San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is often overlooked by travelers eager to explore the country’s stunning beaches and lush rainforests.
If you find yourself with a day or two to spare in San Jose, do not miss the opportunity to explore the city and find some interesting activities close to city.
But is San Jose, Costa Rica worth visiting?
In this article, we share our recommendations and guide you through an itinerary that help you plan 2 days in San Jose, Costa Rica, ensuring that you make the most of your time in the city.
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Our Top Picks for 2 Days in San Jose, Costa Rica
✨ Top Things to do in San Jose in 2 Days:
🏛️ Explore the city center and the museums.
🚶🏽♀️Take a guided walk as an introduction to the local markets, landmarks of central San Jose and food of Costa Rica.
🌋 Go for a day trip from San Jose, a bit of top things in Costa Rica – Volcano Crater, Waterfalls, Wildlife and Coffee Farm.
🍹🍽️ Try the Costa Rican dishes at some of the top restaurants like Grano de Oro, Sikwa, Silvestre, or check out the restaurants in Barrio Escalante or Escazu areas.
🏨 Where to stay in San Jose: You can choose your accommodation in various areas:
- Near the San Jose Airport
- Downtown (with caution at night): Gran Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton
- Parque la Sabana or Rohrmoser: Hotel Grano de Oro
- Escazu: Posada el Quijote
🚖 Getting Around: Take app-based cabs or red taxis. Otherwise renting a car is the best way to explore Costa Rica in general.
Is San Jose Worth Visiting?
Many travelers debate whether San Jose is worth their time as part of their Costa Rica itinerary.
While the city may not have the same obvious appeal as the country’s natural wonders, it offers a unique perspective on Costa Rican culture and history.
🏛️ San Jose is home to some nice museums, local markets, and interesting restaurants or food streets, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in a more well-rounded Costa Rican experience.
| Where? | Landmarks |
|---|---|
| City Center & Around | – National Theater – Plaza de la Cultura – BCCR office and Los Presentes Statue – ‘La Chola’ Statue – Central Market – Parque Nacional – Parque Central de San Jose – Metropolitan Cathedral |
| Museums | – National Museum – Jade Museum – Pre-Colombian Gold Museum – Children’s Museum |
| Parque la Sabana & Around | – Contemporary Art Museum – La Sabana Park – National Stadium |
🌋 Additionally, the city serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poás Volcano National Park.
✔️ We do not want to oversell San Jose, but if you can fit in a day or 2 in your itinerary, go for it!
How Many Days Do You Need in San Jose, Costa Rica?
You can keep a day for the city and another day for a day trip if you are trying to fit it in a 10 days to 2 weeks itinerary.
So, keep 2 days for San Jose before you explore the other parts of the country.
If you are planning to stick to urban amenities (shopping malls, multiplex, etc.) or are visiting for business purposes, you can use San Jose or the neighboring cities like Heredia, Alajuela or Cartago as your base for day trips.
Also, San Jose is a nice place to spend longer as a slow traveler or digital nomad in Latin America.
✅ 1 to 2 days in San Jose, Costa Rica, is good enough as part of a 1-week or 2-weeks itinerary of Costa Rica from San Jose.
How to Spend 2 Days in San Jose, Costa Rica?
Our suggested itinerary for San Jose is designed to help you make the most of your limited time in the city.
During the 2 days, you get to explore the core of the capital and its busy life, while checking out the iconic old buildings of San Jose, try out some local delicacies in the city’s top restaurants and find some of the highlights of Costa Rica on a day trip.
If you do not have the time to read everything right now, pin this for later 📌
Here is a quick summary of the 2-day San Jose itinerary, and for all the detailed suggestions, keep reading.
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | – Guided walk of city center, local markets and local food – Explore the museum(s) of San Jose: pick the National Museum or the Jade Museum |
| Day 2 | Go for a Day Trip from San Jose – Volcano, Waterfalls and Coffee |
Day 1: Walk and Explore San Jose in the Morning
Begin your day with a leisurely walk around the city center, taking in the busy local life and the old architecture.
Do not miss the National Theater, a beautiful neoclassical building that hosts a variety of cultural events.
