San Jose is the capital, financial center, mid-point, and largest city in Costa Rica. It is the most important Costa Rican city, and has even started to sprawl out across the Central Valley and engulf other cities like Alajuela and Heredia.

San Jose has a downtown area that contains walking streets, markets of all kinds, and many colorful sites. It’s a great place to explore and is an easy 20-minute walk from Veritas Unviersity, where you will be taking classes. The University is located slightly east and south of the downtown area. Typical homestay families live within a 15-minute walk of the University. Other options for transportation to and from Veritas include taxis and a Veritas-run shuttle that takes students to their homestays in the evenings.

There are many restaurants, malls, markets and other attractions to visit throughout the city. Some are located around the university; some in the city center; and others in different parts. There really isn’t one ‘go-to’ area for shopping, eating, or dancing.

Public buses or walking can take you around most of the city. Taxis are also available and are recommended at night.

More information on San Jose can be found at Lonely Planet.

Want to learn more about what it’s like to study abroad in San Jose, Costa Rica?

Watch this AWESOME video about CISabroad alumna Brittany Beene’s study abroad experience in Costa Rica.