Nightlife in San Jose

Overview

San Jose plays host to a healthy mix of college, family, and medical tourism vacationers offering entertainment options to suit all tastes.  There are exciting dance clubs and salons, lively bars and pubs, a thriving theater scene with regular cultural performances, rock shows, and pop acts.  

Bars and Pubs

The bar scene in San Jose covers everything a medical tourism vacationer could wish for - from relaxed, sedate lounges that cater to the older crowd, to hip bars that are popular with a younger college audience. There is also a fine selection of pubs where you’ll find a range of imported and local beers.  A nice tradition that seems to be sadly petering out is the free plate of bocas (snacks) that end up at your table along with your drinks. Many San Jose establishments have now discontinued this practice, but you can still find a few friendly old-time bars that offer a free plate of bocas on the house.  In more sophisticated bars however, you will be asked to pay for your plate. 

Clubs and Casinos

Salsa is the beat of choice at most of the dance clubs here, and live performances are a routine part of the club scene.  Meringue is also popular, but you’ll be disappointed if your tastes run into blues or jazz – the options are limited. Gambling is legal in the country, and most of the major hotels have casinos inside.  

Neighborhoods

Most of the younger set hangs out at San Pedro, a two mile stretch near the University of Costa Rica. It’s mainly a student town, and the selection of bars, pubs, cafes, and clubs is vast.  It also tends to be a haunt for prostitution. Don't overdo the flashy clothing on your medical tourism vacation, and never carry too much cash on you.