Experience in San Jose, Costa Rica by Gerardo

What is it like to live in San Jose? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

San Jose is not the most attractive city in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is well known for natural landscapes, beaches and volcanoes, not the capital city.
Being honest I don't like San Jose downtown and I lived in another province, As a capital city, it is crowded and sometimes you see somethings you don't want to.
In the other hand, costaricans are friendly and San Jose has also attractions, as old buildings i.e the "Teatro Nacional" worth seeing. If you go out of the town, you can find nice neighboorhoods, shopping malls, good restaurants and the University of Costa Rica Campus, wich is located in San Pedro.

What is the student lifestyle like in San Jose?

Demanding in terms of courses, good teachers, takes time (don't doubt it) but close to the university there are, lets say, stress-free places where you can join your friends.

The UCR campus has a lot of green areas for students, caffeterias and students restaurants are cheap and nutritious.

How much does it cost to live in San Jose?

Compared to Europe, cheaper. In this moment 1Euro=almost 700CRC.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in San Jose? Is there any advice you can give?

It is not difficult, there are hotels, BB, rooms, houses... it depends on your budget.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Delicious.
Try the national dish: gallo pinto, a mix of rice, beans, cheese and other ingredients, also the "casado" is a god dish. Ask for "gallos", those are different meals served on tortillas, so you can have a "gallo de papa" (smashed potato), "gallo de carne" (meat), "gallo de salchichon" (sausage) etc.

Don't forget to eat fruits, Costa Rica has plenty and they are all delicious.

What places would you recommend visiting in San Jose?

National Theater, the Gold Museum, shopping malls, Art Museum. There are restaurants in the surrounding mountains that have beautiful views of the city.

Is it good to eat out in San Jose? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is good. Try RAM luna, Maderos, Long Star, Hanabi Sushi, Kaldi, and many many more.

Is the nightlife good in San Jose? Where is good to go?

In some places it is. If you want a place like a bar or something, go to the "Calle de la Amargura", San Pedro (close to the university campus). If you want to dance there are other places in Santa Ana and local bars with different appetizers.

What advice would you give future students heading to San Jose?

Take care of your belongings. If you're from Europe or the USA, there is safety feeling when walking down the streets or going out that you should leave at home. Sadly most of LatinAmerica (including Costa Rica) are not that safe so you better keep an eye on your wallet and backpack. It is not all over Costa Rica of course, just in specific places, but as a visitor you wont know if you're in one of those places already.

Most of costaricans are friendly and always wanto to help, most of them.