San José Spotlight

At the heart of the country, geographically, culturally, and socially, San José is the capital and most significant city in Costa Rica. The Juan Santamaria Airport is one of two international airports, and is a likely port of entry for most international travelers. If you do begin your journey in San José, we highly recommend you spend a few days exploring its various barrios or neighborhoods. Like any other metropolis, each of San José’s barrios has its own flavor, with varying histories, demographics, and concentrations of activities to explore. 

Chepe

The center of San José, commonly known as “Chepe” or “el Centro,” is the business and political district. Some of Costa Rica’s biggest and most significant cultural and commercial institutions call Chepe home, such as the National Museum and the Avenida Central pedestrian mall. Although safe, lively, and inviting during the day, few residents actually live in the downtown core, making it uninviting at night. Although there are a few well-regarded hotels in the barrio, it is generally advisable to stay just outside of the neighborhood in one of its bordering communities where night and residential life are abundant. The most famous corner of town is at the center, know as the Plaza de la Cultura. This open square is the ideal place to begin walking from, exploring the various museums, streets, and shops that span from the square and through the heart of the city. 

Barrio Amón

On the north end of downtown, Barrio Amón is an upscale neighborhood full of historic colonial buildings. If wandering and finding local hidden gems is more your pace while exploring a new city, Barrio Amón is a must-see. It is home to numerous cafés, shops, and bistros, all lined around beautiful colonial buildings and under dense tree canopies. The best local art galleries are scattered throughout the barrio, where you can pick up some of the most beautiful souvenirs from your trip. 

San Pedro

Located on the eastern end of San José, San Pedro is an upper middle class neighborhood. Home to the University of Costa Rica, San Pedro is famous for its young and hipster vibe, housed by a mix of well-off families and young students. San Pedro is an excellent place to stay in San José for those keen to explore the city’s nightlife full of a mix of tourists and locals. Calle de la Amargura is the best street to party in San José, and is known throughout the country for its dancing scene. 

Los Yoses

Les Yoses is also on the eastern side of San José but much quieter than San Pedro. This area is full of older and larger, multi-generational family homes. The main benefit of Los Yoses is the combination of quiet, residential living with the convenience of being a short walk or drive from the buzzier, San Pedro barrio. This neighborhood is more economical in terms of accommodations and quieter than the other neighborhoods in the area, making it both the ideal place for backpackers and those looking for a slower vacation where they can sink into life in San José. 

Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante is most comparable to Los Yoses, also full of larger, quiet residential streets with convenient access to the excitement of Los Yoses. The Main Street, Calle 33, is a pedestrian’s dream, full of bars, cafés, restaurants, and local shops. This neighborhood draws in tourists and locals of all sorts, from backpackers to young families. If you stay in or near Calle 33, you can take advantage of Barrio Escalante’s locally-famous nightlife that satisfies all sorts of evening-dwellers, whether you’re looking for the dinner of a lifetime or a night exploring San Jose’s local live music. 

La Sabana

La Sabana is on the western end of San José, known for its beautiful and expansive La Sabana Park. The “Central Park” of San José, La Sabana Park is full of scenic eucalyptus trees surrounding its lake. Technically divided into two neighborhoods, Sabana Norte and Sabana Sud, this neighborhood is ideal for those who want to stay in a residential area within walking distance of the bustle of downtown. It is close to some of the best theaters, operas, and restaurants in San José. La Sabana is unique for its upscale urban development, amenities, and walkability, making it ideal for travelers looking to explore the finest that San José has to offer.

Rohrmoser

Home to embassies, expats, and the historically upwardly-mobile, Rohromser is just west of La Sabana. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in San José, especially for tourists. Rohrmoser is known for its laid back atmosphere without sacrificing any of the conveniences of city life. Rohrmoser used to be full of coffee plantations before the Rohrmoser family began developing these fields into one of the first master-planned neighborhoods in the city. There are several smaller barrios which collectively make up the Rohrmoser barrio, each with a slightly different feel. Despite its residential-dominated streets, this area is primely located for those looking to be in a walkable but quiet district. 

Escazú

Escazú is the other major expat neighborhood in San José. Lovingly referred to as “Little America,” Escazù is full of Americans who have chosen to call San José home. If you’re looking for luxury, Escazù is the right barrio, full of premium hotels, country clubs, and fine dining restaurants. This neighborhood also boasts the best shopping mall in the city, the Multiplaza Escazú, which is a major hub for commerce and dining in the area. Deeper into the neighborhood is the scenic Old Colonial Escazu, with stunning views of the Central Valley, smaller restaurants and accommodations, and some of the best hiking in the city itself. 

Santa Ana

Roughly 15 minutes by car from Chepe, Santa Ana is a suburban neighborhood further into the Central Mountain Range. For those looking to embed themselves in higher-scale San José life while on vacation, such as enjoying traditional architecture, horseback riding, or golfing, Santa Ana is the ideal barrio to seek accommodations in. Due to its location slightly out of the city’s core, Santa Ana is known for its natural scenery and idyllic weather further elevated from the core of the Central Valley. 

San José is a city you could visit time and time again without seeing everything that it has to offer. Regardless of your interests, budget, and timelines, it is one of Costa Rica’s must-see destinations in order to thoroughly enjoy and experience its tico culture. Whether you plan on bouncing between neighborhoods, exploring the core for a day, or driving through it on your way to other beautiful destinations throughout the country, Nature Ways Travel can help you make the most of your visit to this Latin American hub. 

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