Things to do in San José

What if I told you that Costa Rica’s capital is way more fun than you think? San José might not immediately conjure up tropical dreams like beaches or jungle adventures, but… what if you discover street art on every corner here, stroll through colorful markets and spot colonial buildings? And did you know there are active volcanoes nearby?

Why would you skip San José when it’s actually the perfect place to start your Costa Rica trip? Thanks to its central location (yep, right in the middle of the country), you’re just moments away from national parks, surf beaches or cloud forests. But first: time to land. Time to taste city life. Time to adjust to the time difference (GMT -6) and the climate – tropical, but just a bit fresher thanks to the elevation at 1,100 meters. 25°C during the day, a sweater in the evening. Sounds pretty nice, right? Wondering what to do in San José? Then definitely keep reading, because I’ve got everything lined up for you!

🤖 Have ChatGPT summarize ‘The best things to do in San José’

In short: these are my favorite things to do in San José:

• Explore the San José Mercado Central on a walking tour

• Discover the city on a bike tour with Baja Bikes

• Visit the Poás volcano, La Paz waterfalls and a coffee plantation

• Take a day trip to tropical Tortuga Island

• Dive into the world of coffee during a coffee experience in Alajuela

• Visit the National Theatre and museums in the center

• Spot cool street art in Barrio Escalante & Amón

• Stay overnight at the hip Selina San José Costa Rica

Bike tour through San José: discover the city with Baja Bikes

Honestly? I love bike tours in a new city – for me it’s the way to quickly get a feel for the atmosphere and discover the highlights. The Baja Bikes bike tour in San José was a real winner in that regard. Together with an enthusiastic local guide, you pedal through the vibrant heart of Costa Rica’s capital. You cycle past colorful streets full of street art, visit cozy markets like the Mercado Central and pass through must-see neighborhoods where you might not venture as a tourist otherwise. Book your bike tour in San José with Baja Bikes here and start your trip right!

Along the way you’ll hear all about the history, culture and daily life in San José. The guide doesn’t just tell you about famous sights like the National Theatre and Parque Morazán, but also introduces you to hidden gems and local favorites. What I personally loved: you see so much in a short time and really get a feel for the city – much more than if you’d do everything on foot or by public transport. And because the pace is relaxed and there are plenty of breaks, it’s also wonderfully laid-back. In short: an absolute must for a first introduction to San José!

The Mercado Central: a feast for your senses

When you think Costa Rica attractions, the San José Mercado Central can’t be missed. This covered market is a maze of stalls, scents, colors and flavors. From fresh coffee to souvenirs and from local vegetables to handmade jewelry – you’ll find everything here.

Tip: book a guided walking tour through the market and food stalls for fun facts and local favorites.

Soaking up culture: theaters, museums & colonial charm

One of the most beautiful buildings in San José is the National Theatre, with its European flair and impressive ceiling paintings. Definitely worth popping in! Furthermore, the Museo del Oro (gold museum) and the National Museum are real must-visits if you want to learn about Costa Rica’s rich history.

And oh yes, the Barrio Amón neighborhood is the place for colonial houses and artistic atmosphere. I loved wandering around there among old buildings, hip coffee bars and galleries.

Street art and hip hotspots in Barrio Escalante

For a modern, creative vibe you need to be in Barrio Escalante. This neighborhood bursts with street art, boutiques, beer cafés and cool restaurants. Ideal for a lunch stop or evening out. Here you really taste the young, vibrant San José.

If you’re looking for good coffee in San José, you really only need to go one direction: Barrio Escalante. This hip, creative neighborhood is bursting with atmospheric coffee bars, artisanal brunch spots and cozy cafés where you can easily spend a few hours. Whether you fancy a single-origin filter coffee, a strong espresso or a flat white with homemade pastries — Escalante has it all. What makes this neighborhood extra special is the mix of local roasters, international influences and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a coffee break, remote working or catching up with friends.

In the table below you’ll find an overview of the best coffee bars in Barrio Escalante, including their atmosphere, specialties and why they’re worth visiting.

Day trips from San José: nature and coffee

Because the capital is so centrally located, you can take some fantastic day tours from here to some of Costa Rica’s highlights:

• Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls & coffee tasting – a beautiful combination of nature & flavor.

• Tortuga Island tour – tropical vibes on white beaches.

• Coffee experience in Alajuela – learn everything about your morning caffeine shot.

Where to stay in San José

If you want to stay in style but with a relaxed backpacker vibe, I highly recommend Selina San José Costa Rica. This popular spot is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance of museums, restaurants and bars in Barrio Amón and Escalante. Selina combines the best of both worlds: a hip design hotel with a laid-back hostel atmosphere. Think bright, stylish rooms (private or dorm), a cozy bar, yoga on the rooftop, and – very handy – a co-working space for digital nomads or travelers who want to work on the road. Perfect for solo travelers or anyone who likes meeting other people.

Prefer something different in terms of style or budget? No worries – San José has surprisingly many great places to stay:

• Hotel Presidente
  Right in the historic center, literally on Avenida Central. This modern boutique hotel is stylishly decorated, with lots of wood, art and plants. Breakfast is included and on the rooftop you’ll find one of the coolest rooftop bars in the city. Ideal for those who value comfort and location.

• Grano de Oro
  A charming hotel in a restored colonial mansion. Think wooden floors, stained glass windows and classic elegance. The Grano de Oro restaurant is also a culinary highlight. A bit pricier, but perfect if you want to treat yourself to a quieter, more romantic stay.

• Casa 69
  For travelers on a smaller budget who still want atmosphere. Casa 69 is a colorful, small-scale guesthouse with a garden, rooftop terrace and homey feel. It’s just outside the busier center, so you’re in a quiet area but still within walking distance of many attractions.

• Auténtico Hotel
  A nice mid-range option with a pool, spacious rooms and a good location in the La Sabana neighborhood. Here you’re just outside the center, close to the large Sabana Park – ideal for those who want a bit more peace and quiet but still want to be close to everything.

• Finca Escalante
  In the heart of Barrio Escalante – the culinary neighborhood of San José. This small-scale bed & breakfast offers comfortable rooms in a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect if you love coffee, good food and creative neighborhoods.

Tip: San José isn’t a city where you’ll hang around for days, but a nice accommodation really makes a difference – especially if you’ve just arrived or are staying one more night before departure. So choose a place where you feel comfortable, whether that’s a hip hostel or an elegant hotel with character.

Frequently asked questions about San José

Is San José worth visiting?
Yes! If you love culture, markets and a touch of chaos, San José is definitely worth it. One or two days is perfect.

What is the capital of Costa Rica?
That’s San José – not to be confused with San Jose, California!

What is there to do in Costa Rica outside San José?
Think jungle treks, national parks, surfing in Santa Teresa and wildlife spotting in Tortuguero. Check out my blog about the highlights of Costa Rica for more inspiration!

How much time should I plan in San José?
I recommend 1 to 2 days. Enough to get a feel for the atmosphere and catch some sights, without slowing down your trip.

Is San José safe?
Generally yes, but use common sense. Watch out for pickpockets and avoid dark streets at night.

Hopefully you now have a good idea of things to do in San José! It’s not a city where you’ll hang around for weeks, but it is one that welcomes you with open arms and immediately lets you taste the Costa Rican charm.