All citiesSan José Things to do and walking itinerary
Costa Rica San José travel guide
8 things to do in San José, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in San José
- National Museum of Costa Rica — national museum in San José, Costa Rica (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Theatre of Costa Rica — theatre in San José, Costa Rica (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Metropolitan Cathedral of San José — cathedral in Costa Rica (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Melico Salazar Theatre — theatre in San José, Costa Rica (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar — zoo and botanical garden in Costa Rica (visit ≈ 150 min)
- La Sabana Metropolitan Park — largest urban area of San José (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Costa Rican Museum of Art — art museum in Costa Rica (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Plaza de la Democracia — public plaza in Costa Rica (visit ≈ 15 min)
2-day San José walking itinerary
Starting point: Barrio Amón / Centro. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 9.7 km · 13,160 steps · 2 h 10 min on the way): Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar → National Museum of Costa Rica → Plaza de la Democracia → National Theatre of Costa Rica → Metropolitan Cathedral of San José → Melico Salazar Theatre → La Sabana Metropolitan Park
- Day 2 (≈ 6.9 km · 9,300 steps · 1 h 32 min on the way): Costa Rican Museum of Art
Where to stay in San José
- Barrio Amón / Centro: Old mansions, museums and the National Theatre nearby; quiet at night.
- Barrio Escalante: The city’s food district; quiet streets and good restaurants.
- Los Yoses / San Pedro: Near the university, with cafés and good-value hotels.
- La Sabana: By the big park and art museum; handy for the airport road.
- Escazú: Modern, safe suburb with malls and chain hotels.
Getting from the airport to San José
- Juan Santamaría (SJO): Orange official airport taxi or Uber ≈ 30–45 min; the Tuasa bus also goes to the centre.
Getting around
The centre is walkable, but Uber or red official taxis are easier for longer trips. At night call a car instead of walking empty streets.
Classic places to eat
- Mercado Central: Market since 1880; casado and gallo pinto at its small sodas.
- Café del Teatro Nacional: Coffee and cake in the National Theatre’s frescoed lobby.
- Restaurante Nuestra Tierra: Rustic décor; traditional dishes served on banana leaves.
- Soda Tapia: At La Sabana since 1967; breakfast, casados and milkshakes.
- Restaurante Grano de Oro: Elegant dinner in the hotel of the same name; known for desserts.
Romantic views
- La Sabana Park (Afternoon): With a lake and wide lawns, the city's biggest park is ideal for a picnic.
- Morazán Park (Evening): The domed Temple of Music gives this park a romantic air.
- Barrio Amón (Afternoon): A quiet stroll past colourful mansions built by coffee barons.
Football stadiums in San José
- Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá: Home of Deportivo Saprissa
- Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero: Home of C.S. Herediano
Good to know before visiting San José
- Fine: Feeding wild animals is illegal.
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Strong rip currents are common; take care where there's no lifeguard.
- Warning: Don't leave items visible in cars; break-ins are common.
- Warning: Drones must be registered.
- Colones and US dollars are both used.
- Emergency: 911
- Plugs: A/B, 120V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe in most areas.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is added by law.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Costa Rica, Wikivoyage — Costa Rica, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
San José travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in San José?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in San José?
- Highlights: National Museum of Costa Rica, National Theatre of Costa Rica, Metropolitan Cathedral of San José, Melico Salazar Theatre and Parque Zoológico Nacional Simón Bolívar. The map has 8 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in San José?
- Barrio Amón / Centro: Old mansions, museums and the National Theatre nearby; quiet at night. Other options: Barrio Escalante, Los Yoses / San Pedro, La Sabana and Escazú.
- How do you get from the airport to San José city centre?
- Juan Santamaría (SJO): Orange official airport taxi or Uber ≈ 30–45 min; the Tuasa bus also goes to the centre.
- How do you get around San José?
- The centre is walkable, but Uber or red official taxis are easier for longer trips. At night call a car instead of walking empty streets.
- What is the emergency number in San José?
- Emergency: 911.
- Do you tip in San José?
- A 10% service charge is added by law.
Nearby cities
Managua · Panama City · Tegucigalpa · San Salvador · Guatemala City · Cartagena · Belmopan · Medellín
All cities