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San Jose
A trip to San Jose, the capital, commercial center, and cultural hub of Costa Rica, gives you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere and rich cultural past of this vibrant country. At first glance, given its lack of colonial-era architecture, the city appears a gritty, bustling metropolis, but scratch the surface and you'll find plenty to do and see. Numerous museums and notable buildings, a bustling nightlife and dining scene, as well as a great central location make San Jose worth a visit when vacationing in Costa Rica. When using our Costa Rica road trip planning site, you're building your holiday based on your own interests, visitor reviews, and the informed opinions of our well-traveled writers.
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Where to stay in San Jose

You'll find the majority of San Jose's accommodations between Parque Metropolitano La Sabana and the botanical gardens. This area offers luxury chain hotels in the west, simpler guesthouses in the older section of town in the east, and budget-friendly hostels located on side streets, just off from the primary commercial thoroughfares. Many hotels have sprung up close to the airport, located northwest of the city.
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