Historic Amón district showcases San José's elegant colonial architecture through beautifully preserved mansions with ornate facades and wrought-iron balconies. Art galleries display vibrant Costa Rican works in heritage buildings while boutique hotels occupy restored historic structures. Tree-lined streets connect cultural attractions within easy walking distance. The National Music Centre anchors Amón's thriving arts scene alongside TEOR/éTica and numerous galleries. Upscale restaurants serve creative Costa Rican cuisine in atmospheric settings. Visitors appreciate the neighborhood's sophisticated yet relaxed vibe, perfect for cultural exploration away from downtown's bustle.
La Sabana offers an urban oasis centred around San José's largest metropolitan park. This leafy area combines culture and recreation with the National Stadium and Costa Rica Art Museum. Local life thrives in upscale residential areas away from tourist crowds. The sprawling 72-acre park features manicured lawns, jogging paths, and an artificial lake. Catch exciting football matches at the stadium or explore contemporary art in the converted airport terminal. Two convenient train stations make exploring San José simple, with city centre just a short ride away.
La California pulses with nightlife energy where university students and creative locals mingle. Street art covers building walls while music spills from packed clubs and intimate venues. This trendy district near the University of Costa Rica offers an authentic slice of San José's youthful culture. Visitors can explore museums by day and enjoy the neighborhood's vibrant bar scene after dark. Budget-friendly eateries serve everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to late-night street food. The compact, walkable streets make it easy to experience this bohemian hub's unique atmosphere.
Barrio Escalante blends historic charm with San José's most exciting food scene. Beautiful colonial mansions now house award-winning restaurants and craft breweries along the famous "Calle de la Amargura." Tree-lined streets create a perfect backdrop for evening strolls between cocktail bars and gourmet eateries. This trendy area balances sophisticated local hangouts with tourist-friendly spots without losing its authentic character. Restored early 20th-century architecture features pastel facades and tropical garden courtyards. Visitors can easily explore on foot or catch frequent buses to city centre San José.
Discover the most popular places to visit in San José
Sabana Park
8.8/10 (1,549 reviews)
This urban oasis serves as San José's green lungs with tree-lined paths and an artificial lake. Explore the Costa Rican Art Museum within the park or join locals for weekend sports on the expansive fields.
National Stadium of Costa Rica
8.8/10 (1,847 reviews)
Costa Rica's premier sporting venue sits majestically in La Sabana Metropolitan Park. Experience the nation's passion for football during a match or enjoy concerts in this modern 2011 stadium.
Photo by Garrett Britton
Open Photo by Garrett Britton
Parque Viva
8.0/10 (6 reviews)
Parque Viva combines a world-class amphitheatre, convention centre, and racetrack in one versatile complex. Experience premier concerts with excellent acoustics or exciting motorsport events in this Central American hub.
Central Park
8.8/10 (1,177 reviews)
San José's Parque Central offers a historic plaza experience with its iconic 1944 concrete-arched bandstand. Relax under palm trees while exploring nearby cultural landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Multiplaza Mall Escazu
9.0/10 (1,325 reviews)
Costa Rica's largest and most luxurious shopping centre offers international brands in a modern setting. Enjoy upscale dining options and catch the latest films at the state-of-the-art cinema.
Avenida Escazú Shopping Center
9.2/10 (410 reviews)
Avenida Escazú combines upscale shopping with green spaces in a modern lifestyle centre. Stroll through pedestrian walkways adorned with art installations while exploring high-end boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
Parque Nacional Volcan Irazu
9.0/10 (222 reviews)
Explore Costa Rica's highest active volcano featuring a vivid green crater lake. Stroll brief trails to scenic overlooks where, on clear mornings, both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans are visible.
Costa Rica Convention Center
8.4/10 (107 reviews)
This modern convention centre showcases Costa Rica's commitment to sustainability with eco-friendly design. Business travellers value its strategic location near San José and the international airport.
What to do in San José
San Jose: Central Market Bites and Sights Walking Tour
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You can snap up a holiday package to this top destination on Expedia. But how much your holiday to San José costs will depend on the season, length of stay and hotel choice.
What are the cheapest months to go to San José?
If you're looking to score a cheap San José holiday package, consider planning a trip in September, October and November. You'll usually find lower rates on flights and hotels during these quieter months — perfect for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for San José?
San José holidays come in many shapes and sizes, but to really get a feel for this destination, we think 2 days is about right. This will mean you can fit in top attractions like Refugio Animal de Costa Rica and Melico Salazar Theatre along with underrated gems. Don't forget to explore neighbourhoods such as Carmen and San Rafael either. If you're smart with your time, you can even schedule a day trip or two from San José too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to San José?
During your San José holiday, you can look forward to experiencing some excellent history and dining. Leave enough time in your itinerary to check out major attractions like Sabana Park and San Pedro Mall.
How to find the best San José package deals?
Finding a cheap San José package deal is a cinch with Expedia. After you've entered your travel dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can personalise your search by "Property class," "Number of bedrooms," "Traveller experience" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most pocket-friendly San José package deals. Want a simple trick to get even more savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider travelling on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a San José holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you considerable savings when compared to booking accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can tailor your San José trip to fit your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to San José?
If you're planning a spur-of-the-moment San José trip, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Don't want to leave things to the last minute? You can find amazing deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to San José?
Choose when to go: Check your schedule and pack your bags. Your favourite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to San José.
Set a budget: Factor in expenses like transportation, flights and meals when working out how much to set aside for your trip to San José. Then, select a property that matches your budget, whether that's an economical option or a high-end getaway.
Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about San José, you can figure out the ideal length of your holiday. Pull together a rough plan and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to do.
Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, car rental, hotels and more into a tailored San José holiday package.