How to Spend TWO DAYS in San José, Costa Rica: The Best 2-Day Itinerary
Planning a trip to San José, Costa Rica? Good choice!
This vibrant capital is often overlooked, but it’s actually a fascinating place to spend a couple of days before heading to the beaches or rainforests. It offers colorful markets and historic buildings, while just outside of the city, you’ll find volcanoes and coffee plantations. We lived in Costa Rica and still go back to visit regularly, so we often pass through the capital, and now we’ve used our inside knowledge to devise the perfect 2-day itinerary.
We’ve covered all of San José’s highlights as well as tips on where to eat, drink, and stay to help you make the most of your time here. Let’s get started!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in San José was this full-day tour to Poás Volcano, Doka Coffee Estate, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. It combines incredible views, lush rainforest trails, and a taste of Costa Rica’s coffee culture—all the best experiences near San José in one unforgettable day!!
La Paz Waterfall
- Our Top Choice
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Check availability and book this award-winning tour here!
- Day 2
- Reserve this tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
- Read THOUSANDS of reviews and book this Arenal tour here!
- Where to Stay in San José, Costa Rica
- Pura Vida!
- Getting Around Costa Rica
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Itinerary Overview
The first thing you need to know about San José is that it’s a massive city! Most people actually just pass through on their way in and out of Costa Rica, as it’s home to the country’s largest airport. However, there are some cool things to see in the city itself, and it’s an excellent base for some fun day trips.
Just be careful here after dark, as some areas of San José are a bit on the seedy side. We recommend using Uber to get around—just remember to account for the heavy traffic when thinking about timings. Taxis are also okay to use if you can’t get an Uber! Then, during the day, it’s fine to walk around as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and don’t wave your valuables around.
Day 1: Dive into San José’s lively culture with a guided food and walking tour, then in the afternoon, cool off at the National Museum of Costa Rica before unwinding with dinner and drinks in trendy Barrio Escalante.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes on either a full-day Poas Volcano tour or go and see the Arenal Volcano if you’re not traveling to that area otherwise. Then wrap up your time in the city in style with dinner and live music!
Day 1
Morning – Explore San José on a food and walking tour
We’re kicking off your time in San José in the best way we know how—with sightseeing and eating a ton of yummy food! This 3.5-hour tour is a fun (and delicious) way to get to know the Costa Rican capital, and we recommend booking the 10 am tour, which wraps up around 1:30 pm. Just note this tour isn’t available on Sundays, so make sure to switch your days around if you need to, so you don’t miss out.
San José can feel a bit chaotic at first, so exploring with a local guide makes it far less stressful (and way more fun). You’ll visit two bustling local markets, sampling everything from tropical fruits and empanadas to traditional tamales. Along the way, your guide will explain the stories behind the food and share insights into daily life in San José.
Beyond the food, this tour doubles as a mini city tour, so you really make the most of your time with this one. You’ll pass by several of San José’s top sights, including the Monumento de los Presentes, a famous bronze monument to Costa Rica’s working class population, as well as the National Theatre. You’ll also see the Metropolitan Cathedral and La Laguna Plaza, a scenic spot where you’re likely to see locals taking a breather as they go about their day.
Perhaps best of all, the tour finishes at a cute coffee shop, where you’ll learn how to make local favorites like tortillas, empanadas, and Pinolillo, a rich drink made from corn and chocolate. It’s so good, you just have to try it! And we aren’t the only ones who think so—check out over 1,400 five-star reviews here to see why this is a top-rated tour in San José!
Afternoon – Visit the National Museum of Costa Rica
This morning’s tour covers lunch (don’t you just love killing two birds with one stone?), so now let all of that food digest with a chilled-out visit to the National Museum of Costa Rica (closed Mondays). It’s just a 10-minute stroll from where the tour ends, and national entry costs 2,500 colones (about $5 USD), and entry for foreign visitors is $11 USD. You can check the official museum website here for the most up-to-date hours and admission details.
The museum is open until 4:30 pm, so you should have plenty of time to explore. It’s set inside a former military barracks, and it features exhibits on Costa Rica’s history, archaeology, and wildlife. If you’ve just arrived in the country, this is a great way to get more of a feel for what life is like here! Plus, it just provides a nice break from San José’s heat.
