San José
San José’s main business district is located around the intersection of Avenida Central and Calle Central. Taxis in San Jose are inexpensive and plentiful. It is customary to refer to addresses in terms of landmarks rather than street numbers.
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To Get There
The Juan Santamaría International Airport is located about 10 miles west of San José. A taxi downtown should cost about $15. Visitors must pay a $26 departure tax.
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To Stay
The Costa Rica Marriott (700 meters west of Firestone, San Antonio de Belén, tel: 506-298-0844) is a hacienda-style hotel decorated with antiques and set on a 30-acre coffee plantation. It is about 20-25 minutes from the business district. Room rates range from $165-$950 plus 16.39% tax. Visit www.marriott.com or e-mail: Marriott@centralamerica.com.
We also like the Real InterContinental Costa Rica (Próspero Fernández highway, Santana road next to the Multiplaza shopping center; tel: 506-289-7000) located 15 minutes from the business district. Rooms range from $155-$1,000 plus 16.39% tax. Visit www.gruporeal.com or send an e-mail to: costaricainterconti@groupreal.co.cr.
To Eat
San José has many good restaurants. Check out the elite Escazú neighborhood, 15 minutes from downtown San José.
El Novillo Alegre (125 meters east of the supermarket Super Fareto, tel: 506-288-4995) is a small and intimate Argentine parrilla that serves what many consider the best beef in town. Its clientele is varied, especially with foriegn visitors of all kinds. The interior atmosphere is warm and cozy.
Tiquicia, a restaurant in the hills outside San José (tel: 506-289-5839), has a stunning view of the city. Traditional dishes are accompanied by local folk entertainment in a restored adobe farmhouse.
To Drink
There are many bars and clubs in Escazú, the most upscale area of the city. Try Más Tequila, the Balcony Lounge or Il Panino.
The nearby Martini Bar on Centro Comercial attracts an upscale crowd and is a good place for a cocktail.
To Unwind
The Museo de Jade Marco Fidel Tristán (Avenida 7, calle 9 y 9B, 11th floor) houses the world’s largest collection of American jade. The underground Museo de Oro del Banco Central (Calle 5 between Avenida Central and Avenida 2 underneath Plaza de la Cultura) showcases more than 2,000 local gold artifacts. The country’s best art can be seen at the Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporaneo (Calle 15-17, Ave 3).
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To Buy
Hardwood boxes, bowls and humidors from Barry Biesanz (Bello Horizonte, Escazu, tel: 506-289-4337). The Costa Rican government often gives these to visiting dignitaries. No one should leave without a stash of gourmet coffee and a supply of guaro, the local firewater.
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2004 National Holidays May 1 – May Day July 25 – Battle of Guanacaste August 2 – Our Lady of the Angels August 15 – Mother?s Day September 15 – Independence day December 25 – Christmas Day |
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