Why you shouldn’t skip San José

If you’ve done any research for your trip to Costa Rica, you are probably planning on skipping San José. Every single blog will tell you to get out of the city as soon as possible. I’ll tell you why it is worth spending a day there. Due to some unfortunate planning we were forced to spend a day in the city and we ended up really liking it.

When we arrived we went straight to our hostel to drop our bags. We expected to arrive in a chaotic city where we would feel a little uncomfortable. This was not the case at all. You will probably find San Jose has a pretty chilled vibe. After only a few hours in the city, San José had won us over! It is also one of the few places in Costa Rica that didn’t feel like it was built only for tourists. In a lot of places it seems like there are just tourists living there, but here you’ll actually meet some locals.

Is Monteverde you’r next destination? Find my guide to Monteverde here.

San Jose Costa Rica view of old post office

What to do in San José, Costa Rica

Free walking tour

We decided to do the free walking tour in the morning so we could get to know the city better. It leaves every morning at 9 in front of the national theatre. Our guide Carolina explained all about Costa Rica’s history and politics. Although San Jose might not be the most beautiful city, it certainly has a lot of charm and plenty of interesting and beautiful buildings. The walking tour takes 3 hours and with a new understanding of the city exploring by ourselves was a lot easier.

Visit The National Theatre and National Museum

We visited the national theatre, the central market, the national museum, lots of street art, some parks and the tourist market. I would advice doing the walking tour first and then taking the rest of the afternoon to explore by yourself. Everything is located around Avenue 1, which is a boulevard running through all of the downtown area.

The National Theatre in San José is one of Costa Rica’s most important landmarks. Its a sgreat example of neoclassical architecture. Built in 1897, funded by the coffee export of Costa Rica. As you step inside, you’ll be welcomed by intricate murals, marble statues, and opulent gold leaf detailing. If you have the chance, try to see a live performance or ballet when you’re there.

Calle 21

In the evening head over to Calle 21. This is a street full of cafés and clubs where you can go to party. We were only 1 block away from the party street, but if you’re staying further away make sure to take an Uber!

Parque Morazan

Parque Morazan is a great place to chill late afternoon too as all the locals come there to hang out. You’ll see people slack-lining, dancing and doing gymnastics.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in San José

You can find a huge variety of restaurants in San José, Costa Rica, both local and international. Barrio Escalante is one of the safest and most popular neighborhoods to grab food.

Doma Escalante
Doma Escalante offers a chic dining experience in the heart of San José’s trendy Escalante neighborhood. With a menu that blends Costa Rican flavors with global influences, this spot is perfect for those seeking innovative cuisine in a stylish, urban setting.

Amana
Amana is a culinary gem that focuses on fresh, organic ingredients and a farm-to-table philosophy. Located in a serene part of San José, this restaurant serves delicious, health-conscious meals.

Bosque Urbano Café
Bosque Urbano Café is a cozy, eco-friendly café nestled in the city, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Known for its excellent coffee and plant-based menu, it’s a favorite spot for those looking to relax with a wholesome meal or a cup of locally sourced coffee.

Árbol de Seda
Árbol de Seda is a vegetarian and vegan haven in San José. It serves flavorful dishes that showcase the best of local produce. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in plant-based dining with a creative twist.

Casa Piemonte Ristorante
Casa Piemonte Ristorante brings the flavors of northern Italy to San José, offering a taste of traditional Italian cuisine in an elegant, intimate setting. With its homemade pastas and carefully curated wine list, it’s a delightful spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Franco Escalante
Franco Escalante is a trendy café and bistro known for its artisanal coffee, fresh pastries, and modern takes on classic dishes. S

The Central Market: For lunch head over to the central market for lots of cheap food. Here you can find typical Costa Rican food and it’s a fun place to roam around. San Jose in general is pretty chill, but here you’ll feel the hustle and bustle of the city.

Café de Alma: If you’re looking for something a little quieter this café is a good option. It is located in the National Theatre and has some of the best cake in town. Besides cake it is also great or coffee lovers as you can choose the type of coffee bean. If you use the restroom while you’re there you get to see some of the theatre without taking the tour.

Where to stay in San José

Make sure you stay somewhere downtown or in Barrio Escalante, which is where all the good restaurants are. We stayed in Costa Rica Guesthouse. It is located in a great area. It is only one block away from the party street and a few blocks from all the trendy restaurants, but it is very quiet there. The staff was extremely helpful and the rooms and beds were really comfortable.

Another option is the Selina hostel, which is a safe and good hostel option. Since I booked things quite last minute, I struggled to find a good hostel my second time in San Jose. I always find Selina a bit pricy, but you know it will be clean and have nice facilities.