Hotels in San José, Costa Rica
Best San José Hotels in Costa Rica
San José is the national capital and thriving economic center of Costa Rica. San José’s success began in the 18th century with colonial planning and was spurred by the tobacco industry. Coffee plantations further fueled economic growth, reflected in the Barrio Amon and Otoya neighborhood’s architecture. Today the easy-to-explore city is undergoing a renaissance with modern high-rise buildings emerging, like the Legislative Assembly Building and the Costa Rica Central Bank’s office, and the creation of the Torres River nature urban walking path—a serene nature walk in the heart of the city. Yet it retains much of its past multicultural heritage evident in the meticulously restored elegant buildings, historical statues, and parks. Its many international restaurants offer excellent cuisine, and its theaters host numerous concerts and performances. Nightlife abounds in clubs with dancing to salsa, merengue, and even rock music! San José has several terrific museums, including The National Museum, Gold Museum, and Jade Museum. All have excellent exhibits, and the latter two feature artworks by prehistoric indigenous people. San José is also a center for education; it hosts the main university in the country, The University of Costa Rica, established in 1843, a testament to the city’s educational focus.
Best Things to Do in San José
San José City Tour
Uncover San José’s charm on a private half-day tour. Explore the iconic National Theatre, a local masterpiece. Choose to visit the Jade, Gold, or National Museum. Immerse yourself at the Central Market, a cultural hub. See the Metropolitan Cathedral, historic sites, and vibrant parks. This tour provides a captivating introduction to San José’s soul.
Unlock the city’s secrets at the best San José Hotel. Hotel Presidente is your ideal place to discover the city’s hidden cultural gems by walking around.
Central Market of San José
Immerse yourself in the heart of San José at the Central Market. This labyrinthine maze of stalls explodes with sights, sounds, and aromas. Towering displays of exotic fruits like cas and rambutan mingle with vibrant flowers and overflowing spice racks. Butcher stalls showcase glistening cuts of meat while friendly vendors tempt you with fresh-made tortillas and steaming cups of Costa Rican coffee. Don’t miss the chance to experience the true essence of Costa Rican culture.
Immerse yourself at Grano de Oro Hotel’s exceptional boutique San José Hotel as your launching pad to live the city’s vibrant culture.
San José Parks and Nature
San José is home to many parks where one can find open areas, remaining patches of forest, river edges, and artificial lakes that host many different birds, local trees, and many tropical plant species, a great first introduction to the diversity of plants and bird life in Costa Rica.
We suggest La Sabana Metropolitan Park (the largest park and “the lungs of San José) and The Peace Park for birding. Some species you can find here are: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Least Grebe, Inca Dove, Squirrel Cuckoo, Green-breasted Mango, Plain-capped Starthroat, Blue-vented Hummingbird, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Southern Lapwing, Northern Jacana, Green Heron, Gray Hawk, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Lesson´s Motmot, Lineated Woodpecker, Crested Caracara, Crimson-fronted Parakeet, Great Kiskadee, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Brown Jay, Rufous-naped Wren, Clay-colored Thrush, Yellow-throated Euphonia, White-eared Ground-Sparrow, Montezuma Oropendola, and many more! But even in the heart of the City, at the National Park, Parque Morazán, you can find many beautiful resident birds too!
The Crowne Plaza Corobici Hotel is the best San José hotel for exploring the city’s treasures and La Sabana park.
Beyond San José Day Tours
Toucan Rescue Ranch + Sanctuary
Located near San José, the Toucan Rescue Ranch Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization that provides top-notch treatment and care while it rescues and rehabilitates a variety of wildlife in need of a second chance. During an educational walk, the knowledgeable and personable guides will share fun facts about each species. This is a great activity to learn how to spot animals in the wild—perfect to add to the start of your Costa Rica adventure.
Doka Coffee Farm + Poás Volcano
Start your day with a morning visit to Doka Coffee Estate— one of the most famous coffee farms in Costa Rica. Enjoy a tasty breakfast with a cup of high-quality coffee then join your expert guide to learn about harvesting and best practices to process the golden bean! After, visit the Poás Volcano National Park. With a summit of 2,708 meters, Poás has an active crater (one of the largest in the world!) with steam and fumaroles visible on clear days from a specially made refuge. The park is home to resident birds like the Resplendent Quetzal, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, and the Sooty Thrush.
For one-day tours beyond the Central Valley, choose Park Inn San José by Radisson as the best San Jose hotel.
Irazú Volcano National Park
Hike Irazú’s peak (3,432m) for stunning Pacific & Caribbean Sea views! Explore otherworldly paramo landscapes with colorful shrubs and dwarf trees. Immaculate oak forests thrive nearby. Keep your eyes peeled for coatis and unique birds like the volcano junco and the volcano hummingbird – one of Costa Rica’s smallest! Various trails await, including the popular summit climb.
La Paz Waterfalls + Gardens
Only an hour’s drive from San José, La Paz Waterfall Gardens hosts many exhibits including hummingbird gardens, a butterfly garden, and a frog exhibit—it is the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica. An excellent trail system will lead you up close to view five spectacular waterfalls in the rainforest. Their mission is to preserve and protect the natural environment of the area for the education, entertainment, and enjoyment of all ages.
How to Get to San José
- Private Transfer by Bus: Take a private transfer from anywhere in Costa Rica directly to San José with one of our private bilingual drivers.
- By Plane: To San José, you can take a domestic flight from almost anywhere in Costa Rica.
- By Train: Skip the traffic and experience Costa Rican commutes firsthand! We can help you arrange a train journey from nearby suburbs like Heredia, Belén, or Curridabat. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you travel alongside residents on their daily routines.
Visit San José with Costa Rica Sun Tours
Want a truly unforgettable San José experience? We curate private adventures beyond the ordinary. Imagine exclusive museum access, prime theater seats, or a gourmet walk through Barrio Escalante, savoring local treats and craft beers. Plus, we’ll find you the perfect hotel for your personalized immersion into San José’s vibrant culture. Let’s craft your dream itinerary!