Learning More About Costa Rica’s Capital: San Jose
Want to learn more about the capital city of Costa Rica? Look no further. Here is a quick and simple guide on all the basic facts about San Jose, Costa Rica. Located approximately 4 to 5 hours away from Tamarindo, Costa Rica, visiting the capital can be a great overnight trip for anyone wanting to experience Costa Rican city life.
Quick Facts:
- Population: 288,000+
- Located in the Central Valley
- Largest city in Costa Rica
- 1,160 meters (3,800 feet) above sea level
- Average rainfall: 1,971mm (77.6 in)
- Average yearly high temperature: 26.9 °C (80.5 °F)
History
In the 1700s, San Jose was founded as a meeting place for gathering scattered locals in the area. The patron of the town’s parish was Saint Joseph, giving the city its name. San Jose did not start out with the intention of being the hub of the country or the capital. In fact, the capital city of Costa Rica used to be Cartago until 1823, two years after the country’s independence. In the 1800s, San Jose was the king of Costa Rican production, making it an ideal spot to call the capital.
Education
Overall, the country of Costa Rica has high literacy among its people, as well as high education levels in general. This is especially true in San Jose, considered the city with the highest education in all of Central America. The University of Costa Rica can be found in San Jose, as well as many other public and private education institutions.
Health
San Jose is also home to CIMA hospital. So for expats living in Costa Rica, or tourists with an emergency, San Jose will become a medical hub. This hospital is even a go-to spot for elective surgeries: cheaper costs, with profession and highly skilled staff. Surrounding CIMA hospital are high-end hotels and restaurants for your comfort.
Eating and Drinking
San Jose is a unique city. In some parts of the city, you will find small roadside sodas selling the typical food for inexpensive prices – very reminiscent of what you would see in other parts of the country. But then in other parts of the city, you will find yourself in extremely wealthy high-end restaurants from a variety of cuisines. You may find a beer for a dollar in one bar and then a glass of wine for $20 in another bar. This makes San Jose a wonderful foodie hub, a place to experience it all.
Top Things To See/Do:
Wondering what to do when you get to San Jose? Here is a list of some of the top spots in the city:
- See a show at the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica (National Theater of Costa Rica)
- Tour through the pre-Columbian gold museum or through the jade museum
- Look at wonderful art by stopping at Museo de Arte Costarricense
- Visit Museo Nacional (National Museum)
- Take a walk through Parque La Sabana
- Go shopping at your favourite stores at the Multiplaza Escazu
- Watch an IMAX movie at the Nova Cinemas
- Catch a soccer game at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica (National Stadium of Costa Rica)