna. At that place are lots of fun things to do in La Fortuna!
xx.Visit a Wildlife Rescue Center
If you desire to see some very cool wildlife equally well as support a cracking cause, then taking a tour at a wildlife centre is a must in San Jose. There are a few options around the urban center depending on how far yous desire to travel and what you want to see.
The offset is atour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch's sloth and wildlife rescue middle. Here you'll learn about many Costa Rican animals, the threats they confront, and how the efforts of lovely people are ensuring their survival. And if you want to see baby sloths while in Costa Rica, this is 1 place where you tin can!
It is just a short half-day tour from San Jose, and as such, one of the top attractions in San Jose.
Another option, and my preferred center, is the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Eye. This place is seriously huge and is home to over 2,700 hundred animals, of which only ii% telephone call the heart a permanent home! You can see just virtually everything here, depending on what animals are existence rehabilitated at the time. This includes pumas, monkeys, sloths, lots of birds, and alligators.
Entrance to the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is $thirty USD and tin be booked in advance to save time and skip the line. My recommendation is to go when they open at ix am to enjoy the center without the crowds. All up, we spent over three hours here!
Of course, just do this if y'all're not going to Puerto Viejo every bit you can go to the Jaguar Rescue Center there!
21. Eat Traditional Costa Rican Food
Recollect how I said you lot demand to enjoy San Jose for its authenticity, well information technology'south truthful, and with food too! In lots of the "touristic" destinations around Republic of costa rica, you volition find international nutrient at fancy restaurants – but this isn't traditional Costa Rican nutrient.
That's why 1 of the best things to do in San Jose is to eat typical food. Claiming you to endeavor traditional dishes and things you wouldn't commonly find at home.
Some dishes you should look out for include; Gallo Pinto, a rice and bean dish with tons of flavor; Sopa Negra, a black edible bean soup; and Arroz con Leche, which is a tasty and creamy dessert!
So find yourself a quaint local restaurant – you know, the ones where they won't accept an English carte du jour available. Become out Google translate, and pick something y'all've never had before. Not but volition this exist fun, but it volition too be cheap likewise!
22. Twenty-four hours Trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest
I love Monteverde! In fact, I dearest it and so much that I didn't actually visit on a day trip from San Jose, and instead, I spent virtually a week in the region. But I know that many people do non have time to practice this, which is why a day trip to Monteverde from San Jose is a great idea!
Sure, information technology is a bit of a drive, but on an organized tour, you can sleep, relax or simply enjoy the views from the condolement of an air-conditioned van.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is an astonishing jungle offering misty views, waterfalls, scenic lookouts, and lots of hanging bridges. It's a whole dissimilar world that the city of San Jose or the beachside destinations frequented in Costa Rica. Expect to see lots of wild animals and interesting plants and copse.
Of form, similar the Arenal Volcano, you can choose to spend a couple of nights in the area. The nearest boondocks to the Monteverde Cloud Wood is Santa Elena, and believe it or non, at that place are lots of fun things to practice in Monteverde!
23. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
This is one twenty-four hours trip from San Jose you lot don't want to miss – especially if you dear the beach!
Manuel Antonio National Park is hands 1 of, if not, the best national park in all of Costa Rica. It is a jungle paradise right on the coast of the Pacific body of water with bluish h2o for swimming, hiking trails everywhere, and the gamble to run across lots of wildlife like sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tons of birds!
From San Jose, you lot tin can book an organized tour that will bring you to the park entrance where your day volition begin. You lot'll explore a flat and like shooting fish in a barrel hiking trail to attain the beach. This is when you lot tin relax, or hike on further if you want.
It's definitely one of the top things to do in San Jose, and although a full-day trip, totally worth the time spent!
Notation: If yous practise plan on spending a few nights in Jaco (as I recommend below), it makes sense to visit Manuel Antonio National Park from there as the park is closer to Jaco than San Jose.
24. Head Over to Jaco
Okay, then this technically isn't an activity to exercise in San Jose, merely I recall it's of import to mention anyways.
The simply problem with San Jose is that in that location is no beach. Luckily, the town of Jaco exists just a quick hour and a half drive away. This town has go somewhat of a tourist hotspot and it is where many travelers spend the majority of their time in Costa rica.
You can visit Jaco from San Jose easily on a day trip, or if you really want to soak up those rays on the embankment, you can spend a couple of nights. Information technology's really a resort town and there are lots of beautiful hotels to choose from.