For a more in-depth exploration of the city, consider joining a guided walking tour. These tours typically last 2-3 hours and provide fascinating insights into San Jose’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
If you wish to go for a guided walk, we recommend this one that mixes history, stories of the city with some bites in the Central Market and trying your hand at making empanadas with some Costa Rican coffee.
Book the San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour here →
Day 1: Lunch Time
After a morning of exploration, treat yourself to a delicious typical lunch at one of San Jose’s many excellent restaurants.
For traditional Costa Rican fare, head to Nuestra Tierra or La Criollita.
They serve up classic dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast and casado (a platter featuring rice, beans, meat, and plantains) for lunch.
Day 1: Afternoon at a Museum
In the afternoon, visit one of San Jose’s many museums. We recommend checking out the National Museum and/or the Jade Museum.
The popular option is the National Museum, which showcases Costa Rica’s history from pre-Columbian times to the present day. We liked how they put together the displays in a chronological order that makes you traverse through the history of the country.
For the first time travelers in Costa Rica, pick the National Museum if you wish to learn more about the history and cultural aspects of the country.
🕰️ National Museum Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
- Sunday: 9 am to 4.30 pm
- Monday – Closed
If you want to see some interesting artifacts, we like how Jade Museum has curated their collection. It houses world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts.
🕰️ Jade Museum Hours: All days of the week, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
✅ You can squeeze both the museums in 3.5 to 4 hours, if you stick to the overviews.
Day 1: Evening at a Restaurant in Barrio Escalante
As the sun sets, get to one of San Jose’s favorite restaurant neighborhoods for dinner and drinks.
Barrio Escalante is a neighborhood full of excellent restaurants of various cuisines, bars and dessert shops.
You can take a walk on the streets of Barrio Escalante, browse the menus, and pick a spot for the night.
💡 We sometimes hop restaurants in Barrio Escalante, trying drinks, dishes and desserts from different places.
Day 2: Day Trip from San Jose – Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Coffee Farm
On your second day in San Jose, go for a day trip that combines the natural wonders with a taste of Costa Rica’s famous coffee culture.
The highlights of this day will be Poas Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfall Gardens and visiting a Coffee Farm.
If you are not renting a car, book this guided tour that takes care of the transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, including hotel pick and drop.
The price of the tour also includes all entrance tickets, lunch and of course, the services of a professional guide.
Book Poas + La Paz + Coffee Farm Day Trip from San Jose →However, if you are renting a car, this is how you can plan your day trip from San Jose to visit Poas, La Paz and other attractions in the area.
🚘 Book here to 10% discount and other benefits on your Costa Rica rental car → (Reserve at least 24 hours in advance)
Poas Volcano National Park
Start your morning by heading to the stunning Poás Volcano National Park, just a short drive from the city. The Poas Volcano is an active volcano and has one of the largest craters in the world.
You can observe the volcanic activities and the crater pool from an observation deck on a clear day.
There is bit of luck involved. When we visited the Poas volcano the first time, the crater was covered in clouds.
We were able to see the crater on our second visit though.
From the parking lot to the observation deck, it is a 10-15 minutes easy walk on a flat paved surface.
You will get a safety helmet at the office when you arrive during your slot.
Couple of things to know before planning a visit to the Poas Volcano National Park –
- Get your ticket online in advance to ensure a slot to see the volcano crater.
- You need to book the ticket online on the official SINAC website.
- Sometimes, the Poas Volcano can be closed due to increased volcanic activities. Check SINAC before planning.
- Reach on time as per your booked slot as you need to get your safety helmet and instructions accordingly.
🕰️ Poas Volcano National Park Hours: All days of the week, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Next, make your way to the enchanting La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you will find yourself surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and a series of stunning waterfalls.
There are well-maintained trails that lead you through the gardens and an animal sanctuary where you can observe rescued Costa Rican wildlife that include birds like Toucans and Macaws, animals like Sloths and different species of Monkeys and predators like Jaguar and Puma, to list a few. Also there are butterfly and hummingbird gardens.
The series of 5 waterfalls can be accessed by stairs and going down all the way to the last waterfall at the bottom of the garden.
Lunch Time
You can choose to have lunch at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It is a decent buffet spread where you can try Costa Rican dishes along with other general universal dishes.
