San Jose Costa Rica

Alright, let's talk about San José. Many travelers treat it as a fly-in, fly-out point on their way to Costa Rica's beaches and jungles, and that's often a mistake. "Chepe," as locals call it, has a chaotic charm. It's a city of contrasts—gritty in some parts, surprisingly sophisticated in others, with a tangible energy that’s all about that "Pura Vida" life, even amidst the urban hustle.

San José often exceeds expectations. First, the food scene in neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante is genuinely exciting and goes way beyond the standard tourist fare. Second, the city is a fantastic hub for incredible day trips to volcanoes and coffee plantations, letting you mix city life with nature. Third, the museums, especially the Gold and Jade Museums, are world-class and provide a deep appreciation for the country's pre-Columbian history. It's a city with a real soul, not just a transit zone.

The people here, known as "Ticos," are the heart of the "Pura Vida" slogan. They're incredibly friendly, patient, and generally welcoming. While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in touristy areas, hotels, and restaurants, so getting by is pretty easy. The culture is laid-back but also hardworking; there's a real sense of national pride that's quite infectious.

The food scene is a definite highlight! You absolutely must try a casado for lunch—it's a massive plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat or fish. Another must-have is gallo pinto, the national breakfast dish of rice and beans. The Mercado Central is an amazing, chaotic place to try traditional food at a "soda" (a small, local eatery). For something more modern, Barrio Escalante is packed with incredible, innovative restaurants. Expect to pay $5-8 for a meal at a soda, while a nice dinner can be $20-40.

San José's infrastructure can be a challenge. The traffic is legendary, and driving in the city center is a chaotic experience you should avoid if possible. Internet speeds are generally decent, especially in tourist areas and coworking spaces, but don't expect fiber-optic perfection everywhere. Power outages can happen, particularly during the rainy season. It's a city that's developing fast, but the infrastructure sometimes struggles to keep up. A proposed electric train connecting San José to Heredia, Cartago, and Alajuela is in the works, but widespread improvements are still some time away.

You'll most likely fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is actually located in the nearby city of Alajuela, not San José itself. From SJO, the easiest way to the city is an Uber or an official, airport-sanctioned orange taxi. An official taxi to the city center costs around 15,000 CRC (approximately $25 USD) and takes about 25-45 minutes depending on traffic. While paying in USD is possible, you might be charged a slightly higher flat rate, such as $30 USD. For a cheaper option, the TUASA public bus runs frequently from the airport to the city center for about 670 CRC (approx. $1 USD) and is a viable choice if you're traveling light, taking about 37 minutes.

Downtown San José is surprisingly walkable, and you'll find yourself exploring much of it on foot. For longer distances, Uber is your best friend—it's reliable, generally cheaper than taxis, and widely used, despite its complex legal status in Costa Rica. The public bus system is extensive and cheap but can be confusing for a first-timer. The buses are red and stop at designated "paradas." It's best to ask a local or your hotel for the correct route. Currently, there's no unified transit card, so you pay the driver in cash (small change is essential). However, a legislative proposal to phase out cash payments for public buses in the Greater Metropolitan Area within three years has cleared a crucial hurdle as of August 2025, signaling a future shift to electronic payments.

San José has a reputation for being unsafe, and it's not for nothing. You need to be smart and vigilant in this city. Theft, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and sometimes violent robberies, are the main concern, especially in crowded areas like the Central Market, on public buses, and along Central Avenue. In 2024, over 6,300 tourist-related crimes, primarily thefts and assaults, were reported in Costa Rica, with San José's central region being a critical area for petty theft. It's wise to avoid wearing flashy jewelry and keep your phone out of sight on the street. At night, avoid walking alone, especially in unlit areas or neighborhoods far from the center, and always take an Uber, even for short distances. Some areas around the Coca-Cola bus terminal and parts of the central core can be particularly sketchy after dark. The U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory ("Exercise Increased Caution") for Costa Rica in December 2024 due to crime. In February 2025, the U.S. Embassy warned of security incidents near Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) on a common route to Santa Ana, where assailants have thrown stones at vehicles to force them to stop and rob drivers. Travelers are advised to use caution, consider alternate routes, and avoid stopping if attacked. It's not about being scared, just being aware and cautious.