Updated 11/2023

Fortunately, San José is a relatively safe city with pick-pocketing being a tourist's top concern. We sometimes see visitors so worried about safety they forget to have a great time. So, follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy the capital city and create positive memories. 


Keep That Cell Phone Under Control!
Many people don’t realize that they’re making themselves obvious targets for a street robbery. While at home, it might be normal to walk around chatting on your cell phone. Walking on the street, it’s a pretty sure way to get your phone stolen out of your hand. You’re not only showing off that you have a new iPhone, you’re walking around distracted and therefore won’t hear when someone walks up behind you. If you’re texting, it means you’re looking down and won’t see someone coming up to you. If you want to chat on your phone, step inside of a shop or stop at a café. If you’re using your phone as a map (a great thing to do!) try to have the route already mapped out and just glance at it from time to time. 

*If you have an unlocked phone it is totally worth getting a SIM card for your trip to have data wherever you are. We recommend Kolbi or Liberty, you can even get one in the airport. This will greatly alleviate stress during many parts of your trip. ​

Party Smartly 
San Jose has decent foot traffic in most areas until about 8 p.m. After that hour we recommend definitely taking a taxi or Uber, the latter preferable even if only a short distance. The golden rule is if no one else is on the street, don't walk down it. 

If you’re out at night, don’t accept drinks from strangers. If you’ve left your drink alone, its better to ditch it and buy a new one. 

If you'd like to meet local people, especially if traveling alone our tip is to arrive somewhere a little early, meet the service staff and ask for recommendations before they get busy. Going to see live music can be a great way to 'bump' into people, as well as stepping outside with the smokers. Ticos are more than happy to ask you about where you are from and if you have yet fallen in love with Costa Rica so find a way to start a conversation and enjoy making new friends!

Going out? Check out our post on the Best Bars in San José

Avoid the Taxi Runaround 
The old taxi meter scam is alive and well in San José. that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a cab - it just means you need to be smart. Only take official taxis. They’re bright red with yellow triangles on the side panels of the car. Before you get in the taxi, make sure the driver has a working meter (la maria). If he doesn’t, or says he can’t reset it, politely decline the ride.

Ask the driver if he knows the route to where you’re doing. If you have wifi, you can download the route on your phone and confer with him before hand. If you’ve downloaded the route on Google Maps, you can follow along on your progress even if you’re offline, to make sure you don’t get taken for a runaround.

If you think the taxi is ripping you off feel free to pay him the appropriate amount and then walk away, do not let his attitude/anger/etc. intimidate you. 

This potential runaround is our main motive for suggesting the use of Uber whenever possible. You must remember that if an Uber driver is caught it is illegal to offer transport services without being registered with the government and he will be fined. So, when using Uber learn your driver's name and get in the front seat. 
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Solo Female Travelers
Ladies rejoice - There are many things to do in San Jose and it's a great city for women traveling alone. Most Ticos are very educated, and will treat you with kindness and respect. It is the hub of activity and culture in the country and therefore affords many opportunities to connect with locals. 

Costa Rica still has its roots in Machismo - macho culture - so you might get catcalled as you're walking down the street. You could consider opting for wearing city attire vs. slinky beachwear. This will keep you warmer (San Jose is 3400 ft. above sea level) and reduce unwanted attention. ----Don't worry we are involved with various groups that focus on counter-machismo culture and we work on educating men about eliminating 'acoso callejero'. Let us put up the good fight and you enjoy your trip dressing for the amount of attention you want or don't. 

If you are looking to connect with other travelers or locals we recommend using Airbnb to connect with a host or following various Facebook venue or community pages ahead of your trip to see if there will be special events during your stay. Maybe you'll happen upon a mini craft beer festival or vegan taste-testing. 

Rental Cars
Our recommendation is to avoid having a rental car in San Jose. There are pick-up locations on Paseo Colon, it's easiest to get your car as you head out of the city or drop it before heading to airport. 

If you do have a rental car in San Jose you should know that you cannot leave it in the street unattended. There is an informal industry here of 'guachis' (pronounced watchees) that hang out in the street and watch cars. There is no actual guarantee your car will be safe but it's usually the only option if a parking lot is not nearby. You can pay them about 500 colones per hour as a general rate, pay when you leave. It usually comes down to whatever change you have in the car. 

Downtown San Jose also has lots of new metered spots. You must pay these (look for a machine a few blocks distance) or it is likely you will get a ticket. Unfortunately there is no security associated with it so you might also have to pay a guachi. 

Parking lots usually charge about 600 colones an hour and some will negotiate an overnight rate. 

