Places / North & Central America / Costa Rica
San José
Visited in May 2009
At a glance
- Country
- Costa Rica
- Region
- San José Province
- Population
- 335,007
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- San José Juan Santamaría International (SJO)
- Coordinates
- 9.93°N, 84.10°W
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Costa Rica's capital sits in the Central Valley, ringed by volcanoes and coffee-covered hills. Many visitors pass straight through on the way to beaches and rainforests, but a day or two here is well spent.
The compact centre has elegant museums, a grand theatre, busy markets and pedestrian streets. The mild highland climate makes it pleasant all year, and active volcanoes and coffee farms lie within an easy drive.
Things to see
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Photo: Andres Alvarez, CC BY-SA 3.0 National Theatre
An ornate 19th-century theatre paid for by coffee wealth, with a gilded auditorium and a lovely café.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0 Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
Beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, a glittering collection of Indigenous gold figures and jewellery.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Fespinozalemistre, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum of Costa Rica
Housed in an old fortress with bullet-marked walls and a butterfly garden at its entrance.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Pequeño mar, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mercado Central
A maze of stalls selling coffee, spices and crafts, with small sodas serving cheap, hearty lunches.
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Photo: Rodtico21, CC BY-SA 2.0 Jade Museum
A striking modern building holding the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian American jade.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Peter Andersen, CC BY 2.5 Poás Volcano
Peer into a steaming crater lake at the summit, about an hour and a half away. Book entry in advance.
Find tours -
Photo: Rafael Golan, CC BY-SA 3.0 Irazú Volcano
Costa Rica's highest volcano, with lunar craters and views to both oceans on rare clear mornings.
Find tours -
Coffee farm tour
Plantations in the hills around the valley explain the journey from bean to cup, with tastings.
Find tours -
Photo: Rodtico21, CC BY-SA 4.0 Walk Barrio Amón
A historic neighbourhood of colonial mansions, some now galleries, cafés and small hotels.
Where to stay
Barrio Amón
Historic and central, with boutique hotels in restored mansions.
Hotels in Barrio AmónBarrio Escalante
The city's food hub, with excellent restaurants and craft beer bars on leafy streets.
Hotels in Barrio EscalanteEscazú
An upmarket suburb with modern hotels, malls and good restaurants.
Hotels in Escazú
Getting around
The centre is walkable by day, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap and easy. Use taxis rather than walking after dark.
The airport is in Alajuela, around 30 to 45 minutes from the centre by taxi, depending on traffic.
When to go
The dry season from December to April brings sunny days and clear volcano views. The green season from May to November has afternoon rain but fewer visitors and lush scenery.
Plan your trip to San José
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.