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Costa Rica

San José

San José, the bustling capital city of Costa Rica, is situated in the nation's central valley, surrounded by a picturesque landscape of mountain ranges. This vibrant city is renowned for its blend of historical richness and modern comforts, serving as the heart of Costa Rican culture, economy and politics. San José is known for its impressive architectural gems such as the opulent National Theatre and the striking Metropolitan Cathedral. In addition, the city is dotted with numerous art galleries, farmer's markets, and quirky cafés. Its vibrant nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and wide range of activities including visits to internationally recognised museums such as the Gold Museum and Jade Museum make San José an irresistible destination for travel enthusiasts.

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences

3.5 /5

Based on our research

3.5 /5

Based on safety reports

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Safety:Safe

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.

Transport:Moderate

San José is moderately navigable, with public transportation like buses and taxis available, along with walking routes for shorter distances. However, the trade-off is quite busy roads and sometimes confusing bus routes, especially for non-Spanish speakers. It's recommended to have a reliable navigation app handy, which can really facilitate getting around.

Things to do:Interesting

San José offers a vibrant city experience in contrast to the country's natural attractions, providing exciting activities for solo female travelers. Explore a variety of historical and art museums, take a food tour to learn about traditional cuisine, or visit the central market for an authentic local experience. The city is rich in coffee culture, and you can take part in coffee tasting tours. The friendly locals make it a welcoming city to explore. However, some areas are quieter in terms of nightlife, which some travelers may prefer.

Food:Above average

The food scene in San José is quite diverse and exciting, with a mixture of traditional and innovative cuisines to explore. Whether you fancy a staple dish of gallo pinto, or wish to try something totally different, there's no shortage of culinary adventures waiting for you to embark upon. Local markets provide a fresh and organic selections of fruits and vegetables that are used in most dishes. International cuisines can be discovered around the city as well. However, it might still lack a bit of the gastronomic sophistication found in larger or more internationally renowned culinary hubs.

Budget:Moderate

San José offers a balanced spectrum of price levels. A substantial amount depends on personal lifestyle and preference. Public transportation, local eateries, and markets are inexpensive, but dining in touristy areas, guided tours, or preferring luxury accommodations can push up costs. It's fairly easy to find budget-friendly options, but the city is not the cheapest destination.

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.3/5

Safety

3.5/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.7/5

Group travel experience

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

Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 3/5

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Solo travel experience

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

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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San José is a safe city for women, just try not to wear anything shiny, such as expensive jewelry or watches, anything that attracts attention, and also try not to walk alone in the city center at night when the shops are closed, etc.

Posted: December 26, 2023

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One day is enough to experience the beauty of San Jose. Visit the national theater to admire the amazing view. "Mercado" is a labyrinth of small local shops with excellent food at low prices. As a woman, it is important to dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Carry a small backpack with you and hold it in front of you to avoid pickpocketing. Be aware of your surroundings and do not walk around with your phone or jewelry exposed. Despite living here for 17 years and never having any problems, I've heard about friends and family who were not so lucky.

Posted: May 19, 2023

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Meet local women in San José who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Majo

About Me

Hey, it’s Majo! I’m 27 years old, I studied business, have travelled all around Europe, North and South America. Can speak english, spanish and a little bit of italian and german

Speaking

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Kendra

About Me

Hi I’m Kendra , I just moved to San José Costa Rica and would love to meet some other people who want to explore and meet up to be social :)

Speaking

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Stay with local women in San José who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Silvia

San José

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, I'm Silvia and I'm interested in art, live music, languages, nightlife, technology, culture, cinema, digital nomad and animals

Speaking

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María

San José

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Quiet girl but friendly :)

Speaking

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Fiorella

San José

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, I’m Fiorella, from Lima, Peru. I work in Fintech and love outdoor activities. I lived in south east Asia por 5 years and after that I moved to Costa Rica for work and for the amazing vibe and beaches.