We can recommend another option Soda y Mirador Cinchona, which is on the road few kilometers from the La Paz Waterfall Gardens exit.
The dining area of Cinchona offers beautiful views of mountains and valley, where dozens of birds flutter around. You can also see the San Fernando waterfall in the distance.
Visit a Costa Rica Coffee Farm
After a morning full of natural beauty, it is time to discover the secrets behind Costa Rica’s world-renowned coffee. Visit a local coffee farm, where you learn about the entire process, from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing.
As you walk through the plantation, your guide will share fascinating insights into the history and importance of coffee in Costa Rican culture.
You get to sample some of the farm’s freshly brewed coffee, allowing you to taste beans of different types and explore the traditional production methods.
Day 2: Evening at a Restaurant in the Escazu Area
The Escazu area houses upscale eateries and several specialty restaurants.
It is not as consolidated as Barrio Escalante, but you can find several restaurant markets such as El Mestizo in Avenida Escazu, eateries in the Multiplaza Escazu, as well as standalone restaurants.
Where to Eat in San Jose, Costa Rica
San Jose has lots of interesting restaurants, cafes, upscale food courts, and markets serving local dishes as well as international cuisines.
High-end Restaurants
These restaurants serve local and international cuisines and are known for their ingredients, flavors and innovation.
📍Sikwa: Ranked as one of the top restaurants in Latin America. It is a gourmet restaurant showcasing indigenous Costa Rican ingredients and techniques in a modern setting.
📍Grano de Oro: It is the on-site restaurant of the Hotel Grano de Oro. They serve a mix of Costa Rican dishes along with French and Mediterranean options.
📍Silvestre: Fine dining establishment offering creative dishes inspired by Costa Rican flavors and traditions.
📍El Taller de Billy Sazon: They serve inventive Costa Rican cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, calling them ‘Costa Rican Modernist Cuisine’.
Other Interesting Options
🍝 Tin Jo: Offers a variety of Asian dishes from China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam in a lush garden setting.
🏞️ Mirador (View) Restaurants: If you are up for a bit of driving in the hills, the restaurants with views of the Central Valley are amazing places for dining.
We love Ram Luna for the food, ambience and the views, however, the drive is through winding hilly roads.
🥩 El Novillo Alegre Sabana: If you are interested in trying some good steak, this Argentinian restaurant offers grilled meats in a cozy atmosphere. They have a branch in Escazu, in case that area works better for you.
🥗 Arbol de Seda: We are not vegans or vegetarians, but we liked Arbol de Seda for the falafel wraps, quesadillas and vegan alternative of Costa Rican dishes in an artsy and inclusive setting.
Left: Pina Colada with a view, in San Jose. Right: Us, on a lunch date at Ram Luna restaurant.
The Food Streets and Markets
🍍Central Market: This is the century-old bustling market in downtown, which you can visit during the day. Try interest things to eat, like a different version of Gallo Pinto at Soda Tala, or the unique ice cream at La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora.
🏘️ Barrio Escalante: The neighborhood of Barrio Escalante is a restaurant hub few kilometers from the downtown. You can find all types of cuisines including multiple vegan restaurants, beer factory, and ice cream shops in one neighborhood.
👩🏽🍳 El Mestizo, Escazu: The Escazu area is full of restaurants of various cuisines and if you want to try different cuisine in one place, check the Food Market or Mercado Gastronomico called El Mestizo.
How to Get Around San Jose, Costa Rica?
You can take app-based taxis or the red taxis to move around San Jose, which are available everywhere.
However, the best way to travel in Costa Rica, is to rent a car. The public transport system is not the best in Costa Rica, in general.
✅ Recommended: Adobe Rent A Car, a 100% Costa Rican company with transparent pricing. Reserve here and get 10% discount and other freebies
🚗 Other options: Compare deals on Rentalcars.com by Booking.com
Read this: Should you rent a car in Costa Rica?
Public Parking Areas
Be aware of the parking areas, particularly in the central part of Costa Rica.
There are designated parking places, that charges for parking on a per hour basis. Look for the ‘Parqueo’ sign, park the car in the designated spaces, get a slip that mentions the time and pay when it is time to drive out.
