San José

in

San José is a large city in Costa Rica’s central valley, with government districts, residential neighbourhoods and commercial streets extending across a broad metropolitan area. Museums, theatres and markets remain concentrated near the centre, while suburbs merge gradually with surrounding towns and coffee country. The wider metropolitan area fills much of the highland basin. The wider destination also includes local food and neighbourhoods, which place the principal sights within a broader inhabited landscape.

Traffic can be demanding, but local food and selected neighbourhoods provide a useful introduction to the wider country. Parks and historic neighbourhoods add character beyond the central institutional district. Time spent around markets also brings museums into view, adding a distinct second layer to the visit. Time spent around markets also brings neighbourhoods into view, adding a distinct second layer to the visit.