jjtravel

Hi,

Next week I am headed San Jose for six days. It is not a pleasure trip, but I am hoping to a few hours/day to play tourist and possibly one full day free.

- Any suggestions of what to do in San Jose? How about mid-priced restaurants?
- If I have a full day free, any suggested itinerary?

- How safe is it walk around San Jose?
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- Has anyone bought food from the mercado?

Thank you.

Jeff

mlgb

I've been told not to.

Tap Water is mostly good, other than at the coast. Or if you are in an old hotel with bad pipes.

I've had the traditional "ice cream" there at Lola Mora. It has a granita-like texture but is tasty. Recommended.

I imagine the food there is as average as it is in the rest of CR. I hope you like rice and beans and plantain.

The Gold Museum is good.

jjtravel

Hi migb,

Thank you.

jjtravel

volcanogirl

We haven't spent much time in San Jose, usually just a first or last night of a trip since the true beauty of CR is outside the city. We've drunk the tap water though without any problems. You might consider going to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens about an hour away if you have a free day; they have a beautiful waterfall hike with five pretty waterfalls, and you can hand feed hummingbirds in their garden there. Poas Volcano is also nearby; it was closed recently due to volcanic activity so you'll have to check to see if it's reopened. You could also tour the Doka Coffee Estate. There are a few popular museums - Gold and Jade, and the National Theater. If you have a couple of days you can get free, I'd head to the Arenal area - beautiful natural hot springs there like Tabacon, tons of adventure activities, etc. I would take taxis at night in San Jose and avoid walking around after dark. For the most part it isn't that pretty of a city, lots of traffic, razor wire, etc.

jjtravel

Hi Volcanogirl,

Great suggestions. I hope to spend as little time as possible in San Jose. The falls and Poas sound really interesting. If I don't get there this trip, I may have to return in a few months and will definitely schedule in time to play tourist.

Thank you.
jjtravel

volcanogirl

Hope you have a great time!