Best neighborhoods in San José, Costa Rica

San José has certainly grown since it became the capital of Costa Rica in 1823. Known as “Chepe” by locals, the city boasts world-class museums, creative cuisine, avant-garde art and culture.

Each neighborhood – or barrio –  remains small and walkable, with its own distinct character. Here’s our pick of San José's best neighborhoods to visit.

1. Downtown

Best for major museums and local culture

Downtown San José is the hub of Costa Rican culture and commerce. Hectic it may be, but it’s still easy to museum-hop on foot.

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

On the Plaza de la Cultura – perfect for people-watching – the neoclassical Teatro Nacional was inspired by the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris. 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 made-in-China souvenirs. It’s been feeding San José since 1880 and still serves traditional treats, such as chorreadas (corn pancakes).

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

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

2. Barrio Escalante

Best for eclectic dining and nightlife

East of downtown, Barrio Escalante is the city’s hippest ‘hood, known for its diverse dining scene and lively nightlife.

Calle 33 is the main drag, bursting with bars and eateries from vegan cafés to brewpubs. And it’s all within walking distance of downtown’s sights and in stumbling distance of numerous lodgings.

There are specialty coffee shops, like Cafeoteca and Franco, creative restaurants in handsome period houses such as Doma Escalante, 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 the tourist tat with locally designed ceramics, woodwork and accessories at Boutique Kiosco. 

3. Barrio Amón

Best for architecture and atmosphere

A 10-minute walk north of downtown, historic Barrio Amón’s charming streets are made for wandering. 

It’s a rich mix of architectural styles and many of its pastel-colored mansions – dating from the late 19th century coffee boom – now house boutique hotels, cool cafés and cutting-edge art galleries.  

TEOR/éTica is one such indie gallery with the tagline “arte + pensamiento“ (art + thought). Its façade is covered in regularly changing murals and exhibitions that focus on social issues such as feminism and migration. Head to Tienda Eñe for the work of local designers.

As part of a national program, the state-run Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar closed its doors in 2024; now the site is being transformed into Costa Rica’s first Urban Natural Park. 

Forested areas are being restored, the botanical gardens are being revamped, and former animal enclosures are being reinvented as recreational and educational spaces. It’s slated to open in phases between 2025 and 2028.

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 for green space and family fun

Escape the urban jungle in Parque Metropolitano La Sabana, the city’s green lung built on the site of its first international airport. 

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 all 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 towards downtown, and there’s easy access to Juan Santamaría International Airport.

Where to stay: North of the park, La Sabana offers comfortable modern lodgings and a pool, and Casa Jardín del Mango is a charming, wallet-friendly guesthouse. In a peaceful spot, 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 for partying

Around 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; Monster Pizza speaks for itself.