Is San José safe for solo female travelers?

San José is a city of contrasts, where safety can vary significantly from one area to the next. Although most locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming, it's important to note that instances of petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur, especially in more crowded areas or at night. It's best to stay in well-trafficked areas, keep your belongings secure, and be conscious of your surroundings. Many travelers, however, have a safe and enjoyable time exploring the city's vibrant culture, history, and cuisine.

Safety rating

Make travel friends

Meet other female travelers, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is San José for female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.1 /5

based on 5 experiences from female travelers

Solo travel

I really didn’t like San Jose at all. Especially traveling solo as a woman. I was assaulted because i was wearing a non gold, but golden necklace. My neck was scratched open and I was pushed to the ground in plain daylight, in the middle of a busy street. The police was standing next to me and didn’t even react. In General I was catcalled a lot, I felt I was being observed and followed and avoided going out. I’m sure that there are nicer areas than the ones I was in but I really had no good time. BE CAREFUL ALWAYS! and don’t wear any jewelry!

Posted: February 24, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Jessica

Jessica

Mexico

Solo travel

I felt good, I stayed at URBN Escalante and it was 1000/10. I recommend not staying too many days in San Jose and instead visiting other places like the beaches. Costa Rica in general is very expensive, like the USA. I loved Cacique Guaro.

Posted: May 27, 2024
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Group travel

I would recommend using San Jose as a jumping off place instead of a place to spend lots of time in. It’s definitely the easiest place to fly into and there’s buses and other flight you can take from san jose. I would recommend only staying a night or two in san jose.

Posted: January 3, 2024
favorite_border 1
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Overall pretty safe, the food towns are nice and nightlife is fun. Selina is a good hostel to stay for sure. Usually a place used to bounce around different locations in the rest of the country. But still fun!

Posted: November 26, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

How safe is San José for women?

Local safety index

2.5 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Local crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

San Jose is safe in certain areas but definitely not all areas. Please check local crime and news and with local sources about where to go and where not to. There are places in the city I wound up in now knowing the train/bus system and definitely was glad I had my boyfriend with me

Posted: April 3, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Angie

Angie

Try not to carry many things of value like laptops or iPads. If you visibly look a foreigner (wearing travel gear and carrying backpacks) I'd be specially careful, try to travel as light as possible. If you are visiting the more touristic and transited sites of San José, I'd say the city is relatively safe to walk through up til 7-8 pm but after that I'd be careful, specially since some zones are more dangerous than others, mostly in terms of robbery. You should be mindful of your surroundings ALWAYS, if someone stops you in the street trying to talk to you out of nowhere, thread with caution. If you are looking to experience the nightlife, depending on the club you go to, you might need to keep a close watch on your phone and wallet.

Posted: March 20, 2025
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

I won’t walk in San Jose alone at night, during day time I would only use my phone when urgent or quick things. I would rather use uber instead of public transportation. Sexual harassment is becoming less common but there’s still a long way to eradicate this

Posted: December 25, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

I would not recommend walking around alone in the dark, just take care of your private things… Although most of the people are nice, most of them dont speak english. So it is good to know the basics in spanish

Posted: October 20, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Safety in Costa Rica