The 5 best neighborhoods in San José, Costa Rica

A dense and bustling city, San José is the capital and cultural hub of Costa Rica. Though many visitors spend as little time as possible here before heading on to beaches, cloud forests and sloths, those who linger in the city known by locals as “Chepe” find world-class museums, creative cuisine, and art and culture galore.

San José’s neighborhoods – known as barrios – are where the city’s pleasures come alive. Each barrio is small and walkable, with its own distinct character – and each one offers a different vibe if you’re looking for a place to base yourself for a while.

Whether you’re looking to explore as much of the city as possible, or for the best neighborhood to stay in San José, here’s our guide to the Costa Rican capital’s top barrios.

1. Downtown

Best neighborhood for museums and people-watching

Downtown San José is the hub of Costa Rican culture and commerce. Hectic? Sure. But it’s still an easy delight to discover the best museums in the country – all located here – on foot.

Save money with a single ticket covering three must-visit institutions: the contemporary Museo del Jade, home to the world’s biggest collection of American jade; the subterranean Museo de Oro Precolombino, a showcase of Costa Rica’s Indigenous peoples, and the fortress-like Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, which dives into the country’s history. 

On the Plaza de la Cultura – perfect for people-watching – the neoclassical Teatro Nacional was inspired by Paris’ Palais Garnier. Take a tour of its grand auditorium or catch a performance, followed by a coffee-and-cake break at its beautiful Alma de Café.

Head west on the pedestrianized Avenida Central to the maze-like Mercado Central, where the stalls are piled high with tropical fruits, aromatic spices and souvenirs (almost all made in China). The vendors here have been been feeding San José locals since 1880 – and they serve up such traditional treats as chorreadas (corn pancakes).

Where to stay: You can’t get more central than the handsome 1930s Gran Hotel Costa Rica, which overlooks the Plaza de la Cultura. 

Where to eat: Head to Soda Tala in the market for delicious local dishes. For pan-Asian food, you can’t beat Tin Jo. 

2. Barrio Escalante

Best neighborhood for eclectic dining and nightlife

East of downtown, Barrio Escalante is the city’s hippest district, known for its diverse dining scene and lively nightlife. Its main drag, Calle 33, bursts with bars and eateries, from vegan cafes to brewpubs. And it’s all within walking distance of downtown’s sights and in stumbling distance of numerous accommodation options.

In the district, you can enjoy specialty coffee shops like Cafeoteca and Franco; creative restaurants in handsome period houses such as Doma Escalante; and communal dining at indoor-outdoor food courts, including Calle 33 Mercadito and Jardín de Lolita. In the mood for Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Mexican? You’ll find it here.

Sample Costa Rica’s cerveza artesanal (craft beer) scene at the barrio’s gastropubs. Try Wilk, the Costa Rica Beer Factory and Lupulus for some of the best local brews.

Where to stay: Towering over Barrio Escalante, URBN Escalante is a modern 29-story building with studios to two-bedroom apartments available for rent.

Where to shop: Shun typical tourist trinkets with the locally designed ceramics, woodwork and accessories at Boutique Kiosco. 

3. Barrio Amón

Best neighborhood for architecture and atmosphere

A 10-minute walk north of downtown, historic Barrio Amón is filled with charming streets that are made for wandering. 

You can look forward to a rich mix of architectural styles on display. Many of the area’s pastel-colored mansions – which date from the late-19th-century coffee boom – now house boutique hotels, cool cafes and cutting-edge art galleries.  

TEOR/éTica is one such indie gallery, with a tagline of “arte + pensamiento“ (art + thought). The space’s facade is covered in regularly changing murals and exhibitions that focus on social issues such as feminism and migration. After taking in all the creativity, head to Tienda Eñe to shop the work of local designers.

The Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar was a major draw in Barrio Amón – until it closed its doors for good in 2024. It’s currently being redeveloped as Costa Rica’s first urban natural park: forested areas are under restoration, botanical gardens are getting a revamp, and former animal enclosures will transform into recreational and educational spaces. The new complex should be fully open to the public by late 2026.

Where to stay: Set in a restored mansion, Hotel Dunn Inn is overflowing with vintage charm and quirky modern art.

Where to eat: Head to Silvestre for a contemporary take on Costa Rican fare in a historic setting, Café Rojo for Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and culture, and the colorful Alma de Amón for coffee and churros.

4. La Sabana  

Best neighborhood for green space and family fun

Escape the urban jungle in Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, a huge green space built on the site of San José’s first international airport.  Take a stroll along the web of walking paths shaded by native trees, jog along the racetrack – there’s an inline skating rink, too – or join the locals in a game of baseball or volleyball. And there’s fun for the whole the family, with an old-school playground and picnic benches.

Looming over the western end of the park is the state-of-the-art Estadio Nacional, which hosts the country’s national soccer team and big-name concerts. To the east, the Museo de Arte Costarricense is in a Spanish-style former airport terminal, with rotating exhibitions and a tranquil sculpture garden.

The perpetually busy Paseo Colón heads east toward downtown. Of all of San José’s top neighborhoods, La Sabana offers the easiest access to Juan Santamaría International Airport, to the west of the city.

Where to stay: North of the park, Casa Jardín del Mango is a charming, wallet-friendly guesthouse. In a peaceful spot that’s a 15-minute walk east of the park, the boutique Hotel Grano de Oro is in a converted Victorian mansion.

Where to eat: República Casa Cervecera is a sizable brewpub in front of the National Stadium. The ever-popular Soda Tapia San José serves up a mix of comida típica and juicy burgers until late.

5. San Pedro

Best neighborhood for partying

About 5km east of downtown, sprawling San Pedro is home to the Universidad de Costa Rica – known as “La U.“ There’s no shortage of boisterous bars and budget-friendly eateries around its main campus, and it’s a fun place to stay and hang out with young Ticos.

During the day, you can explore the campus and check out its Museo de Insectos and the Planetario de San José or shop at wallet-friendly Mall San Pedro.

After classes, Calle de la Amargura – or just “La Calle“ – becomes a magnet for young partygoers. Expect overflowing dance floors, loud music and lots of shots. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, try Fitos Bar.

Where to stay: In the Wind Hostel & Guesthouse has everything from dorms to family rooms at prices that are hard to beat.

Where to eat: Along La Calle, Mr Veggie and El Búho offer creative vegan and vegetarian fare; the offerings at Monster Pizza are self-explanatory.