San Jose (Costa Rica)
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica is a great city to visit. Surrounded by lush valleys and mountains, the city has something to offer everyone. A long history and great traditions are what makes this city unique. Museums, shops, and beautiful surroundings make this city a great place to enjoy. What’s more is that in comparison to other destinations San Jose is a rather cheap place to vacation and with discount travel for students, its a trip you don’t want to pass up.
- Pictures |
- Things to do |
- Nightlife |
- Dining |
- Shopping |
- Travel tips
San Jose Pictures
Things to do in San Jose
Within the city there is plenty to see and do. Many museums that are very interesting to walk through. In particular is the Museo Oro Precolombino (The Gold Museum) and the Museo Nacional. The museum is an actual fort used in the 1948 revolution. There are also a lot of tours of different locations in and around the city. Some notable tours are the Butterfly Farm as well as rafting tours. It is also worth your time to make a trip to the Volcanoes of Poas. Buses leave from Parque La Merced at 08:30am daily. Many hotels also offer gambling for those looking to enjoy some gaming.
Nightlife in San Jose
Nightlife in San Jose is very lively. A great spot to go is El Pueblo. This shopping area becomes a clubbing district at night. Any taxi in the city will know where they are when mentioned. Another great spot is Barrio Califarnia. If you are more into the bar scene this area is the best bet. Bar hopping is recommended as there are plenty of different bars to explore. Enjoying a few drinks on the street is also a favorite activity to partake in throughout the area.
Dining in San Jose
There are many options for dining in San Jose. First off, do not be afraid of street vendors. The food is generally very good and cheap. Try the mango with salt and lime, delicious! In terms of restaurants there are many to choose from. Try Tin Jo, one of the best Asian restaurants in the city. Do not be turned off by the outside, the interior is beautiful and clean and the service is top notch. If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience try Hotel Grano de Oro for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Finally, for a quick lunch check out Manolo’s Churreria, offering great churros and chicken tacos.
Shopping in San Jose
Costa Rica is known for its quality coffee. If you plan on purchasing coffee make sure you buy it from local markets and grocers as the quality is better than what is found in the tourist shops. Also, if planning on taking it home buy the whole beans, they will last longer than the ground coffee. A great place to purchase souvenirs and handcrafted products is Mercado Artesania. The market is located on 2nd Avenue. Make sure to stop into the numerous shops and stands throughout the city to find unique buys often at rock bottom prices.
San Jose travel tips
- The bus system in San Jose is reliable, comfortable, and very cheap. If you don’t know exactly where you are going, the bus is probably you best bet.
- Be aware of petty crimes such as pick pocketing but also be aware of car jackings as they are common in the city.
- San Jose, being the capital of Costa Rica, is a great place to begin your tour of the country. Try to get out of the city and take in the many natural wonders that the country has to offer.
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