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San José, the capital of Costa Rica
Flag of Costa Rica Capital of Costa Rica

San José

San José is the capital city of Costa Rica, located in the heart of Central America. As the nation's primary urban centre, it serves as the cultural and economic hub of the country.

Photo: Alejandro Álvarez Taborda (Aleat88) (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
342,188 (city, 2018)
Currency
Costa Rican colón (CRC)
Language
Spanish
Timezone
CST (UTC-6)
Local time now
22:51:36

Hotels in San José

San José offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Costa Rica's capital. From the Royal Garden Hotel and Hotel Avenida Central to Hotel Metropolitano, Hotel Berlin, and Hotel Boston, travellers can find suitable lodging throughout the city. See all hotels →

Royal Garden Hotel
127 m from centre
Hotel Avenida Central
151 m from centre
Hotel Metropolitano
164 m from centre

Airports in San José

San José is served by two international airports: Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría and Aeropuerto Internacional Tobías Bolaños. These airports provide connections for travelers visiting Costa Rica's capital city and surrounding regions. See all airports →

Aeropuerto Internacional Tobías Bolaños
7.1 km from centre
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría
15.6 km from centre

Car Hire in San José

San José offers several car rental options to suit your travel needs. Major providers including Thrifty, National Rent A Car, Solid Car Rental, Discount Car Rental, and Budget operate in the city, giving you flexibility to explore Costa Rica at your own pace. See all car hire →

Thrifty
821 m from centre
National Rent A Car
964 m from centre
Solid Car Rental
1.3 km from centre
Discount Car Rental
1.3 km from centre

Things to Do in San José

San José offers visitors a variety of cultural and recreational attractions to explore. From monuments like Monumento a La Chola to parks and public spaces such as Al Trabajador and Juan Pablo II, the capital provides plenty of opportunities to experience local culture and history. See all things to do →

Al Trabajador
30 m from centre
Juan Pablo II
66 m from centre
Obispo Bernardo Augusto Thiel Hoffman
72 m from centre
Mons. Juan Gaspar Stork Werth
88 m from centre
Monumento a La Chola
164 m from centre
Juan Mora Fernández
218 m from centre

Restaurants in San José

San José offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from local favorites to international chains. Whether you're looking for casual dining at establishments like Spoon and Vishnu, or exploring options such as La Terraza, Choko, and Pizza Hut, the city provides various culinary experiences for visitors and residents alike. See all restaurants →

La Terraza
regional · 78 m from centre
Choko
mediterranean · 128 m from centre
Spoon
141 m from centre

Swimming Pools in San José

San José offers several swimming pools for residents and visitors, including facilities such as Piscina Claudia Poll, Piscina Sylvia Poll, Piscina AGECO, and Piscina María del Milagro París. These venues provide opportunities for swimming and aquatic recreation throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Piscina Claudia Poll
1.1 km from centre
Piscina Sylvia Poll
1.1 km from centre
Piscina AGECO
1.6 km from centre

Spas in San José

We're still gathering spas listings for San José — check back soon.

Nightlife in San José

San José's nightlife offers a diverse array of venues for evening entertainment. From dance clubs like CLub Arcadas and La Avispa to salsa-focused spots and discos such as Colageno's Disco Bar, the capital provides options for different tastes and atmospheres. See all nightlife →

CLub Arcadas
301 m from centre
La Avispa
322 m from centre
Salsa 54
389 m from centre

Bars in San José

San José offers a diverse bar scene for locals and visitors alike. From casual spots to lively venues, establishments like Golden Bar, Cervecería Calle Cimarrona, Bar Gran Papá, and Bar Erotica provide options throughout the city for an evening out. See all bars →

Avenida Uno
134 m from centre
Golden Bar
196 m from centre
Cervecería Calle Cimarrona
231 m from centre

Cafes in San José

San José offers a vibrant cafe culture with several well-established venues to explore. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee or a place to relax, cafes like Tostador, La Mancha, Alma de Café, Fud Fad, and the historic Rincón Retana desde 1943 provide excellent options throughout the city. See all cafes →

Tostador
146 m from centre
La Mancha
coffee_shop · 226 m from centre
Alma de Café
268 m from centre

Shopping in San José

San José offers a variety of shopping options for visitors and locals alike. From supermarkets like Gollo and Ekono to shopping centers such as Plaza Universal and Condominio Las Américas, the capital has retail destinations to suit different needs and budgets. See all shopping →

Gollo
98 m from centre
Condominio Las Américas
197 m from centre
Ekono
205 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in San José

San José offers several green spaces and wildlife attractions for nature enthusiasts. Visit Parque Central de San José, Plaza Juan Mora, Parque Castro Madriz, and the Acuario to experience the city's natural offerings. See all nature & wildlife →

Parque Central de San José
0 m from centre
Plaza Juan Mora
222 m from centre
Parque Castro Madriz
225 m from centre
Boulevard Del Correo
291 m from centre
Acuario
300 m from centre
Plaza de la Cultura
301 m from centre

Climate snapshot

San José experiences a tropical highland climate with relatively mild temperatures year-round due to its elevation. The city has distinct wet and dry seasons, with the rainy season bringing lush green landscapes and the dry season offering clearer skies.

Frequently Asked Questions About San José

What is the capital of Costa Rica?

San José is the capital city of Costa Rica, serving as the nation's primary urban and administrative centre.

What currency is used in San José?

The currency used in San José is the Costa Rican colón, the official currency of Costa Rica.

What language is spoken in San José?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in San José, as it is the official language of Costa Rica.

Which region of Central America is San José in?

San José is located in Costa Rica, a country in Central America situated between Nicaragua and Panama.

What is the timezone for San José?

San José operates on Central Time (America/Costa_Rica timezone), which is UTC-6 year-round.

Map of San José

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