In other places, you can park on the road at designated places. You will find persons that help you park and look after the cars for tips.
Where to Stay in San Jose, Costa Rica?
When visiting San Jose, choosing the right location and accommodation can make a significant difference in your overall experience.
Here are some of the areas to stay in San Jose, along with a few suggested accommodations for each:
Downtown San Jose
It is at the heart of action, and walkable to the interesting landmarks like the National Theater and museums like Jade and the National Museum.
🏨 Gran Hotel – Curio Collection by Hilton: The luxury option at the city center
🏨 BEE Suites Escalante: Another option with great amenities in Barrio Escalante, the restaurant neighborhood
Escazu or Santa Ana:
The upscale neighborhood is known for the shopping malls, fine-dining restaurants, upscale food courts, and cafes.
🏨 Posada el Quijote: The colonial style boutique hotel in a beautiful setting.
🏨 Studio Hotel: A boutique hotel in the Santa Ana neighborhood, that features a rooftop swimming pool, in-house gym among other amenities.
Near Parque la Sabana or Rohrmoser:
The neighborhood is in a greener part of San Jose although not too far from the downtown.
🏨 Grano de Oro Hotel: A luxury hotel with one of the top restaurants of San Jose.
Near San Jose Airport – SJO (Juan Santamaria International Airport)
The San Jose Airport, to be specific, is located in Alajuela, a neighboring town of San Jose. The San Jose downtown is around 20 minutes drive from the airport in light traffic conditions.
Read our article on recommendations on where to stay near the San Jose Airport.
Is San Jose, Costa Rica Safe?
San Jose, like many capital cities around the world, has its share of safety concerns. However, with proper precautions and awareness, visitors can generally experience a safe and enjoyable stay in the city.
The majority of crimes in San Jose are petty and opportunistic, such as pickpocketing and theft.
Safety Do’s for San Jose
🔆 Stay in well-lit and populated areas: Stick to main streets and tourist-friendly neighborhoods, especially at night.
🧐 Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to your belongings and the people around you, particularly in crowded areas like markets and public transportation.
💎 Keep valuables secure: Use hotel safes for passports, important documents, and other valuables like jewelry. Carry only the essentials when out and about, and keep the rest in a secure, hidden place.
🚖 Use official taxis: Look for red taxis with yellow triangles on the doors, and make sure the driver uses the meter. Uber is also available in San Jose.
🗣️ Learn some basic Spanish: Knowing a few key phrases can help you communicate with locals and navigate the city more easily.
Safety Don’ts for San Jose
❌ Don’t flash valuables: Avoid drawing attention to expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronic devices, as this can make you a target for theft.
❌ Don’t walk alone at night: If you must go out at night, stick to well-lit areas and consider taking a taxi or Uber. Check with your accommodation first if the neighboring streets are safe to walk at night.
❌ Don’t carry large amounts of cash: Only carry what you need for the day, and consider using credit cards for larger purchases.
✔️ By following these basic safety guidelines and using common sense, you can minimize safety risks and enjoy your time in San Jose.
Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We recommend:
✈️ Heymondo for short trips or long term travel (no deductibles, 24/7 worldwide support for any kind of medical assistance)
💻 SafetyWing for digital nomads (add-on options: adventure sports, electronics theft)
Exclusive for Paradise Catchers Readers: Get 5% off on Heymondo (discount automatically applied, not applicable for US residents)
What Next after San Jose?
After San Jose, you will of course be venturing out for more adventure in Costa Rica.
If you are visiting Costa Rica for the first time, chances are that your next destination will be La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio.
Check our itinerary ideas from San Jose.
San Jose is also a good starting point for your journey to many other parts of Costa Rica, in all directions:
Check out our destination guides for many of those popular places:
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Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
- Tours: When traveling to new destinations, you can plan ahead and book your activities. Check for highly rated tours on Viator and Get Your Guide.
- Packing: From swimwear to sunscreen, hiking pants to insect repellents, buy your vacation packing essentials on Amazon.
- Flights: We always start our flight searches with Skyscanner and Momondo. They are aggregators that display flight options, compiling information across airlines and combinations. What we like the best about these flight aggregators is that you can put “Anywhere” as your destination, so that you find the best flight deals from your city of departure.
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