If yous inquire me, an ideal holiday in Costa Rice involves enjoying both the city (San Jose) and the beach (Jaco), so splitting your time betwixt the two is a groovy idea! Plus, there are lots of fun things to exercise and come across in Jaco besides.
25. Visit Poás Volcano
Ever wanted to see an active volcano? Well, luckily for you lot Poás Volcano is located only about 2 hours from San Jose and makes for the perfect half-mean solar day trip. Don't look to see lava here though, what you will see is a bright blue geothermic lake in the volcano'due south crater- it looks almost like something from another universe!
Most people visit Poas Volcano on a guided solar day trip from San Jose that includes ship. This manner, your guide tin can also explain to you lot all about the volcano too.
Once at the volcano you can bank check it out on the viewing platform or visit the onsite cafe and gift shop. This is easily one of the nigh popular things to do in San Jose and one I highly recommend.
One of the most important things to note about visiting Poas Volcano is the all-time time to visit. Poas Volcano is often covered in clouds, and this completely obstructs your view. For this reason, it is best to visit early in the forenoon as opposed to subsequently in the solar day. This profoundly increases your chances of seeing the crater.
During my visit at 11 am, we went to the superlative simply to be very disappointed. We couldn't see anything! Luckily, we decided to have a coffee at the on-site buffet, and after 45 minutes, the sky cleared, and they let us (after begging) become back up and see the volcano.
If you don't bring together a tour, entrance to the volcano is $fifteen USD, and youNEED to volume your ticket in accelerate and pick a time slot. Unfortunately, only 56 people are allowed to visit every 20 minutes. We forgot to exercise this, just luckily there is a pocket-sized store 2.5 kilometers before the ticket gate where you lot can buy tickets for a small fee (extra $4 USD per person.)
Of form, during the busy season, tickets volume up in advance, and so you lot might not become a ticket if you try to book on the day. So be sure to watch the website and purchase the tickets bachelor earlier booking last minute.
Where to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica
With so many hotel options, information technology tin can be difficult to know exactly where to stay in San Jose, Costa rica. The first conclusion you need to brand is whether you want to stay in hustle and hurry of the city, or on the outskirts in a more than tranquil environment.
On my last visit to San Jose, I actually booked a hotel in an area called La Guácima. Located virtually the aerodrome, this minor metropolis surface area is but 25 minutes and around $7 USD past Uber from the downtown surface area. But instead of a concrete jungle, you can stay among the gorgeous woods you came to Costa Rica to savor.
Yous're also closer to places such every bit Poas Volcano also equally coffee plantations and some wildlife rescue centers. Overall, it's a dandy area to stay.
During my stay in La Guácima, I booked the Guácima Escondida Hotel Bazaar. Nestled on a big property far abroad from the roads, information technology really was the nigh platonic place to stay "in" the city. The hotel included a delicious breakfast, a gorgeous pool, and very friendly staff. It was very tranquil with just a few rooms available on the belongings. Guacima Escondida Hotel Bazaar is too great value and you'll get a lot more for your money than yous will at larger hotel chains.
Nosotros absolutely loved our stay at Guacima Escondida Hotel Boutique. You tin can book your stay direct or on Booking.com.
With that said, I empathise many desire to stay in the downtown area of San Jose (as I did on my first few visits to the city.) And so, below are my recommended hotels in San Jose city center!
Budget
Selina – Selina has hostels throughout Latin America and they are always a great upkeep-friendly option. Here, you tin pick from dorm rooms and private rooms. Selina is located simply 700m from the National Theatre. Selina is a dandy option for the "flashpacker" who doesn't heed spending a picayune more on a bed. The facilities here are really proficient!
Costa Rica Backpackers –Costa rica Backpackers is another upkeep pick located in central San Jose. A good thing about this hostel is that they as well take a pool and free breakfast with private rooms. They offer large dorm rooms likewise. It's the perfect place for the existent budget traveler considering it'southward and then cheap, but don't wait astonishing facilities (I actually didn't similar the lack of bathrooms!)
Mid-range
Exe San Jose Center –This Hotel is as shut to the eye of boondocks as you can go and is merely 200m from the National Theatre. Exe San Jose features a sauna and fitness center in the building and so information technology'due south cracking for those who can't miss the gym. It's a very highly rated hotel and I relish staying here when I desire a quiet stay without spending a lot.
Hotel Colonial –Hotel Colonial is a luxury hotel that features cute compages and manner. Its clean, comfy, and in a fundamental location while still being affordable. I was very surprised that this hotel is not more than expensive. Hotel Colonial can be hard to volume without notice as it's often full in the busy season.
