Strolling through San José, Costa Rica’s capital, can feel like wandering between two worlds. By day, lush parks, nearby volcanoes, and bird‑filled hills invite you to trade city sounds for bird calls and greenery. By night, the city pulses with energy—salsa bars, rooftop lounges, late dinner crowds, and craft‑beer brewers all beckon you to dance until dawn.
Whether you’re craving early‑morning hikes or late‑night cocktails, San José serves up both sides of Costa Rican life with effortless flair. Let’s chart a course through the best neighborhoods, hotels, and experiences to soak in both nature and nightlife. You’ll get the vivid low‑down on where to stay, what to do, and how to weave in memorable tours and dinners.
And because this is an affiliate guide, I’ve put top-tier hotel booking links and top experience links right here—to help you click, book, and get out exploring straight away.
Top Hotels
- Hotel Grano de Oro
- Finca Rosa Blanca Plantation & Inn
- Park Inn San José by Radisson
- Hyatt Centric San José Escazú
Top Experiences
- San José: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
- San José: Nighttime Food Culture Tour with Cocktail Class
- Tortuga Island Day Trip with Snorkeling from San José
- San José Clubbing & Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour
Downtown San José & La Sabana Area
How to Get to Downtown & La Sabana
Touching down at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you’ll find yourself just a 20-minute taxi ride away from downtown San José and the scenic La Sabana area. Ubers are widely available and often cheaper than traditional taxis. If you’re arriving late, many hotels offer pre-arranged shuttle services. This part of the city is well-connected by public buses, too, though a car service makes your arrival much smoother after a long flight.
Where to Stay
For travelers wanting a well-located home base that feels both lush and central, Hotel Grano de Oro is a standout. Tucked inside a restored Victorian mansion, this boutique gem marries old-world design with tropical charm. You’re just a short walk from Paseo Colón and Avenida Central—prime nightlife real estate.
Another strong option is the Park Inn by Radisson San José, a contemporary hotel located just minutes from La Sabana Metropolitan Park, San José’s version of Central Park. Here, early risers can jog among locals and exotic birds, while night owls will appreciate the quick cab ride to Barrio Escalante’s trendy beer gardens.
For mid-range travelers seeking comfort without the frills, both of these options offer unbeatable locations and walkability, allowing you to transition between peaceful green spaces and vibrant nightlife easily.
Best Things to Do in Downtown & La Sabana
Wake up early and stroll through La Sabana Metropolitan Park, where morning yoga classes and tai chi sessions happen in open-air clearings. If you’re into culture, the Costa Rican Art Museum, located right at the park’s edge, features some beautiful murals and sculptures that chronicle the country’s post-colonial history.
Feeling peckish? Start your afternoon with a culinary deep-dive on the San José: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour. This tour winds through Mercado Central—smelling of fried empanadas and fresh cilantro—before dropping you off near historical landmarks like the National Theater and Plaza de la Cultura.
Once the sun sets, it’s time to dive into the city’s pulsing nightlife. A great way to warm up is with the Nighttime Food Culture Tour with Cocktail Class. Learn to make Costa Rica’s version of a mojito—sometimes mixed with guaro, a sugarcane liquor—and try a candle-lit ceviche course before heading out to dance.
Escazú & the San Rafael Hills
How to Get to Escazú
From downtown San José or SJO Airport, it’s a 15–25 minute Uber ride to Escazú, depending on traffic. You’ll quickly notice the altitude change as the city noise fades into tranquil hillside views. This affluent suburb has its cosmopolitan pulse, but it’s removed enough to offer a peaceful escape from the capital’s busy rhythm.
Where to Stay
Settle in at the Hyatt Centric San José Escazú, one of the area’s most elegant properties. Rooms here come with panoramic windows that overlook San José’s skyline by night and verdant ridges by day. You’re also within a few minutes’ walk of Escazú Village and Multiplaza Mall, both filled with lively restaurants and upscale bars.
Don’t be surprised if your hotel concierge offers custom spa treatments or wine tastings—Escazú tends to lean into luxury. The whole district feels like a modern, hilly oasis, making it ideal for travelers who want just a hint of L.A. with their Costa Rican escape.
Best Things to Do in Escazú
Morning in Escazú starts best with a walk along its leafy neighborhoods or a hike in the nearby Cerro Pico Blanco area. Some of the best views of the Central Valley can be found from here, especially if you start your day early enough to catch the mist rising from the forest.
Afternoons are perfect for sipping coffee at Cafeoteca, renowned for its locally roasted beans and expertly crafted pour-over brews. If shopping is more your speed, explore boutique shops at Avenida Escazú or hit up the area’s high-end movie theaters—some even offer recliners and cocktails.
As night rolls in, check out La Posada de las Brujas, a longstanding favorite for its cozy ambiance and craft beer selection. Or join fellow travelers on the San José Clubbing & Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour. While it starts in downtown, many groups pass through Escazú’s hipper lounges as the night wears on.
Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation & Retreat
How to Get to Finca Rosa Blanca
Nestled in the rolling hills of Santa Bárbara de Heredia, Finca Rosa Blanca is a 25-minute drive from both the airport and San José proper. It’s easiest to reach by rental car or taxi, though many guests arrange for private transfers directly through the inn. If you’re booking day tours, most providers will include hotel pickup—even from this lush hillside hideaway.
Where to Stay
The Finca Rosa Blanca Plantation & Inn offers something rare: a luxurious escape that’s also deeply rooted in sustainability. With just 14 rooms, the vibe is intimate, romantic, and surrounded by endless green. Expect local art on the walls, tiled soaking tubs, and porches that seem to float above coffee trees and flower gardens.
The inn’s private coffee farm is more than decoration. You can tour it with a guide, sip fresh-roasted coffee you just watched being prepared, and even take part in the picking process depending on the season.
Best Things to Do at Finca Rosa Blanca
Start the day with a cup of estate-grown coffee and a swim in the mosaic-tiled spring-fed pool. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars—this place is known for its toucans, hummingbirds, and bright blue motmots.
Later, you might join a guided tour of the plantation or head into Heredia for a dose of local life. But don’t forget to leave a day for excursions like the Tortuga Island Snorkeling Tour with Lunch. This full-day escape includes hotel pickup, boat transport, lunch on the beach, and some of the most transparent snorkeling waters near the Central Valley.
In the evening, return to the inn for a quiet farm-to-table meal. If you’re itching for a final city night out, a cab into Escazú or downtown is easily arranged—meaning you don’t have to give up city fun entirely to enjoy the calm of the countryside.
Final Thoughts
San José is far more than a stopover—it’s where Costa Rica’s natural beauty meets its buzzing urban spirit. From morning hikes in La Sabana Park to rooftop cocktails in Escazú, or birdwatching at a coffee plantation followed by late-night street food downtown, this city delivers a dynamic blend of serenity and excitement. Each neighborhood offers its flavor: stay near downtown for walkable markets and museums, head to Escazú for panoramic views and upscale lounges, or retreat to Finca Rosa Blanca for tranquil greenery just outside the action.