Chinatown

San José

A densely packed urban area with a mix of modern and older buildings, a prominent green-roofed building, and a busy street with vehicles.
A cityscape with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, a prominent blue building, and mountains in the background.
A cityscape with a mix of modern and traditional architecture, a prominent hotel, and a mountainous backdrop.
A busy urban street with colorful buildings, including a blue and purple structure, and a red car.
A historic building with ornate architecture, including detailed window frames and balconies, set against a twilight sky.

Get to know Chinatown's urban parks, cultural venues, and unique neighborhoods that invite exploration and discovery.

Chinatown is an ideal destination for outdoor, adventure travelers. You can explore nearby urban parks such as Sabana Park, Morazan Park, and Central Park. For shopping and entertainment, visit Mercado Central and San Pedro Mall, both popular venues nearby. If you're interested in cultural experiences, you can catch a performance at the National Theater of Costa Rica or Melico Salazar Theatre. For those looking to connect with nature, Parque Nacional La Cangreja, a national park known for outdoor activities, is also nearby.

Make sure to explore the distinct neighborhoods surrounding Chinatown, as each area has its own unique character. Barrio Escalante is known for outdoor, family experiences and features places like Centro Cultural de España and Lincoln Plaza. Nearby, Carmen and Hospital are recognized for outdoor and adventure experiences, with Carmen housing the National Center of Art and Culture and Parque Espana. Each neighborhood offers a variety of activities and sites worth discovering.

The best time to visit Chinatown is influenced more by rain than by temperature, as the weather remains mild and fairly constant throughout the year. Rain is heavier from May to November, which can affect outdoor plans. Demand for visits is generally steady, with slightly busier periods in January and March to April, while August and October to November tend to be quieter months for exploring the area.


Things to do


Chinatown Hotel Deals

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica

3.5 out of 5
Sobre Autopista General Cañas Ulloa Heredia
$88 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$100 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Ulloa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Jose Aeropuerto, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

4.5 out of 5
700 meters West from Bridgestone/Firest La Asunción Heredia
$159 nightly
The price is $180 total per night from Nov 25 to Nov 26
$180 total
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury resort in La Asunción. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Barceló San José

Barceló San José

4 out of 5
Urbanización El Robledal, La Uruca, 01150 San José, Costa Rica San José San Jose
$60 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from Dec 7 to Dec 8
$67 total
Dec 7 - Dec 8
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in San José. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
Barceló San José
Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

3.5 out of 5
Radial Francisco J. Orlich Rio Segundo Alajuela
$118 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
$133 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,254 reviews)
"Only stayed a night before travel. We needed a bandaid, hotel had no first aid box?! That was a bit shocking. Front desk is likely understaffed because a number of calls from the room were put on hold for a long time with no answer. Overall, it was cheap to stay here for just a night, it was convenient ..."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela
Hyatt Centric San José Escazú

Hyatt Centric San José Escazú

4.5 out of 5
Plaza Tempo San Rafael
$130 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Dec 12 to Dec 13
$147 total
Dec 12 - Dec 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in San Rafael. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Multiplaza Mall Escazu and National ...
Hyatt Centric San José Escazú
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
Hwy 1 Airport Blvd Rio Segundo
$135 nightly
The price is $153 total per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
$153 total
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rio Segundo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,730 reviews)
"Staff were helpful and friendly. Breakfast was good. Rooms were cleaned. Was not able to hear airplanes."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Chinatown

Find the best Chinatown areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Chinatown
Learn more about Chinatown

Barrio Escalante

Barrio Escalante might not have many top sights, but San Pedro Mall and National Museum of Costa Rica are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

La California

Check out the restaurants, shopping, and museums while spending some time in La California. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighborhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like National Museum of Costa Rica or National Theater of Costa Rica.

La Sabana

If you're spending some time in La Sabana, Sabana Park and National Stadium of Costa Rica are top sights worth seeing.

Hospital

If you're spending some time in Hospital, Central Park and Melico Salazar Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

Carmen

If you're spending some time in Carmen, Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica and National Center of Art and Culture are top sights worth seeing.



Chinatown

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