Many people travel directly to other highlights in Costa Rica or skip San José altogether because they believe it to be unsafe and boring. But that’s a shame; you can entertain yourself quite well for two days here, and it’s safe if you pay a little attention! This way, you can have a relaxed start after a long flight and begin your journey through Costa Rica feeling refreshed. Check out what to do below.
What to Do in San José | Costa Rica
→ Hotel tip for San José: Casa 69
→ Handy: Book your flight to San José in Costa Rica here
What You Should Know About San José
San José is the capital of Costa Rica; it may not be as vibrant as Buenos Aires, Lima, or Mexico City, but it is certainly worth a visit. The best time to visit the city is from December to April, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and very little rain. After World War II, the city grew rapidly. To make space for all the people moving to San José, many colonial buildings were demolished to make way for new construction. Did you know that San José was the third city in the world to have electric street lighting?
1. Stay at Casa 69
For a relaxing start to your journey through Costa Rica, book a stay at Casa 69. This centrally located hotel is within walking distance of many attractions in San José. The hotel is run by a lovely, super-friendly family who serves a delicious breakfast every morning in their half-covered courtyard. They can also arrange a pick-up from the airport for you for a fee if you arrive a bit later.
→ Book now: Casa 69
2. Barrio Escalante
Every city has its popular and less popular neighborhoods; in our opinion, Barrio Escalante is the nicest area in San José. From Casa 69, you can walk through Parque Francia into this colorful neighborhood. Here, you’ll find countless restaurants and cafes. Especially in the evenings, Calle 33 comes alive. Agüizotes is a great place for a beer, cocktail, or a portion of nachos with delicious guacamole.
→ Tip: Another lovely neighborhood besides Barrio Escalante is Barrio Amón, where you’ll also find many nice spots and galleries.
3. Visit Mercado Central
A must-visit, if you ask us, is the central market. Here, you can get a preview of all the delicious food that you will encounter during your trip. The many colorful stalls filled with fresh vegetables and fruits will make your mouth water. In addition, it’s your first introduction to Costa Ricans; young and old come here to do their daily shopping.
4. Take a Walk Through the City
As mentioned, the city offers much more than people think. To discover more of the city, take a walk past various highlights. Walk by the murals (city of color murals), view the statues in front of Banco Central, visit the National Theater, and search for other beautiful colonial buildings, like the National Museum.
5. Cafeoteca
We are in Central America, so coffee is a must. Cafeoteca is a nice spot near Barrio Escalante. The selection of different coffees might make you dizzy, but the taste is divine. When sitting in the beautiful, quiet garden, you might forget that you are in the capital of Costa Rica.
Are There More Tips and Things to Do in San José?
There are certainly more tips and things to do in San José! How about dining at Sikwa, visiting the National Museum, going to the Jade Museum, admiring the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral, or checking out the city’s butterfly garden? San José is also known for the many street art pieces you can find, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
Plan Your Trip to San José & Costa Rica
In short: If you want to start your trip in Costa Rica relaxed and peacefully, take some time for San José after your long flight. It may not be the most beautiful or exciting place in the country, but you can easily entertain yourself before continuing on your journey!
→ Hotel tip for San José: Casa 69
→ Handy: Book your flight to San José in Costa Rica here
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