Do I need more than 1 night in San José?

Most travelers use San José as a transit hub and stay just 1 night. The city's main attractions (Gold Museum, National Theatre, Central Market) can be covered in a day. Use it as a base for day trips to Poás Volcano, Irazú Volcano, or La Paz Waterfall Gardens before heading to beaches or Arenal.

Is San José safe for tourists?

Downtown San José requires standard precautions—avoid displaying valuables, use official red taxis or Uber, and be cautious in Central Market. Stay in safer neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante or near your hotel at night. Petty theft is the main concern, not violent crime.

What's the best way to get from the airport to downtown?

Juan Santamaría Airport is 20km west of San José (30-45 min). Official orange airport taxis charge ₡20,000-30,000 ($40-60) with fixed rates. Uber is cheaper (₡10,000-15,000 / $20-30) but technically prohibited—meet drivers outside arrivals. Hotel shuttles are another option if arranged in advance.

San Jose

Costa Rica's vibrant capital with museums, theaters, Central Valley coffee culture, and gateway to national parks.

🌐Other Cities in Costa Rica

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Recommended Hotels in San Jose

Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (16 properties)

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Hilton San Jose La Sabana

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Hilton Garden Inn San Jose La Sabana

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Wyndham Garden San Jose Escazu

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Hilton Garden Inn Santa Ana San Jose

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Barceló San José

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Holiday Inn Express San Jose Forum By IHG

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Gran hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

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🏛️Main Attractions

✓Museo del Oro Precolombino
✓Teatro Nacional
✓Mercado Central
✓Museo Nacional
✓Barrio Escalante
✓La Sabana Park

Also check attractions in other Costa Rica cities:

Jaco La Fortuna Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

🏨Recommended Hotels

★Hotel Grano de Oro
★Aurola Holiday Inn
★Costa Rica Marriott Hotel
★Selina La Fortuna

🍜Restaurants & Food

•Silvestre

¥¥¥

Farm-to-Table Costa Rican

•Restaurante Grano de Oro

¥¥¥¥

Fine Dining International

•Soda Tapia

Traditional Tico Casado

•La Esquina de Buenos Aires

¥¥¥

Argentine Steakhouse

•Mercado Central Vendors

Local Market Food

Also check restaurants in other Costa Rica cities:

Jaco La Fortuna Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

🚇Transportation

San José has no metro but extensive bus network covers the city. Taxis and Uber widely available. Juan Santamaría Airport is 20 km west (30-45 minutes). Downtown and Barrio Escalante are walkable. Most tourists use San José as a transit hub.

City Bus₡300-600 ($0.60-1.20 USD) depending on distance

Extensive network covering all neighborhoods. Can be confusing for tourists—ask locals or hotel for routes. Cash only, exact change preferred.

Red Taxi (Oficial)₡3,000-8,000 ($6-16 USD) within central San José

Official red taxis with meters (maría). Always insist on meter or negotiate fare beforehand. Safe and reliable.

Ride-Sharing₡2,000-6,000 ($4-12 USD) within central areas

Uber operates in San José and is often cheaper than official taxis. Safer for tourists unfamiliar with city. Airport pickup is technically illegal but common.

Airport TransportOrange taxi: ₡20,000-30,000 ($40-60 USD) to downtown

Official orange airport taxis charge fixed rates. Private shuttles and hotel pickups available. Uber is cheaper but officially prohibited.

💡 Travel Tips

• Most tourists use San José as transit hub—1 night is sufficient before heading to beaches or volcanoes
• Visit Pre-Columbian Gold Museum—stunning collection, free on Sundays
• Barrio Escalante is trendy neighborhood for craft beer, restaurants, street art
• Take day trip to Irazú Volcano (active crater), Poás Volcano, or La Paz Waterfall Gardens
• Central Market (Mercado Central) is best for cheap local food and souvenirs—watch belongings