San Jose Travel Guide

San José offers a layered mix of art, architecture, and culinary discovery.
From neoclassical theaters and design-forward boutique hotels to rooftop cocktails and museum strolls, it’s a chic stopover before or after your coastal escape

  • Gateway city with a rising creative and culinary scene
  • Easy access to top museums, art galleries, and rooftop bars
  • A great stopover before heading to the coast or volcanoes
  • Boutique stays in restored colonial homes
  • Stylish way to connect with Costa Rican culture

Located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, just minutes from San José International Airport (SJO) and about 4 hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR).

This is the capital city.

It is surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.

Where to Stay

Marriott Hacienda Belén

A colonial-style resort, offering resort-style amenities just minutes from the airport.

Hotel Presidente

Bold design meets city-center convenience, with a rooftop bar, eclectic interiors, and easy access to San José’s cultural landmarks.

Hotel Grano de Oro

A restored Victorian mansion turned boutique hotel, with lush courtyards, gourmet dining, and timeless charm in the heart of San José.

Vacation Rentals

Skip the overwhelm. We’ve pre-selected a few of the most exceptional homes in the area.

Luxury Escazú Retreat

4 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | Sleeps 8

An architect-designed sanctuary in the Escazú hills featuring a heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, gym, and 270° panoramic city views. Ideal for families or friend groups looking for a stylish home base near San José.

Casa Om

4 bedrooms | 6 bathrooms | Sleeps 10

A luxurious 6,500 sq ft villa with an infinity pool, movie room, and sweeping sunset views. Set in the hills of Ciudad Colón just 30 minutes from SJO airport, it’s a peaceful yet well-connected escape for groups or families.

Santa Ana Mansion

5 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Sleeps 7

This ultra-private 12,000 sq ft estate features two pools, a sauna, BBQ area, and even a helipad—set on two lush acres in the upscale hills of Santa Ana. Ideal for those seeking luxury, tranquility, and easy airport access.

The closest international airport is the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Book Your Flight ->

Jan

☀️
High: 77 °F / 25 °C
Low: 58 °F / 14 °C
0.1 in / 0.3 cm rain

Feb

☀️
High: 79 °F / 26 °C
Low: 58 °F / 15 °C
0.2 in / 0.5 cm rain

Mar

☀️
High: 81 °F / 27 °C
Low: 60 °F / 15 °C
0.7 in / 1.8 cm rain

Apr

⛅
High: 80 °F / 27 °C
Low: 61 °F / 16 °C
1.9 in / 4.8 cm rain

May

🌧️
High: 77 °F / 25 °C
Low: 63 °F / 17 °C
4.8 in / 12 cm rain

Jun

🌧️
High: 75 °F / 24 °C
Low: 63 °F / 17 °C
5.6 in / 14 cm rain

Jul

🌧️
High: 75 °F / 24 °C
Low: 61 °F / 16 °C
4.7 in / 12 cm rain

Aug

🌧️
High: 76 °F / 24 °C
Low: 61 °F / 16 °C
5.2 in / 13 cm rain

Sep

🌧️
High: 75 °F / 24 °C
Low: 60 °F / 16 °C
6.2 in / 16 cm rain

Oct

🌧️
High: 76 °F / 24 °C
Low: 60 °F / 16 °C
6.5 in / 17 cm rain

Nov

⛅
High: 75 °F / 24 °C
Low: 60 °F / 16 °C
2.2 in / 5.6 cm rain

Dec

⛅
High: 73 °F / 23 °C
Low: 59 °F / 15 °C
0.4 in / 1.0 cm rain

San Jose in Focus

See the beauty come to life. Here’s what you can expect to encounter.

urban energy, street art, mountain views, bustling markets

San Jose Packing

Think a mix of city style for walking and nice dinners. Keep it minimal to not draw extra attention. in the downtown area

  • El Taller de Billy Sazón: A reservation-only, one-seating-per-night experience where Costa Rican ingredients are reimagined through molecular gastronomy in a tasting menu that’s as artistic as it is unforgettable.
  • Restaurante Silvestre: A standout in San José’s culinary scene, Silvestre serves modern Costa Rican cuisine in a stylishly restored mansion. Think, storytelling through dishes, seasonal tasting menus, and immersive ambiance.
  • Furca: An upscale favorite blending steakhouse classics with creative international fare in a sleek, contemporary space. Perfect for business dinners or refined date nights.
  • La Divina Comida: Polished Peruvian-Asian fusion in the heart of Escalante, known for its bold flavors, elegant plating, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The one negative here is that the menu is somewhat extensive. Sometimes less is more.
  • La Esquina de Buenos Aires: A romantic Argentine bistro with vintage charm, famous for perfectly grilled steaks and an extensive wine list in a timeless, tango-inspired setting.
  • Restaurante Grano de Oro: Located in the Grano de Oro hotel, this elegant dining room offers French-influenced international cuisine with white-tablecloth service and old-world charm.
  • Conservatorium: A boundary-pushing fine dining experience that fuses Costa Rican ingredients with avant-garde techniques. Think watermelon tartare, pasture-raised dry-aged beef, lacto-fermented fruits, and desserts that look like forest floor sculptures.
  • Bar D: Possibly the coolest speakeasy ever, located in the parking garage of the MultiPlaza mall. This place offers inventive cocktails in a modern but cozy setting.