Things To Do
in San Pedro
San Pedro is a vibrant university district just east of downtown San José, Costa Rica, anchored by the Universidad de Costa Rica campus. Its streets buzz with students, cafés, and affordable eateries, creating a lively, multicultural atmosphere. The area sits in the Central Valley, offering easy access to city life while remaining a gateway to Costa Rica’s natural landscapes.
Visitors will find budget-friendly bites, dynamic nightlife, and practical transit connections to parks, volcanoes, and the country's cloud forests.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Pedro and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood to get a feel for the local culture, observing the vibrant street art and lush greenery that characterizes this area. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at a nearby café to kickstart your adventure.
Visit local shops and artisanal markets where you can pick up unique souvenirs and handicrafts made by local artisans. Take a stroll through the picturesque central square, Parque del Este, where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Experience the lively rhythm of local life as you chat with residents and other travelers.
Dine at a local restaurant serving classic Costa Rican cuisine, such as casado and gallo pinto. After dinner, enjoy a refreshing drink at a nearby bar while mingling with locals and fellow tourists. Wrap up your day with a relaxed walk to take in the warm evening ambiance.
Start the day with a visit to the Museo de la Ciudad, where you can learn about San Pedro's history and cultural heritage. Participate in a traditional cooking class that introduces you to the art of making Costa Rican dishes. Enjoy your culinary creations for lunch, savoring the flavors of your efforts.
Explore the nearby neighborhoods on a guided walking tour, where you can meet local artisans and witness traditional crafts in action. Visit a local coffee plantation to see how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. Enjoy a fresh coffee tasting session to fully appreciate the quality of Costa Rican coffee.
Return to the city and enjoy the lively nightlife by visiting a local dance club or live music venue. Try your hand at some salsa dancing or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with friendly locals. Conclude your day with a delicious dessert at a local pastry shop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥪Lunch for one at a mid-range cafe or soda | $8-12 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| ☕️Coffee at a café | $2-4 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (1-3 miles) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant student-driven culture with affordable dining
- Easy access to nature and central valley trips
- Walkable neighborhoods around the university and central areas
- Friendly locals and a relaxed Pura Vida atmosphere
- Traffic congestion near San José during peak hours
- Humidity and rain can be unpredictable in the rainy season
- Some areas require careful navigation at night and in crowds
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Hable más despacio, por favor." - Please speak more slowly.
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor." - A table for two, please.
Places to Visit in San Pedro
Visit one of these nice places.
Modernist campus architecture, red-brick buildings, and green courtyards offer clean, campus-life photography with a Costa Rican touch.
Historic cobblestone streets and colorful colonial houses provide dramatic textures and street photography opportunities.
An iconic neoclassical theater with ornate interiors and a grand exterior—great for architectural shots and interior details.
Open lawn, skyline views, and a reflecting pond; ideal for sunset photography and urban landscapes.
Vibrant stalls, produce displays, and colorful textiles offer bustling, candid photography of daily life.
Food in San Pedro
San Pedro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic breakfast or lunch staple of rice and beans fried together, often served with eggs, plantains, and sour cream.
Must-Try!
A hearty plate with rice, beans, a protein (typically chicken, beef, or fish), salad, plantains, and sometimes fried egg.
A flavorful black bean soup usually served with a poached egg and white rice on the side.
Fresh fish marinated in citrus with onions, peppers, and cilantro; widely available in coastal-inspired cafés and some sodas.
A popular layered dish of pork, beans, rice, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips, great for a casual, shareable meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fruit, fresh produce, prepared foods, and affordable Costa Rican bites; ideal for sampling local flavors.
Casado plates, empanadas, tamales, and other quick, inexpensive options popular with students.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm hello and a brief exchange in Spanish is appreciated. Use 'Buenos días/tardes' and 'Gracia(s).'
The phrase Pura Vida is common and used as a greeting, farewell, or to express appreciation. It signals friendliness and a relaxed attitude.
Address strangers with 'usted' in formal situations; switch to 'tú' with friends or peers. Manners and politeness go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in San Pedro
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 10% service charge is common if included in the bill; on casual meals, leaving a small tip is appreciated. Taxis and ride-hailing typically do not require tips, but rounding up is nice.
Cash in CRC or USD is widely accepted in most shops and markets. Credit and debit cards are accepted at many restaurants, shops, and hotels; smaller sodas may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season from December to April brings sunny days and warm temperatures, with lower humidity than the rest of the year. Perfect for city strolls and day trips, but carry water and sun protection.
May to November brings frequent afternoon showers and lush greenery. Mornings are often drier; waterproof gear and quick-dry clothing are recommended for outdoor activities.
San Pedro at Night
Hiking in San Pedro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular day trip from the Central Valley offering crater views, hiking trails, and a cool climate at higher elevations.
Lush rainforest with lush trails and wildlife; accessible via a short drive from San José and San Pedro.
A scenic nature reserve with waterfalls and wildlife, located a bit further out but feasible for a day trip.
Airports
How to reach San Pedro by plane.
Main international gateway to Costa Rica, located near Alajuela, about 20–40 minutes from San Pedro by car, depending on traffic.
A smaller, domestic/general aviation airport located in the San José area, useful for regional flights and private aircraft.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of the population in San Pedro is composed of university students and young professionals, contributing to the district's lively vibe.
Families living in the central valley area add to the diversity of neighborhoods, with markets and parks catering to all ages.
A growing number of international residents and travelers contribute to a cosmopolitan dining and cultural scene.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with games and pickup matches common in parks and school grounds.
Common in local gyms and community centers; often played in schools and clubs.
Accessible due to proximity to parks and volcanic regions; popular for weekend workouts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Pedro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most traditional sodas offer vegetarian options like gallo pinto with vegetables, salads, and local fruit; ask for adaptations (sin carne) and choose dishes without meat or fish.