Selina San José

San José


Ensconced in a rad space within the centrally located Barrio Otoya, this hostel is part of the Selina backpacker empire now stretching across the lower Americas. Seemingly overnight, it has become the go-to hangout for young travelers. It's loud here, and people like it that way.

Beds are comfy and the space is inspired, with a reception desk built out of an old Volkswagon.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San José attractions

1. Casa Amarilla

0.06 MILES

On Parque España’s northeast corner, this elegant colonial-style yellow mansion (closed to the public) houses the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The ceiba tree…

2. Centro Nacional de la Cultura

0.11 MILES

Housed in the historical National Liquor Factory, this cultural center contains the museum of art and design, a video museum, a gallery and two theaters.

3. Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo

0.11 MILES

Commonly referred to as MADC, the Contemporary Art & Design Museum is housed in the historical National Liquor Factory building, which dates from 1856. It…

4. Parque España

0.12 MILES

Surrounded by heavy traffic, Parque España may be small, but it becomes a riot of birdsong every day at sunset when the local avian population comes in to…

6. Edificio Metálico

0.14 MILES

One of downtown San José's most striking buildings, this century-old two-story metal edifice on Parque España's western edge was prefabricated in Belgium,…

7. TEOR/éTica

0.16 MILES

This contemporary-art museum is the brick-and-mortar gathering space for the TEOR/éTica Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Central…

8. Barrio Amón

0.18 MILES

Northwest of Plaza España lies this pleasant, historical neighborhood, home to a cluster of 19th-century cafetalero (coffee grower) mansions. Recently…