San Jose is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located in the Central Valley region. With a population of over 1 million in the entirety of its metropolitan area, it is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. Most visitors will arrive to Costa Rica in the Juan Santamaria International airport and stay in San Jose for a couple of days before moving out of the central valley to explore the beaches, mountains, and forests of the country. With a modern international airport and a network of highways and public transportation systems connecting it to other parts of the country, San Jose is the perfect base to start your trip to explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica.
The city is known for its hectic city center, and its cultural appeal. It is also worth noting that San Jose is not the cleanest city and some parts can be a little dangerous. The real appeal of Costa Rica is not its cities but its natural beauty. That is why most people do not stay long in San Jose. Of course there are still some fun things you can do inside the city and it still has a certain charm to it. If you want to find out the best things to do in San Jose check out our blog about the top 5 things to do in San Jose!
San Jose also boasts a vibrant nightlife and probably the best nightlife of the country, with numerous bars and clubs that cater to all tastes and budgets. The city is surrounded by lush green hills, mountains, and even volcanoes, which provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and road trips. If you have time, I would recommend to do the road trips to Irazu Volcano and Poas Volcano.
_____________________________________________
Plan your visit
Stay:
Not all areas of San Jose are safe but it is still a safe city to explore and enjoy. I would recommend travelers to stay in certain places that are known to be safer and more fun and inviting for tourists. The best areas you can stay in San Jose are La Sabana, San Pedro, Barrio Escalante, and Santa Ana. The city center is also a good option.
