- San José City
San José is the most cosmopolitan city in Costa Rica, and travelers through the region find that it offers the most rewarding restaurants, hotels and nightlife venues between Mexico and Bogotá, Columbia. At first, some visitors may be less than enchanted by the urban sprawl, but once they get into areas like the Plaza de la Cultura and Paseo Colón, they find that much of city’s charm is easy to enjoy on foot. Quality museums are definitely in abundance, with the best being the Jade Museum and the Costa Rican Art Museum. However, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum is a must-see, displaying intricate gold replicas of animals that once served the ancient Diquis inhabitants as religious symbols. Parque Nacional and Parque La Sabana provide green spaces for unwinding, and travelers wanting to get off the beaten path should opt for a cruise around the Gulf of Nicoya or a trip to La Paz Waterfall. The Escazú neighborhood plays host to many fine restaurants, but remember to bring your wallet since the meals can get expensive. For a more economical meal, duck into one of the many cafés for a plato del día. After dinner, escape into one San José’s nightspots for dancing and people watching. Two of the best areas are Los Yoses and San Pedro, which cater to the student population. The Mercado Central market is best if you are shopping for variety, but most neighborhoods offer a few intriguing stores. Whether just passing through or planning an extended stay, visitors find that San José is an oasis in a sparsely populated region.