When parking in the street or a lot you CANNOT leave anything in the car. A few dollars worth of valuables can help someone get the next high or meal. 

Be Sensible - Other Random Tips
As mentioned, San José is relatively safe. That doesn’t, however, mean that opportunists aren't out there. Just have a normal amount of caution when you’re out and about.

• Take a quick look around you before you take out an expensive camera to take a photo.
• Leaving your possessions alone on a table while you go to the restroom probably means they’ll magically get up and run away.
• Its best to carry a copy of your passport, and keep your passport locked up in the safe of your hotel room.
• Walk on the outside of the sidewalk as it's harder for someone to corner you, carry bags with strap across chest and bag in front. 
• Don't give anyone money in the street, especially if they speak English and have a story about needing bus money.

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Use common sense, and you’ll have a great time in Costa Rica’s capital city.

Traveling with children can always be a challenge. Thankfully, Latin American cultures are family oriented and therefore most restaurants, shops or tourist sites are very open to kids. Here are some of the best family-friendly places to visit in San José, Costa Rica .

The Children’s Museum    
Oddly enough, the children’s museum is located in what used to be a giant prison! In the early 1990s, after it had been abandoned for more than a decade, the space was remodeled into a children’s learning center. The Children’s Museum was, at the time, the first interactive museum in Central America. There are 40 interactive rooms where kids (and adults) can learn about topics like the universe, Costa Rica, animals, the natural world, recycling, electricity and more. 

Downtown - Street 4 and Av. 9
Tues-Fri 8AM-4:30PM; Sat-Sun 9:30AM-5PM
2258-4929
www.museocr.org

​Mantras
Rich smoothies and coffee creations paired with free range, locally sourced organic egg omelets, vegan breakfast burritos and heaps of vegan and gluten free sweets. This pet friendly, family friendly, vegan friendly spot is also - when compared to other trendy San Jose joints at least - rather reasonably priced. 

Barrio Escalante - Street 35 between Av 13 and 11
Open: 9:00AM - 5PM Daily
2253 6715; info@mantrasveggiecafe.com
https://www.facebook.com/mantrasveggiecafe/

Feria Verde 
Walking around the Feria Verde is a lovely thing to do in San Jose on a Saturday morning. Besides free tastings at the food stands, there’s live music, clothes and artisan goods on display and very good vibes. The Feria runs from 7:00AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays, and takes place at the Polideportivo at the back of Barrio Aranjuez. The Feria Verde is pet friendly and kid friendly, as well as a great place to sample locally produced artisanal foods. 

Barrio Aranjuez - Polideportivo; Av 15 Street 19
Open 7:00 AM - 12:30PM Saturdays
More Info: http://www.feriaverde.org/

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Maza Picnic in the Park 
In front of Parque Nacional is a very cute bistro called Maza. Beyond serving yummy brunch daily, Maza will pack your food into a picnic basket for you to enjoy in the park. That means no high chairs necessary. Spread a blanket and enjoy fresh cooked, locally-sourced organic dishes without the stress of restaurant manners. The kids can run about in the park while parents dine al fresco. 

Barrio Carmen - Street 19 and Av 3
https://www.facebook.com/pg/MazaBistro/
More Info: 2248 4824

Natural Science Museum
This isn’t a museum you’re likely to see on many lists, as, in museum terms, it’s a little outdated. However, it is exactly that fact that makes the Natural Science Museum really cool for kids. The place is loaded - and we mean seriously packed - with fossils, displayed floor to ceiling on the walls, surrounding a giant T-Rex skeleton. There’s not much in the way of explanation or learning, however it’s a great way to pass a rainy day marveling at the stuffed and immortalized creatures of past eras.

Mon - Fri 8:00 AM - 4PM; Sunday 9AM - 5PM
More Info: 2232 1306; http://museolasalle.ed.cr/

National Museum (Butterfly Garden)
While museums can typically be a little tiresome for kids, the National Museum offers a really special exhibit that will entertain young kids long enough for parents to enjoy the rest of what the museum has to offer. The entrance to the National Museum, which is situated inside of the old Bellavista fort, is a giant, two story butterfly garden. The warm light enclosure just inside the museums entrance has been planted with a mini tropical forest and hoards of large blue butterflies fly around, undeterred by photo-happy visitors. The staff puts out fresh fruit regularly, which attracts the butterflies and makes for even easier viewing. There is a little house on the second story area where you can see the cocooned butterflies and children can learn about the lifecycle of this beautiful flying bug.

