CR
San Jose
Costa Rica’s capital in the Central Valley, with museums, markets and volcanoes nearby
Costa Rica’s capital in the Central Valley, with museums, markets and volcanoes nearby
Costa Rica’s grandest building, opened in 1897 and funded by coffee exporters, with marble staircases, a painted ceiling and an elegant café. Guided tours run during the day.
Photo: Andres Alvarez, CC BY-SA 3.0
A museum under the Plaza de la Cultura holding a large collection of pre-Columbian gold objects, many in the shape of animals, alongside coin and art collections.
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0
An active volcano about 1.5 hours from the city, with a huge crater and an acidic lake. Visits require advance online tickets, and the park can close at short notice due to volcanic activity.
Go early, before clouds cover the crater, and check whether the park is open.
Photo: MongeNajera, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast, a casado (rice, beans, salad, plantain and meat or fish) for lunch, and fresh fruit juices (batidos).
The Mercado Central has cheap sodas (simple local restaurants); Barrio Escalante has a lively restaurant scene.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is in Alajuela, about 20 to 40 minutes from the city by taxi or ride-hailing, depending on traffic. Shuttles and buses connect San José with all main destinations.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK, Australia and many other countries can visit Costa Rica visa-free; stays of up to 180 days are allowed for many nationalities, though the length granted is at the officer’s discretion. You may be asked for proof of onward travel. Check current rules before you travel.
Costa Rica uses the colón (CRC), but US dollars are widely accepted. It is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, especially for tours and park entry fees.
City and volcano.
Visit the National Theatre, the Gold Museum and the Mercado Central, then dinner in Barrio Escalante.
Take a morning trip to Poás Volcano and visit a coffee farm on the way back.
Petty theft is common in the centre; keep bags close and avoid walking alone at night.
Use official red taxis with meters (“maria”) or ride-hailing apps.
Volcano parks need advance tickets and may close because of activity.
In the green season, expect afternoon downpours.
Quick answers for planning time in San José.
Citizens of the US, Canada, the EU, the UK and many other countries do not; you may be asked to show proof of onward travel.
About 20 to 40 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
It is worth a day or two for its museums, theatre and markets, and as a base for volcano trips.
Yes, it is about 1.5 hours away; book tickets online and check that the park is open.
Generally from December to April on the Pacific side and in the Central Valley.
Waze is the most popular navigation app in Costa Rica; download offline maps for rural roads.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Costa Rica travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.