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San Jose

Trip Planner :  Central America  /  Costa Rica  /  Province of San Jose  /  San Jose Metro  /  San Jose
Museums Nightlife Adventure
A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country. At first glance, given its lack of colonial-era architecture, the city appears a gritty, bustling metropolis, but scratch the surface and you'll find plenty to do and see. Numerous museums and notable buildings, a bustling nightlife and dining scene, as well as a great central location make San Jose worth a visit when vacationing in Costa Rica. San Jose is in San Jose Metro. Put San Jose at the heart of your travel plans by using our Costa Rica trip planner.
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Top San Jose tours
Costa Rica Day Trip from San Jose BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $110
238 reviews
Duration: 10 hours
Buy tours from $110
Arenal Volcano and Tabacón Hot Springs Day Trip from San Jose BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $156
79 reviews
Duration: 13 hours
Buy tours from $156
Tortuguero National Park BOOK WITH VIATOR FROM $112
93 reviews
Duration: 12 hours
Buy tours from $112
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Best things to do in San Jose

Popular
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River Rafting & Tubing
San Jose
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
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National Museum (Museo Nacional)
San Jose
Visit for: 2​h
Precolumbian Gold Museum
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Side Trips
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La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Vara Blanca
Visit for: 4​h
Poas Volcano
Poas Volcano National Park
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
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Zoo Ave
Alajuela
Visit for: 2​h
Museums
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Jade Museum
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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Museo de Arte Costarricense
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
Hidden Gems
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Top Travel Costa Rica
San Jose
Visit for: 3​h
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Galeria Namu
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h
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Parque Nacional Braulio Carrillo
San Jose
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Kid Friendly Attractions
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Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
San Jose
Visit for: 3​h 30​min
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Museo de los Ninos
San Jose
Visit for: 3​h
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Pueblo Antiguo
San Jose
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
Shopping
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Central Market (Mercado Central)
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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Chieton Moren
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h
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Va de nuevo
San Jose
Visit for: 30​min
Featured attractions
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Chieton Moren
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h
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Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle
San Jose
Visit for: 1​h 30​min
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Parque La Sabana
San Jose
Visit for: 2​h 30​min
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Where to stay in San Jose

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You'll find the majority of San Jose's accommodations between Parque Metropolitano La Sabana and the botanical gardens. This area offers luxury chain hotels in the west, simpler guesthouses in the older section of town in the east, and budget-friendly hostels located on side streets, just off from the primary commercial thoroughfares. Many hotels have sprung up close to the airport, located northwest of the city.
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Places to visit with San Jose

Chirripo National Park Best for: Wildlife Carara Best for: Nature Escazu Best for: Adventure, Golf, Shopping San Gerardo de Dota Best for: Nature, Spas, Parks San Carlos Best for: Wildlife, Spas, Theme Parks
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