Art, Parks, and Urban Strolls in San José

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is in the center of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley, within San José Canton. 

We only stayed 2 nights. We had a flight to go back to United States from San San José.Despite our short stay, San José left a vivid impression. The walk through La Sabana Park offered a refreshing contrast to the city's bustle, with locals jogging under the shady trees and art installations dotting the green. At the Central Market, we wandered past stalls stacked with tropical fruits, spices, and artisanal crafts—a sensory crash course in Costa Rican flavors. The Museum of Costa Rican Art, housed in the former airport terminal, surprised us with its curated blend of indoor galleries and outdoor sculptures showcasing Latin American artists. And our dinner in Barrio Escalante was a lively close—shared plates, street music, and warm conversation with friends made the neighborhood feel like the city’s creative soul.