Hostel Urbano

San José


Within easy walking distance of the university and its nightlife, yet right on the bus line into downtown San José, this immaculate hostel has a coffee shop right next store. Guests feel instantly welcome, with its open floor plan, spacious backyard, pool table, modern internet facilities, Netflix and a kitchen-dining area nice enough for a dinner party.

Smaller rooms, which are often rented out as private doubles, are ideal for groups of three or four friends traveling together. Even the larger 12- and 16-bed dorms manage not to feel claustrophobic, thanks to the thoughtful placement of well-constructed modern bunks.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San José attractions

1. Barrio Escalante

0.35 MILES

Formerly a residential enclave, the streets of this increasingly hip neighborhood are now lined with dozens of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars. The…

2. Parque Francia

0.38 MILES

A lovely little space of former farmland, bordered by a French cafe and French-Spanish bookstore, as well as some restaurants. Shade trees and plenty of…

3. Cooperación Española Cultura

0.47 MILES

One of the city’s most vibrant cultural institutions, this Spanish-run center offers a full roster of events. There is also an audiovisual center and a…

4. Estación del Ferrocarril de Costa Rica

0.58 MILES

Less than a block east of Parque Nacional is San José's historical train station to the Atlantic, built in 1908. Nowadays offering weekday train service…

5. Parque Nacional

0.7 MILES

One of San José’s nicest green spaces, this shady spot lures retirees to read newspapers and young couples to smooch coyly on concrete benches. At its…

6. Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

0.73 MILES

Entered via a beautiful glassed-in atrium housing an exotic butterfly garden, this museum provides a quick survey of Costa Rican history. Exhibits of pre…

7. Asamblea Legislativa

0.73 MILES

Costa Rica's congress meets in this grand structure – known as the 'blue castle' – in the center of San José. It's scheduled to be replaced by a…

8. Plaza de la Democracia

0.77 MILES

Between the Museo Nacional and the Museo de Jade is the stark Plaza de la Democracia, which was constructed by President Oscar Arias in 1989 to…