Neighborhoods
Costa Rica´s ¨Soho¨ area - has many restaurants, cafes, small shops - ideal for walking around, having a bite to eat or a drink. Fun spot!
190 locals recommend
Barrio Escalante
Costa Rica´s ¨Soho¨ area - has many restaurants, cafes, small shops - ideal for walking around, having a bite to eat or a drink. Fun spot!
San José`s uspcale neighborhood back in the 1900`s, admire old architectural houses in Barrio Amón - many of which are now hotels or restaurants. Also, some of San José`s most beautiful parks are very close by - if you walk from the apartment, you can go through Parque Nacional, and then switch over to Parque España and Parque Morazán (with it`s beautiful Templo de la Música).
18 locals recommend
Amón
San José`s uspcale neighborhood back in the 1900`s, admire old architectural houses in Barrio Amón - many of which are now hotels or restaurants. Also, some of San José`s most beautiful parks are very close by - if you walk from the apartment, you can go through Parque Nacional, and then switch over to Parque España and Parque Morazán (with it`s beautiful Templo de la Música).
Sightseeing
Recently renovated - the top most floor has a lovely and very modern café / bar, and has a great view overlooking the National Theater in the Plaza de la Cultura.
7 locals recommend
Gran hotel Costa Rica Curio a Collection by Hilton
Avenida CentralRecently renovated - the top most floor has a lovely and very modern café / bar, and has a great view overlooking the National Theater in the Plaza de la Cultura.
This museum has one of the best jade collections in Costa Rica and Central America. It is magnificent! The whole building was designed to look like a piece of jade ¨in the raw¨, by a young Costa Rican architect Diego van der Laat.
272 locals recommend
Jade Museum
Avenida CentralThis museum has one of the best jade collections in Costa Rica and Central America. It is magnificent! The whole building was designed to look like a piece of jade ¨in the raw¨, by a young Costa Rican architect Diego van der Laat.
Nice museum - get a good idea of how important gold was to the Precolumbian indigenous people of Costa Rica. You will need no more that 45 minutes to visit this museum. They also usually have a special exhibit going on. https://museosdelbancocentral.org/eng/
25 locals recommend
Museo de Oro Precolombino
Nice museum - get a good idea of how important gold was to the Precolumbian indigenous people of Costa Rica. You will need no more that 45 minutes to visit this museum. They also usually have a special exhibit going on. https://museosdelbancocentral.org/eng/
If you spend a morning, an afternoon or a day in San José, don´t miss this local gem. If you´re after the best tortillas in the country, they have them here at ¨Soda Tala¨. Super cheap place to eat good typical Costa Rican eats.
65 locals recommend
San José Central Market
Avenida CentralIf you spend a morning, an afternoon or a day in San José, don´t miss this local gem. If you´re after the best tortillas in the country, they have them here at ¨Soda Tala¨. Super cheap place to eat good typical Costa Rican eats.
Built in the late 1800`s with a French design, our country practically went bankrupt to build this gorgeous theater. They offer tours inside, it has a shop, a lovely café and of course high quality entertainment. https://www.teatronacional.go.cr/
162 locals recommend
National Theatre of Costa Rica
1Built in the late 1800`s with a French design, our country practically went bankrupt to build this gorgeous theater. They offer tours inside, it has a shop, a lovely café and of course high quality entertainment. https://www.teatronacional.go.cr/
About a 5 minute walk from the property - this park is located next to the National Registry building, as well as the Legistlative Assembly building and National Library.
40 locals recommend
Parque Nacional Park
Calle 19About a 5 minute walk from the property - this park is located next to the National Registry building, as well as the Legistlative Assembly building and National Library.
San José´s most beautiful parks are walking distance from our property - this park is a block away. It´s right in front of the National Insurance building, and in front of the Yellow House (Casa Amarilla - government building for foreign affairs).
26 locals recommend
Parque Espana
Avenida 5ASan José´s most beautiful parks are walking distance from our property - this park is a block away. It´s right in front of the National Insurance building, and in front of the Yellow House (Casa Amarilla - government building for foreign affairs).
Don´t miss this architectural gem - it was designed and built in Belgium in 1896, inspired by the Eiffel Tower (likewise, it is built in iron). The Edificio Metálico is home to one of Costa Rica´s public primary schools. Very photogenic. Two small parks are right in front - the Jardín de Paz and the Parque Morazán.
School Buenaventura Corrales
Calle 9Don´t miss this architectural gem - it was designed and built in Belgium in 1896, inspired by the Eiffel Tower (likewise, it is built in iron). The Edificio Metálico is home to one of Costa Rica´s public primary schools. Very photogenic. Two small parks are right in front - the Jardín de Paz and the Parque Morazán.
This park hosts the Templo de la Música (Music Temple), as well as several monuments and very IG golden wings where you can get a really cool picture.
Morazán Park
This park hosts the Templo de la Música (Music Temple), as well as several monuments and very IG golden wings where you can get a really cool picture.
