Welcome to San José
Chances are San José wasn't the top destination on your list when you started planning your Costa Rica trip, but give this city a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised. It's true that Chepe – as San José is affectionately known – doesn't make a great first impression, with its unremarkable concrete structures and honking traffic, but it's well worth digging deeper to discover the city's charms.
Top experiences in San José
Top attractions in San José
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Food and drink
- Park Café in San JoséEuropean
- La Esquina de Buenos Aires in San JoséArgentine
- Café de los Deseos in San JoséCafe
- Café Rojo in San JoséCafe
- Olio in San JoséMediterranean
- Maxi's By Ricky in San JoséCaribbean
- Cocina Eclectica in San JoséInternational
- Rávi Gastropub in San JoséGastropub
- Talentum in San JoséCafe
- Restaurante Grano de Oro in San JoséFusion
Recent articles
Best things to do in San José with kids
From parks to museums, plazas to free farm tours, the capital city of Costa Rica offers plenty of options when traveling with kids of all ages. The great weather and walkable downto...
Sipping and snacking: San José's hottest new restaurants and bars
From the traditional Costa Rican establishments to the international restaurants with flair, every visit to San José promises the opportunity to indulge in fantastic food and drinks....
How to live like a Local in San José
One walk down its quaint streets, one sip of its celebrated coffee and Costa Rica was home for Lonely Planet Local Maria Esther Abissi. Seven years in and the city of San José is onl...
How to eat like a local at San José's top spots
When it comes to food, San José has it all. From cozy spots to enjoy its rich coffee culture to upscale restaurants for a fancy dinner, the capital city's geographic location and cu...
Viva the new San José: how Costa Rica's capital became cool
There you are, playing table tennis with a stranger in the middle of a park. All around you loom primeval trees festooned with vines. Around noon, you amble over to the century-old N...
Travel guides
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San José activities
€53Classic
San Jose Day Tour: City Highlights (half day)
Set out on a day tour of Costa Rica's capital. Visit …
Classic
€104Day Trips & Excursions
Costa Rica Day Trip from San Jose
Take advantage of your time in Costa Rica on this exciting full-day gui…
Day Trips & Excursions
€128Day Trips & Excursions
Arenal Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Experience Costa Rica’s world-re…
Day Trips & Excursions
€142Day Trips & Excursions
Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose
Don’t miss out on one of Cost…
Day Trips & Excursions
€90Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
Sarapiqui River Cruise and Zipline Canopy Tour from San Jose
Admire scenic views as you tra…
Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
€104Day Trips & Excursions
Tortuguero National Park
Take an expedition by boat through the dense jungle of Tortuguero National Park and …
Day Trips & Excursions