Oh, and don’t miss the butterfly garden near the entrance! It’s so lovely to see all of the colorful butterflies fluttering around.
Evening – Relax at the hotel or explore Barrio Escalante
By the time you’ve finished up at the museum, it will probably be around 4 pm. You’ll likely be tired from exploring all day, so we totally get it if you want to head back to your hotel for a bit of a rest.
But if that’s not the case, you can always head to Barrio Escalante now and find a bar or a coffee shop for a little pick-me-up! This trendy neighborhood is celebrated for its food and drink scene, so you won’t struggle to find a spot, but we especially loved Legendario Coffee Co. if you’re craving a caffeine fix, or Costa Rica Beer Factory if you fancy a nice cold pint.
Dinner – Restaurante Isolina
Whether you went back to your hotel for a bit or you’re already in Barrio Escalante, head to Restaurante Isolina for dinner tonight. It’s open from 6 pm onwards, and we definitely recommend making a reservation as it’s a very popular spot. And for good reason, too—they offer gourmet versions of Central and South American favorites, and the food is pretty affordable for the quality. The decor is beautiful, too!
You have a pretty early start tomorrow, so don’t get too tempted by the double magnums of wine on the menu! Still, we won’t blame you if you want to indulge in one or two of their mezcals or Mexico City-themed cocktails.
Related Read: Want to see more beyond the city? Don’t miss our guide to the best tours and day trips from San José here for incredible adventures just a short drive away.
Day 2
Option 1: Visit Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and a coffee plantation
The Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens make one of the best day trips from San José. Not only are these destinations absolutely stunning, they’re just over an hour outside of the city, which means you won’t be cooped up in a bus for hours on end. Plus, when you visit on this top-rated tour, you also get to visit a coffee plantation!
Pickup starts at 7:30 am, and you’ll return around 4:30 pm, so it’s a full day, but trust me, the early start is more than worth it. Plus, the day starts with a coffee plantation visit, so you’ll have some caffeine to get you going! Here, you’ll learn how Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee is produced, and you’ll enjoy a freshly roasted cup while soaking in those lush panoramic views. Not a bad start to the day if you ask me!
Next, you’ll head to Poas Volcano, which is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes! Standing at the edge of the main crater is not something you’ll forget in a hurry. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to see steam rising from the turquoise lake below, which is just breathtaking. From here, you’ll also enjoy a short hike to the Botos Lagoon, which is surrounded by amazing birdlife and a cloud forest.
The final stop of the day is the breathtaking La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you’ll enjoy an in-depth guided tour. This epic park is not only home to gorgeous waterfalls—over 100 rescued animals live here, including sloths, jaguars, toucans, and monkeys!
This small group tour does an amazing job of showcasing some of Costa Rica’s most amazing scenery. Plus, it includes transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, so everything is covered. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the day—it’s easy to see why this tour has HUNDREDS of five-star reviews!
Related Read: If you’re hooked on volcano adventures, check out our guide on the best Poas Volcano tours from San José here for more tips!
Option 2: Arenal Volcano full-day tour
This Arenal Volcano full-day tour is another one of the best day trips from San José, especially if you haven’t had a chance to visit this iconic destination on the rest of your travels here. The Arenal Volcano is absolutely stunning—we actually visited quite a few times when we lived in La Fortuna! And that’s not all you’ll see, because this tour includes stops at La Paz Waterfall, a coffee plantation, and a rainforest park for a zipline adventure!
Pickup starts at 6:30 am from San José’s central hotels, and you’ll return around 8:30 pm or later, so it’s a long day, but it’s worth it because you’ll get to see a LOT.
The day kicks off with a visit to a scenic coffee plantation for a caffeine kick before you head to the La Paz Waterfall to snap some striking photos. You’ll also get to see the powerful San Fernando Waterfall, then it’s onto the Iguanas Center to get up close to sloths and tropical birds, before a hearty local lunch.
And if you thought this morning was action-packed, wait until you realize what the afternoon has in store! You’ll head to an adventure park where you’ll spend 2 hours whizzing around a 7-cable zipline course above the Arenal River, then have the chance to learn about the culture and traditions of the Maleku People of this region. And finally, you’ll spend another few hours soaking in the thermal waters from the Arenal Volcano at Paradise Hot Springs—does life really get any better than this?