Luxury
Grano de Ora Hotel –The Grano de Ora Hotel is a stunning identify to stay close to the city center. It'due south luxurious and retains much of its antique style. It's a beautiful choice!
Gran Hotel –The Gran hotel is arguably the nicest hotel in San Jose. This hotel is in an old colonial-style building that has been revived and is now as stunning every bit ever. If you take the upkeep you really can't go by the Gran Hotel!
For more than detailed info on the best areas to stay in San Jose too as hotels and hostels, bank check out our weblog about where to stay in San Jose, Costa rica!
Renting a car in Costa rica
Renting a machine in Costa rica is ane of the best ways to maximize your trip. Not only practice you lot have the liberty to explore hidden gems forth the highways and in between destinations, but you'll too save a lot of money.
For me, it'south a no-brainer every time I'm in Costa rica. Fifty-fifty if I don't rent a vehicle for the entire time, I'll get ane for a few days, especially if I'grand traveling to La Fortuna, Puerto Viejo, Jaco, and Tamarindo. These places involve lots of exploring that tin can exist washed without tours, so a rental motorcar actually helps.
There are a ton of companies to cull from. However, I've personally only e'er rented from one smaller local rental visitor calledAguaire Costa Rica. I honey these guys because they offer hotel pick upward and drop off, and they operate 24/vii. If my flights are actually tardily at nighttime, I go the car delivered to my hotel first thing the next morning – it works perfectly for me.
When it comes to cost, most companies toll around the same. The almost expensive function of the rental is the mandatory insurance (by the Costa Rican government) that third-party booking sites won't tell y'all near. Trust me, you'll get a nice surprise if you lot book through them when you arrive.
If you would like to get a quote from Aguaire, you can contact them with the details below. If not, exist sure to get a total quote including insurance from companies such as Rentalcars.com to Notice Cars.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElitecarCR/
Whatsapp: +506 60039243 or +506 60659854
Website: https://world wide web.aguairecostarica.com
Tips for visiting San Jose, Costa rica
-Utilize Uber every bit transportation when you tin. Taxi drivers volition charge upward to three times equally much as Uber. We only used Uber while in San Jose and the drivers were all super friendly. There is even sometimes an option for "Uber English" which is but a small amount more and your driver will speak English!
-Only bring the valuables you lot need with you. Although the city felt really safe, it is notwithstanding a big city with the potential for crime. Leave passports locked up in your hotel besides as credit cards, and only bring the spending cash yous need with y'all.
-Exist prepared for a bit of traffic. When we were leaving San Jose we got an Uber to the bus station which was simply a couple of kilometers away simply the ride took about thirty minutes. But requite yourself plenty fourth dimension to get anywhere for the chance that traffic could cause a bit of a delay.
Where to Go Next
As I said, San Jose is a common base for those who want to explore more of Costa Rica, and the things to do in San Jose, Republic of costa rica won't satisfy near visitors.
These next few destinations are places that I would recommend going to, which are easily attainable from San Jose:
- Puerto Viejo – here you lot will go astonishing beaches on the Caribbean declension likewise as a big dose of animals in the national parks and rescue centers. Cheque out our guide to Puerto Viejo, and our guide to the famous Cahuita National Park.
- Monteverde – completely the contrary of Puerto Viejo is Monteverde, a deject wood inland! Daniel and I really enjoyed exploring Monteverde, especially in the wet flavor.
- Arenal and La Fortuna – Head over to explore all of the amazing things to do in Arenal and La Fortuna including volcano views, swimming at waterfalls, relaxing in hot springs, and then much more than!
If you accept a fleck more time you could as well cross the edge to Panama to check to the famous backpacker spot of Bocas del Toro. We fifty-fifty wrote well-nigh the border crossing between Panama and Costa rica!
Before you lot go…
Don't skip San Jose completely. At that place is so much civilization to experience there and information technology is such an like shooting fish in a barrel metropolis to see fairly speedily. I hope my listing of things to do in San Jose, Republic of costa rica is helpful and you enjoy the city equally much equally I did!
if you lot have any questions please leave them below and we'll practise our all-time to articulate them upwardly for you! And, be sure to check out the residue of our Costa rica blogs for more travel advice and important data!
Thank you and happy travels!
-Bailey
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Source: https://destinationlesstravel.com/things-to-do-in-san-jose-costa-rica/
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