San José : Why go there?

San José, a relatively new city, often comes as a surprise to the newly arrived visitor. There are so few modern buildings of more than five storeys in the center that the size of the tallest edificios serves as a benchmark. Other buildings are concrete, neoclassical or colonial in style. Don't expect the architectural beauty of old colonial cities like Havana - you'll be very disappointed. The Ticos themselves are pretty harsh on their capital and don't hesitate to call it the ugliest city in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, you'll see some lovely houses as soon as you move away from the city center, in the barrios Amón, Otoya, Aranjuez or La Sabana. San José is also a modern and dynamic city, with plenty of opportunities for going out. Also, Josefinos are extremely pleasant and know how to make themselves available, which is not the case in many capitals!