El Lobo Estepario
El Lobo is the local rock bar. This low lit, black and red beast is a fan favorite for rockers and groupies alike. Both the food menu or drink menu are full of traditional bar fare. The tables, of which there are many here, are usually covered with nachos, burgers, beers and vodka & cokes. The predictability is clearly comforting to the right crowd, as even with two floors of seating extending far back from the street, you’ll still find a line at the door as early as  9:30PM on a Friday Night. 
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La California - Av 2 Calle 13
Open 4:00 PM - Just past Midnight Daily; Until 2AM Saturdays & Sundays
More Info: 8704 4111; 2256 3934; https://www.facebook.com/loboestepariocr/
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El Sótano 
This intimate basement jazz club is located downstairs in a beautiful 1920’s house in the Amón neighborhood. The tiny music club has two gallery rooms upstairs, a small menu of yummy food, and incredible jam sessions, live music shows or vinyl presentations. It’s a spot for musicians and true music lovers.

​The brick-walled club, which holds maybe 30 people at once, is truly from another era. Both international and local groups play here - impressive for the small stature. Mondays is considered by many to be the best night to go. The one downside is a slightly sketchy location. If you arrive during the day you’ll be alright walking, but after dark its advised to take a taxi or an Uber.
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Barrio Amón - Calle 3 Av 11
 Monday - Saturday 3PM - 2AM; Check for Sunday events 
More Information:  2221 2302; https://www.facebook.com/pg/sotanocr

San José isn’t a huge city, but it’s not small enough to walk around in a day. If you want to get the most out of your visit, you might want to employ a few different methods of transportation.

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Bicycling
The adventurous sort might consider renting a bike to get around San José. Although you’ll need to be careful on the roads, as there are very few designated bike lanes, cycling can be a great way to see the city. Many locals get around strictly by bicycle, especially since San José starting limiting driving in the city to help alleviate the traffic problems. We caution only expert bike riders to try this and definitely wear all safetly gear as drivers have little respect for cyclists. 

Cycling as a sport is very popular in Costa Rica, so if you’re looking to go outside of the city it’s an amazing way to visit some of the further away sights. For example, there is a fantastic 4-5 hour ride up to Poas Volcano. You can rent a bike (and get connected with all the cycling information you’ll need) from companies like BiciRent Costa Rica or Costa Rica Cycling. 


Walking
If you’re staying in or near downtown, walking is the best way to see most of the nearby things to do in San Jose.

The Jade Museum, Gold Museum, Central Market, National & Morazán parks, the Antigua Aduana, the National Museum the colonial architecture of Barrio Amón, the restaurants of Barrio Escalante and the bars of La California are all within walking distance of the each other - as long as you’ve got a decent pair of walking shoes.

Walking during the daytime in San José is pretty safe, so it’s a good way to get in some sightseeing and exercise at the same time. There aren’t too many hills in the downtown region, and you’ll get to see some cool street art along the way.

Obviously we support a walking tour as one of the best things to do for San Jose sightseeing.

Buses & Trains
The city bus system in San José is very complete, and once you’ve gotten the hang of the routes you can get almost anywhere. For destinations outside of San Jose there are usually bus stations where you can wait and buy tickets.  

For the buses that take you shorter distances within the city, it will be trickier because they are located at random spots on a sidewalk, possibly marked with a sign. We recommend this only for people who have more time in the city---time to get on the wrong bus and get lost to be exact because it's inevitable. The best way to figure out how to get where you’re going is to ask people at the bus stop. Bus fare costs between 90 cents and a dollar forty (460-820 colones)

There is commuter rail service mostly during rush hours to: Cartago, Belen, Alajuela and Heredia. Routes and schedules can be viewed at Incofer. Rates vary from about 1000 - 1500 colones.

A taxi or an Uber only costs a few dollars, so if you’re really having trouble figuring out a route it might be worth a little bit of extra money just to grab a cab. 

Taxis
Taxis are plentiful in San José and are a good way to get around the city, especially at night. Official taxis are red with yellow triangles on the side panels, and are relatively safe. They also aren’t too expensive, with a 5km (10 min) ride costing about $7 USD. 

Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for tourists to get ripped off by taxi drivers who pretend their meter isn’t working or take the long way round. When you get in the cab, insist that the driver start (or restart) the meter - called la maria. If you’re riding alone, the driver may try to pick up another fare. If he does try this, politely ask him not to. 

Uber
Ride share services like  Uber are popular in San José. Whatever you feel about the company ideologically, Uber is a safe and simple way to get around the city. As your route is pre-determined, you won’t have to worry about getting overcharged or taken a round-about route so you’ll pay more. There are a fair amount of drivers and the city is small enough you won’t be left waiting for a ride for very long. It’s safe, as you don’t need to exchange cash with the driver, and very economical - a 6 km ride (20 minute) cost just over 2000 Colones. 

Driving 
Driving in Costa Rica is not for everyone. In San José, there are a lot of one way streets, creative driving maneuvers and parking difficulties. Be mindful of rush-hours (6a.m - 9a.m., 4p.m. - 7p.m.) as traffic can and most probably come to a standstill and take hours to cross maybe 5 - 15 miles of distance.

If you’re staying downtown or nearby, it’s important to have secure parking overnight, as car theft or break-ins do happen. 

Ticos tend to drive fast and the normal rules of the road may not always be followed, but for an alert driver it’s not impossible. However,  with so many options for transportation inside of the city, you’ll enjoy your trip more without the hassle of a car to take care of. 
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We recommend picking up your car rental when you’re on your way out of town. 

As San Jose’s gastronomic culture grows, restaurants and cafés alike are finally catching up with the world’s favorite Sunday morning tradition - Brunch. These are our recommendations to experience the best brunch options in San José, Costa Rica. 

Manos en la Masa - Creative
Get up early to beat the crowd at this local favorite hidden away near the railroad tracks in a renovated white and red house on a quiet street in Barrio Escalante. 

Many times we have arrived at 10am or later and either had to wait or move on, only important if you are on a tight schedule. 
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When you finally do get a seat, be sure to check the specials board. Chef Adrianna, soft spoken in person speaks volumes with her tasty creations such as tostados with buffalo mozzarella, and fruit flambé with sourdough bread (made in house daily).

You could just as easily indulge your sweet tooth with an orange cinnamon roll and a bubbly mimosa (we may have been guilty of this a time or two ourselves.). 
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Barrio Escalante; Calle 25 entre Av 1 y 3
Tues - Fri 8AM - 7PM; Sat 9AM - 5PM; Sun 9AM - 3PM
More Info: 4035 6230; cafemanosenlamasa@gmail.com; 
http://www.facebook.com/manos.masa
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Kalu - Scene
More than just a brunch spot, Kalu is a bonafied meeting place for the hip Tico crowd. Couples, families and groups of friends share the beautiful green courtyard in this repurposed house (the chef's husband is an architect) in Barrio Escalante with the few foreigners who are lucky enough to be in the know.

Young families keep an eye on the little ones running around in the dedicated kids' play area while they enjoy Eggs Benedict and fresh coffees. This is Kalu's second home and just as before they make wonderful use of outside space with a bamboo terraced roof and white globe lights. 
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Beyond a very cool garden terrace, Kalu also hosts a shop selling designer Costa Rican made goods, and a luxury coffee bar where discerning coffee lovers can get their caffeine fix. This couple really was one of the first to successfully bring contemporary and national design to the public in a dining setting and now their prices reflect that.

Barrio Escalante - Calle 31 y Av 5
Open: Tues - Fri Noon - 10PM;  Saturday 9AM - 10PM; Sunday 9AM- 4PM; Closed Monday
More Info: 2253 8426; http://kalu.co.cr/
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Maza - Downtown
No brunch list would complete without Maza, one of the pioneers of brunch in San Jose. Maza is a well known and popular brunch spot - with Canadian mixologist, Liz Furlong, at the helm for those hangover curing bloody marys.

Just as popular as their yummy food are the adorable picnic baskets they’ll pack you to enjoy your goodies in the park across the street. Maza has truly cornered the market in changing the typical brunch experience into a kid & pet friendly experience.

Calle 19 y Av 3
Open: 9AM - 6PM Daily, closed Mondays
More Info: 2248 4824; https://www.facebook.com/pg/MazaBistro/