This tour gets back late, and there’s actually a dinner stop on the way home, so you can probably skip tonight’s restaurant if you choose this tour. Plus, you might be tired after so many varied activities!
Related Read: Want even more ideas? Check out our guide to the most epic things to do in San José here for can’t-miss experiences in the capital.
Dinner – La Esquina de Buenos Aires
If you did the Poas Volcano tour, you can take some time to rest back at your hotel before making your way to La Esquina de Buenos Aires for dinner tonight. This top-rated Argentinian restaurant is a favorite for good reason, so we definitely recommend making a reservation!
The menu features classic Argentinian dishes like empanadas and juicy steaks. It’s just the kind of food you want after a long day of adventures! And in true Argentinian style, the wine list is excellent if you’re in the mood for a Malbec or two. They’ve got some lovely creative drinks too if that’s more your vibe.
Evening – Live music at El Solanto
It’s your last night in San José, and if you’ve still got some energy left, you can head to Barrio Amon for live music—more specifically, El Solanto (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). It’s only about a 5-minute Uber ride from the restaurant, and we definitely recommend hailing a ride because it’s not a good idea to walk around the city after dark.
El Soltano is actually in the basement of Amon Solar, which is a live music venue. However, we definitely recommend heading downstairs for some jazz. It’s super cozy and stylish down here, so it’s perfect for a fun but sophisticated last night in San José. Cheers!
Related Read: If you’ve only got a short stopover, check out our guide to the best activities for one day in San José here to make the most of your time in the capital.
Where to Stay in San José, Costa Rica
Now that you’ve got a great San José itinerary sorted, you just need the right place to stay! This is a huge city, so there are hundreds of hotels to choose from, and most of them are actually pretty affordable. But in case you don’t have time to sift through them all (who does?!), then we’ve outlined our top picks for every budget below.
To make it easy for you to follow this itinerary, these hotels are all very central. I mean, if you’re only here for a few days, then you don’t want to waste time sitting in San José’s traffic just to get to the good stuff! Plus, the tours we’ve mentioned in this blog will pick you up from any of them with no issues or extra charges.
Grano de Oro Hotel – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, then we think that Grano de Oro Hotel is the clear choice. It’s located right in the heart of San José and features an on-site gourmet restaurant, massage services, and a rooftop garden! The entire place is absolutely gorgeous, with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful interior design. You can walk to many of San José’s attractions, and you’re just a 15-minute drive to the airport.
Rooms here start at $250 USD per night. For luxury in a great location, book the Grano de Oro Hotel right here!
Hotel Presidente – $$
Hotel Presidente is a great mid-range option right in the heart of San José! It’s clean, modern, and stylish, and the location could not be better. The rooms are light and airy with big, comfy beds, and the staff are super friendly. Plus, there’s a lovely rooftop where you can enjoy dinner and drinks with a view in the evening!
We think that this place offers excellent value for money, as you get 4-star comfort in a central location for a very affordable price. Speaking of which, rooms start at just $160 USD per night. Check availability and secure your stay here!
Budget – $
Sleep Inn Paseo Las Damas is another super central option – in fact, it’s just 2 minutes away from the above option! It feels a little more old school and traditional, but it’s a super comfy place to stay, and the staff will make you feel so welcome. The rooms offer plenty of space, and you get a complimentary breakfast, which makes life nice and easy.
The rooms are equipped with flat screen TVs, desks, microwaves, and coffee makers, which is super convenient. This may not be San José’s most glamorous hotel, but it’s friendly and reliable, so it’s a smart choice in terms of value for money, especially since this itinerary is going to keep you pretty busy anyway!
Rooms start at $115 USD per night, and you can choose a cancellation policy that suits you. See all options and book your stay here!
For even more great options, check out all the hotels listed for San José here!
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
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Pura Vida!
If you’re planning a trip to San José, you’re in for such a treat! This 2-day itinerary gives you a taste of the capital’s rich culture, delicious food, and incredible natural beauty just beyond the city limits. From exploring colorful markets and sipping locally grown coffee to standing at the edge of an active volcano, you’ll quickly see why we always make time for San José whenever we’re in Costa Rica.
Before you head off, be sure to browse our other San José travel guides here for even more ideas on where to go next. We’ve got plenty of itineraries, tips, and tours to help you plan the perfect trip. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, here are a few related blogs you can check out right now!
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