Plaza de Democracia, between Av. Central and Av 2
www.museocostarica.go.cr; 2257-1433

Jade Museum 
The Jade Museum has been recently renovated, and it’s new exhibitions are very kid friendly. Each room has low mounted interactive video learning centers where kids can get a pint-sized view of pre-Columbian Costa Rica. The Museum is extensive, however, so it's good to plan on your little one getting tired halfway through. There is a café at the museum but its menu isn’t very comprehensive, so don’t forget snacks!

Downtown - Street 13 and 13 bis,
Open: 10AM-5PM Daily 
More Info: 2521 6610
http://www.museodeljadeins.com/

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​Kalú Kids Area
Kalú Bistro, one of Barrio Escalante’s hip café restaurants, is also a great place for families. The bistro, which is situated inside of a repurposed home, has a small central courtyard with a dedicated children’s play space. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents to socialize and enjoy a sophisticated meal while kids can color or run around. There are also kid friendly options on the menu, and fun gifts for children in the boutique. 

Barrio Escalante - Street 31 Av 5
More Info: 2253 8426; http://kalu.co.cr/

Street Art Walk 
The outdoor murals on the streets of San José, Costa Rica easily rival the works you’ll find in a contemporary art museum. From larger than life portraits to trippy dreamscape designs, Chepe’s streets are living proof of the talent that inhabits the city. One of the best places to go in San Jose is the stretch of 17th Street from 1st Avenue down to the National Museum. The entire wall on the east side of this pedestrian only street has been turned into the equivalent of a free outdoor art museum. It's one of our favorite free things to do in San José. If you want to get a more in-depth view on whose painting what and why, join an Art Bird Walking Tour and learn more about local contemporary artists, and what their works mean to the city.  

Picnic in the Park
San José has several really lovely parks where you can spread a blanket, unpack some homemade sandwiches and enjoy the lovely crisp weather that Chepe is known for. Parque La Sabana is a beautiful place to picnic - the largest park in the city has excellent views of the mountains to backdrop your idyllic afternoon. For those closer to downtown, Parque Morazán is a popular picnic spot where you can enjoy the good weather with locals on their lunch break. Or plop down at Parque Nacional - an especially good destination those who would rather get a to-go burger from La Ventanita Meraki or have Maza pack their a picnic basket.

​Feria Verde 
Walking around the Feria Verde is a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning. Besides free tastings at the food stands, there’s live music, clothes and artisan goods on display and very good vibes. The Feria runs from 7:00AM to 12:30 PM on Saturdays, and takes place at the Campo Desportivo at the back end of Barrio Aranjuez. The Feria Verde is pet friendly and kid friendly, as well as a great place to sample locally produced artisanal foods. Easily one of the best free things to do in San Jose. 

Barrio Aranjuez - Polideportivo Aranjuez; Av 15 Street 19
Open 7:00 AM - 12:30PM Saturdays
More Info: http://www.feriaverde.org/

​Costa Rican Art Museum 
The Costa Rican Art Museum exhibits more than six thousand works by national and international artists from the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century. The museum's works include photography, sculpture, paintings and more. Here you can reflect on different artistic periods and discover artistic movements that have left their mark on Costa Rican art. The museum has a lovely sculpture garden and a rooftop exhibit area with views of La Sabana Park. Best of all, the Costa Rican Art Museum is free to the public every day. 

Open Tues - Sun 9AM - 4PM; Closed Monday    
Free to the public
http://www.musarco.go.cr/

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Walk around the Central Market 
The Central Market is one of the most interesting sights in San José, as it is a piece of living history. The market has been open since 1880, in the exact same place, and every day the people of Chepe come to do business here. Vendors sell fresh fish and poultry to ladies whose bags are already filled with fruits, nuts and spices. While most tourists only show up in the late afternoon when the place is packed, its worth arriving early in the morning to see the local business taking place, just as it has every day for the past century. If you want to be guided through the mazes of products to the best secrets try a Hungry Bird Tour. 

Downtown - Av Central between Street 6 and 8
Open 6AM - 6PM Daily; Closed Sundays
More Info: 2547 6104​

Colonial Architecture in Barrio Amón
Barrio Amón is having an architectural resurgence. More and more business are moving into the area and helping to renovate old colonial houses, reigniting the urban beauty of the neighborhood.

Walk around and take a look at the old buildings - and if you want to stop inside of one, try Casa Pejibaye. This huge old house has been restored and turned into a co-working space. It’s one of the few buildings you can freely wander into (downstairs at least).

While your wowing at the vaulted ceilings, check out the Costa Rican designer goods at Tienda Carmen, or lounge on the wrap around porch drinking a coffee from Cafe Nauta, the coffee shop downstairs. If you want to know where all the most interesting architecture in the city is - and learn more about the history of each building - join a Barrio Bird Saturday’s Favorites tour.