Nomadic Narrative

San José, Costa Rica has a bad rap. Even though many people suggest avoiding the capital, I think it offers an important perspective. After all, roughly 63% of Costa Rica’s 4.2 million people live in urban areas. On the bright side, the capital, known colloquially as El Chepe, is entering a revitalization phase which will certainly chip away at this unsavory reputation. Recently, there have been concerts in the city center, talks of better urban planning and new tourism offerings ― all the more reason to give it a chance, if only for a few hours.

Here are a few fun spots you can weave into your itinerary:

Best local café: The colonial era post office in downtown has just been renovated. It’s amazing what a little paint can do! On the first floor of the building’s northern side sits Café del Correo. The café has two separate rooms and plenty of seating. The hard chairs don’t invite lingering, but the historical location combined with one of the city’s best espresso bars makes for a great place to catch your breath.
Best local lunch spot: Attracting the professional downtown crowd with good food and a hip atmosphere is the Q’Café. There are a few places to sit downstairs which is great if you just want to have coffee, but if you’re having lunch, definitely head to the open-air, upstairs area.

Best local gelato: There are two pedestrian walkways in downtown San José – Avenida Central and Avenida 4. On Avenida 4 between Calle 1 and 3, stands the Art Barista Café and Restaurant. Just beyond the colonial façade, you’ll find trays of fresh gelato. Passion fruit is the flavor that keeps me coming back.
Best local pit stop: When you decide you’ve dodged enough pedestrians, raced across enough crosswalks and explored enough shops and museums, escape to the second floor of the Libreria Lehmann on Avenida Central. Winding up a flight of wooden stairs just beyond the main entrance, you will arrive at Café Latino. In addition to good coffee and fruit drinks, there is wireless internet and a terribly comfortable sofa. The tables by the widow peer down on Avenida Central.

Best local happy hour: Attracting largely an expat crowd , News Café on the ground floor of Hotel Presidente mixes great drinks and is a prime people watching location ― in terms of the customers as much as the passerbys. As far as bars go in the downtown area, this is the liveliest early evening spot.

If you’ve been to any one of these places, please tell us about it. If you have any other suggestions, please share!