San José Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A cityscape with a stadium, buildings, and mountains in the background.
A large stadium with a white roof and multiple tiers of seating.
A classical pavilion with a dome and columns, surrounded by trees and urban buildings.
A historic building with ornate architecture, large windows, and a flag.
A yellow building with a flag, steps, and a fence.

Where to stay in San José

Find the best San José areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A cityscape with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent stadium, and mountains in the background.

Amón

If you're spending some time in Amón, Casa Amarilla and TEOR/éTica are top sights worth seeing.

A large stadium with a metal framework and rows of seats.
Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton

La Sabana

While visiting La Sabana, you might make a stop by sights like Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Center of Art and Culture.

A cityscape with a prominent modern skyscraper, a mix of residential and commercial buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Barrio Escalante

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Barrio Escalante and surrounding area, you can visit San Pedro Mall and National Center of Art and Culture.

A historic building with a red roof, a large flag, and a plaza with trees and a checkered pavement.
Photo by Krystalvation
Open Photo by Krystalvation

Catedral

If you're spending some time in Catedral, National Museum of Costa Rica and National Theater of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
Hwy 1 Airport Blvd Rio Segundo
The price is 2.664.514 ₫ per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
2.664.514 ₫
3.010.901 ₫ total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,529 reviews)
"Solid"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2026

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall

3.5 out of 5
Francisco J. Orlich Road Alajuela Alajuela
The price is 2.485.687 ₫ per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
2.485.687 ₫
2.808.826 ₫ total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Alajuela. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,889 reviews)
"Se tuvo que llamar .. para mejor servicio"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2026

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport City Mall
DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica

5 out of 5
Autopista Grl. Canas, Cruce San Antonio La Asunción
The price is 3.260.952 ₫ per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
3.260.952 ₫
3.684.876 ₫ total
4 Jul - 5 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in La Asunción. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Everything was great overall! The only disappointment was with the spa. We were hoping to end our last two day with massages, but unfortunately the spa didn’t respond until the following day, so we weren’t able to schedule our appointments. Aside from that, our stay was wonderful. The home was beautiful, ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Cariari - San Jose Costa Rica
See all 1,340 properties in San José
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio

3.5 out of 5
East side of Costa Rica Country Club San Rafael
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Great rooms and staff. Very good location."

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026

Apartotel & Suites Villas del Rio
Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina

3.5 out of 5
300 meters north ICE building San José San Jose
Stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in San José. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (764 reviews)
"Really outdated property and rooms. Breakfast was great"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2026

Hotel Residence Inn Suites Cristina
BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante

3.5 out of 5
San José, Barrio Escalante. San José San José
Stay at this apartment in San José. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (255 reviews)
"I had a great stay"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2026

BEE Suites San Jose - Escalante
See all properties in San José
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular San José attractions

A cityscape with a prominent stadium, high-rise buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

National Stadium of Costa Rica

8.8/5 (1,847 reviews)
Catch an event at National Stadium of Costa Rica during your trip to San José. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
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Cities near San José

A lush green valley with a lake and a mountain in the background.

Alajuela

An aerial view of a city with modern buildings, roads, and a mountainous backdrop.

San Antonio de Belen

A toucan perched on a moss-covered branch.

Guapiles

A panoramic view of a city with a winding road, dense residential areas, and a backdrop of hills under a dramatic sunset sky.

Escazu

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