Tourists often overlook the capital of Costa Rica, the capital city of San Jose. San Jose, Costa Rica, has a laid-back attitude and a ton of attractions, making it a great starting or stopping point for any Costa Rican adventure.

Why should you even bother going to San Jose? San Jose, the largest city in Costa Rica and the nation's capital, is home to stunning buildings, warm residents, and a wide variety of fun things to do. Residents of San Jose, population 1.5 million, have one of Latin America's best levels of living.

The Best Places To Stay In San Jose

Staying close to Central Avenue (Avenida Central) in downtown San Jose is highly recommended. Many of San Jose's best points of interest may be reached on foot. We slept in the Hilton Gran Hotel San Jose, one of several hotels in the neighborhood that cater to a wide range of prices.

Even though there is a lot of lodging at Juan Santamaria International Airport, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a bit outside of town, so you won't easily access San Jose's vibrant nightlife and tourist hotspots. We especially enjoyed taking evening and morning strolls along Avenida Central. However, the Hampton Inn & Suites is a nice hotel.

Moving to San Jose on a budget is easier, and ridesharing services like Uber are quite economical. The vicinity of the airport may be convenient if you plan on day excursions or organized sightseeing tours.

The Historic San Jose Gran Hotel

The Gran Hotel San Jose Hilton was an excellent choice for a stay in San Jose because of its convenient location and breathtaking city views. We needed to redeem some travel points, so we looked for the most conveniently located 5-star hotel we could find, and we found it.

We could get about town on foot, and the pub had the nicest views. It's a luxury hotel, yet it's cheap by any city's standards, even without using travel points.

Tourist Attractions In San Jose, Costa Rica

Now that we've given you some ideas on where to lay your head, it's time to consider adding San Jose, Costa Rica, to your travel itinerary. Go, then!

Central Avenue (Avenida Central)

The heart of downtown San Jose may be found along Avenida Central (Central Avenue), a popular pedestrian thoroughfare. There are several places to eat, shop, and visit here. The finest way to begin your day is with a cup of rich, tasty Costa Rican coffee from a local coffee shop, which you can then carry with you as you stroll down the road. The best way to gain your bearings is to stroll along Avenida Central first in the morning when the street is relatively empty.

Plaza De La Cultura

San Jose's main square, Plaza de la Cultura, is an excellent site to start sightseeing. Locals distribute birdseed to the pigeons in the plaza, while vendors sell trinkets and street entertainers entertain.

This is the perfect spot to get that iconic shot of a flock of birds taking off below your feet. You may easily reach many of the attractions in this part of San Jose from the plaza. The Central Market, the Jade Museum, the National Theatre of Costa Rica, and the Gold Museum are all within easy walking distance from this square.

Here you may discover the ubiquitous fast-food restaurants that can be found in any major city, as well as some delicious ice cream to enjoy on your travels.

Costa Rica National Theater

One of the most famous landmarks in San Jose is the National Theater of Costa Rica. The town's grand dame is a hub for tourists and social gatherings.

This landmark structure dates back to 1897 and is a must-see for any tourist in San Jose. 19th-century coffee tycoons spent millions on Italian marble, lavish frescoes, and sculptures of Beethoven and a Spanish playwright.

Because of the threat of earthquakes and erosion, the original statues have been relocated, so visitors should walk inside to get the full effect.

4. National Theatre Coffee Shop

Coffee from Costa Rica may be enjoyed in the coffee shop in the lobby if you don't have time for the 45-minute tour or want to save $11. Simply requesting restroom access will allow you to observe the theater's inside. They'll let you through security with a pass, but don't loiter too long. A table at the coffee shop is hard to come by, so snag one as soon as you can.