Amon Solar
Calle 3Great place for jazzy tunes and jamming!
Food scene
Delicious Mediterranean food in Barrio Escalante! We recommend the grilled calamari or squid, and roasted meats of any kind. Great attention - the Turkish owner/chef (Mehmet) of the restaurant is usually there and happy to help with anything. https://www.facebook.com/SofiaMediterraneo/
15 locals recommend
Sofía Mediterráneo
Calle 33Delicious Mediterranean food in Barrio Escalante! We recommend the grilled calamari or squid, and roasted meats of any kind. Great attention - the Turkish owner/chef (Mehmet) of the restaurant is usually there and happy to help with anything. https://www.facebook.com/SofiaMediterraneo/
Just a 5 minute walk from our property - this is a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. This cute block also has 2 new café which you can also check out, as well as several local design clothing shops. Café Otoya is right next to the Mexican Embassy, another old gem of Barrio Amón. https://cafeotoya.com/
10 locals recommend
Café Otoya
Just a 5 minute walk from our property - this is a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. This cute block also has 2 new café which you can also check out, as well as several local design clothing shops. Café Otoya is right next to the Mexican Embassy, another old gem of Barrio Amón. https://cafeotoya.com/
Michel`s October Six Café is right in front of our property. He is a sweetie and will help you with anything. We especially like his capuccinos, shrimp tacos, ¨plato del día¨, and fries with chipotle sauce!
October Six Café Bistró
Michel`s October Six Café is right in front of our property. He is a sweetie and will help you with anything. We especially like his capuccinos, shrimp tacos, ¨plato del día¨, and fries with chipotle sauce!
This gastronomic market in Barrio Escalante (about a 10 minute walk from the property) has all kinds of food options - pizza, burgers, shawarma, sushi, and our very favorite ice cream spot: Dolce Gelato. https://www.jardindelolita.com/san-jose
20 locals recommend
Jardín de Lolita
This gastronomic market in Barrio Escalante (about a 10 minute walk from the property) has all kinds of food options - pizza, burgers, shawarma, sushi, and our very favorite ice cream spot: Dolce Gelato. https://www.jardindelolita.com/san-jose
If you´re after typical Costa Rican food, this place is it! It´s right around the corner from our property.
11 locals recommend
La Criollita
Avenida 7If you´re after typical Costa Rican food, this place is it! It´s right around the corner from our property.
My very favorite restaurant ever - good service, everything on the menu is delicious, the quality is constant over the decades, and always good ambience. Make reservations!! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g309293-d810147-Reviews-La_Esquina_de_Buenos_Aires-San_Jose_San_Jose_Metro_Province_of_San_Jose.html
57 locals recommend
La Esquina de Buenos Aires
My very favorite restaurant ever - good service, everything on the menu is delicious, the quality is constant over the decades, and always good ambience. Make reservations!! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g309293-d810147-Reviews-La_Esquina_de_Buenos_Aires-San_Jose_San_Jose_Metro_Province_of_San_Jose.html
About a 10 minute walk from our property - El Alpino is and old restaurant, but my what delicious pizza! https://www.facebook.com/elalpinocr/
18 locals recommend
Restaurante Isolina
Calle 33About a 10 minute walk from our property - El Alpino is and old restaurant, but my what delicious pizza! https://www.facebook.com/elalpinocr/
Low key and not fancy at all, but great authentic Korean food. Don´t miss the Bimbimbap! https://www.facebook.com/fritoscoreana
Fritos
Low key and not fancy at all, but great authentic Korean food. Don´t miss the Bimbimbap! https://www.facebook.com/fritoscoreana
Our favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. It´s right in front of the Museo del Jade.
12 locals recommend
Restaurante Wong's 皇朝
Avenida CentralOur favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. It´s right in front of the Museo del Jade.
Fancy, upscale, Costa Rican culinary art! Chef Santiago is a master at cooking! https://www.restaurantesilvestre.com
16 locals recommend
Restaurante Silvestre
955 Av. 11Fancy, upscale, Costa Rican culinary art! Chef Santiago is a master at cooking! https://www.restaurantesilvestre.com
Very very delicious pizza - right in front of the beautiful National Park (Parque Nacional).
Pizza Oliva
Avenida 3Very very delicious pizza - right in front of the beautiful National Park (Parque Nacional).
Amazing cocktails and DJ music. Next to Pizza Oliva in front of the National Park (Parque Nacional).
El Old Fashioned
Amazing cocktails and DJ music. Next to Pizza Oliva in front of the National Park (Parque Nacional).
One of the oldest ¨cantinas¨ in San José, this unique gem is fun and full of life! Don´t miss it!
7 locals recommend
Bar Buenos Aires
23 Av. 9One of the oldest ¨cantinas¨ in San José, this unique gem is fun and full of life! Don´t miss it!
A relaxed and informal little spot - they serve a really good and creative ¨plato del día¨ or plate of the day. It´s located a block and a half up the street from our property.
