Where to Eat, Sleep, Shop, and Explore in San José, Costa Rica
As most do, I started and ended my trip to Costa Rica in the capital city of San José. I was pleasantly surprised with what I found in a city that’s often discounted as being dangerous or just a stopover city before or after the real adventure. Though I was unfortunately dealing with a bit of an ill-timed illness (you can read about that in my Costa Rica Travelogue), I did manage to get out and wander, sample the local cafe and craft beer scene, and even discover a fair trade shop that’s working with the country’s artisans and indigenous communities to ensure they’re fairly compensated for their work and that their traditions are given a spotlight that’s otherwise sadly non-existent in Costa Rica.
Of course, there’s far more to San Jose than what’s listed below, but this is what I discovered in my two short days there that I would recommend. Have anything to add? Feel free to add your recommendations in the comments section at the end of this post.
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Restaurants & Cafes
Costa Rica Beer Factory
Brewpub in Barrio Escalante with craft beer on tap (and in bottles to-go) and full food menu.
Things to Do
One of my favorite things to do in any big city with a stroke of history and solid culture is join a free walking tour. While they’re never technically free, they do allow you to pay at the end what you think the tour was worth. In San Jose, there are a few different free walking tours available. I joined (and liked, not loved) the San Jose Free Walking Tour when I was in San Jose, but Free Tour Expert also has a San Jose tip-based tour available every day at 11am and 6pm in both English and Spanish. It starts at the National Theatre and takes you through the city’s historical center, Central Market, National Museum, and San Jose Cathedral in a compact two hours.
Hostels
Chillout Escalante Hostel
Simple but comfortable hostel in Barrio Escalante, with dorms and privates, communal kitchen, wifi, and hot showers.
Eco Stay Hostel
Immaculately clean hostel in safe neighborhood with gorgeous back patio and homey feel. Breakfast of pancakes and fruit is included.
Support the Local Community
Chietón Morén
Part museum and part store, this volunteer-run initiative is a great place to learn about and shop for handmade goods from Costa Rican artists and indigenous communities. All profits from every sale go to the artisan directly.
Onward Travel (and how to do it)
If your plan from San Jose is to stay inland and head north to places like La Fortuna and Monteverde, read my how-to on navigating the public transport from San Jose. The step-by-step is included at the end of my San Jose travelogue. In short, it’s extremely easy and cheap with direct bus options.
Useful Links
How to Get Anywhere from San Jose By Public Bus via Chillout Escalante Hostel
Chepetown: San Jose City Guide via San Jose Free Walking Tour
If you found this post helpful, one of the best ways to say thanks is by booking your hotels, transport, tours, and trip insurance through the links on my Travel Resources page or by clicking any of the trip-relevant links below. This sends a bit back my way at no additional cost to you and helps to keep this blog up and running. Thank you for your support!
Accommodations: Booking.com, HostelWorld, Trivago
Tours & Experiences: GuruWalk, Viator, GetYourGuide, EatWith, TripAdvisor
Trains, Buses, & Transfers: Bookaway, 12Go, BusBud
Car Rentals: DiscoverCars.com
Trip Insurance: Squaremouth, WorldTrips
Learn Spanish: Rosetta Stone, Babbel, Pimsleur
What To Read Next
Getting over my sinus infection, being a beach bum on sands all over the Nicoya Peninsula, and making friends with Capuchin monkeys that seem to make daily appearances in these parts of Costa Rica