Tournant OTOYA
A relaxed and informal little spot - they serve a really good and creative ¨plato del día¨ or plate of the day. It´s located a block and a half up the street from our property.
Fantastic little breakfast spot in Barrio Aranjuez - an 8-10 minute walk from our property.
Kam Breakfast & Bakery
Fantastic little breakfast spot in Barrio Aranjuez - an 8-10 minute walk from our property.
There is a really cool and hip rooftop here - you will not be disappointed!
Hotel Presidente - San Jose, Costa Rica
Calle 7There is a really cool and hip rooftop here - you will not be disappointed!
Sughero Café Bistró
Easy 5-7 minute walk away - cozy ambience and fresh food options.
Shopping
About a 5 minute walk from our property - find anything you need here from prepared food to great coffee to take home (I recommend Café 1820). One of the finer supermarket chains in Costa Rica.
152 locals recommend
Auto Mercado
126About a 5 minute walk from our property - find anything you need here from prepared food to great coffee to take home (I recommend Café 1820). One of the finer supermarket chains in Costa Rica.
A delightful corner, Eñe is our favorite local design store. Wonderful place to take unique gifts home!
9 locals recommend
Tienda Eñe
Calle 11AA delightful corner, Eñe is our favorite local design store. Wonderful place to take unique gifts home!
Súper Cuesta Moras
Avenida CentralCheapest supermarket close by - probably has everything you might need.
Laundry
As for laundry service, it is not usual in Costa Rica, so the service is a little expensive and scarce. The two that are the closest by that you can check out are: Lava Splash and Lavanderia Dry Cleaning Sidey.
Lava Splash
As for laundry service, it is not usual in Costa Rica, so the service is a little expensive and scarce. The two that are the closest by that you can check out are: Lava Splash and Lavanderia Dry Cleaning Sidey.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Use Uber or Didi - these options are cheaper than taxis.
Be wary of traffic hours (6-8 am, and 4:30-7 pm).
Don't miss
The Saturday Farmer´s Market in Plaza Víquez is a must!
It´s a short car ride away - but amazing for buying local produce (fruits and veggies), corn and cheese tortillas and local breakfast (gallo pinto, eggs, pupusas).
Book before you go
Classical music at the National Theater
Book tickets in advance at https://www.teatronacional.go.cr/boleteria/. Our National Symphony Orchestra runs almost every weekend from March thru November.
What to pack
Bring an umbrella and poncho during rainy season
Our rainy season runs from April thru November. However, unexpected showers can occur, so it´s always a good idea to come prepared. Bugs and mosquitoes shouldn´t be a problem in the city, but bring bug spray if you´re venturing out into the mountains or beaches.
Customs and culture
How to not look like a tourist in San José
San José is NOT the beach - so dont´t wear your shorts, flip-flops or sleeveless shirts when going into the city. Wear a good walking shoes, and pair of slacks or jeans, and shirt or Tshirt - these should be fine. San José is not ¨elegant¨ - so no need to dress up. Sometimes it can be a little windy or coolish (especially during December), so a light sweater can be taken also.
Don't miss
Don´t miss the Organic Farmer´s Market in Aranjuez!
It´s a 10 minute walk, or 5 minute taxi/Uber drive. They are open from 7 am thru 2 pm on Saturdays. Very fun spot for breakfast with lots of stands to choose from - I highly recommend the Café Taza Amarilla (you´ll see many people with yellow coffee mugs), and the Cumpanis breakfast options - very very yummy!
Getting around
Getting to and from the Juan Santamaría Aiport (Alajuela)
There are several ways of getting to and from the aiport if you´re not renting a car.
*Bus: you can check the schedules and such here: https://grupotuasa.com/modulos/rutas.html
*Taxi: you can get a ¨Taxi Aeropuerto¨ when you arrive at the aiport. Remember to tell the taxi driver to switch the ¨Maria¨ (meter) on.
*Uber: cheaper than a taxi. Very convenient to get to the airport from San José, but tricky to get at the aiport - there are many traffic policemen wanting to stop them from picking passengers up.
Customs and culture
Don´t walk outside alone at night
As in any city, use your common sense. In San José, you can walk around during the day (don´t carry an obvious flashy camera around your neck, your very fancy earings, or take your phone out every 5 minutes), but best if you travel by Uber or taxi anywhere you go to at night (after 6 pm).
Ways to save
Tap water is 100% safe to drink.
Refill your water bottle with tap water; no need really to be buying bottled water.
What to pack
If you forgot your adapter...
You can go to Satec, located in the Centro Comercial de Guadalupe (a 5 minute drive), to get one.
Getting around
Where to exchange money
We recommend going to any bank (usual bank hours are 8 am to 5 pm, depending on the bank). You can look for national banks, such as BNCR, BCR or BN; if not private banks, such as BAC or Scotiabank.
The closest place to our property to change money would be inside the INS building, on the 2nd floor. There is also an ATM machine outside of the building. Preferably always to go during daytime hours.