Travel bag

San José Costa Rica – Neighborhoods to avoid and the safest places to stay
Leave comments / Through Coco / 5th February 2024

You are planning to go to the capital of Costa Rica and want to know the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in San José. Indeed, even if the Costa Rica is not one of the most
dangerous countries in the world, San José still has some neighborhoods that tourists should avoid.

In this article, you will find the list of neighborhoods to avoid in San José, their location with a map as well as the safest neighborhoods in which to stay.

This guide is written using sources of information on the security of San José neighborhoods published on the Internet: studies, statistics, rankings, press articles.

Is San Jose dangerous in 2024?

Is San José, the capital of Costa Rica, a dangerous city? This is a question that concerns many travelers. The country is renowned for its natural beauty and incredible biodiversity,
but is it safe to walk the streets of its capital?

Fortunately, the answer is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no”. Indeed, San José is one of the least dangerous cities in Latin America. But that doesn't mean San Jose is a
safe city.

This is what we see when we study the 2024 ranking of Numbeo.com where San José is average compared to other Central American cities. In fact, with a crime index of 55.79,
San Jose is less dangerous than Tijuana ou Mexico City but it remains more dangerous than Panama City ou Cancun.

And at the level global, San José is at the top of the table of the most criminal cities in the world: It is ranked 85th most crime-ridden city out of 335 cities classified.

Is it safe to go to San Jose?

According to statistics, the crime rate in San José is higher than in other areas of Costa Rica. However, it is important to note that most crimes are petty thefts and misdemeanor
acts. Violent or serious crimes against tourists are relatively rare.

Furthermore, in San José, as in all large cities, certain neighborhoods require particular vigilance in terms of security. By avoiding these neighborhoods (see list below), following
safety advice, and staying informed with city crime updates, tourists can visit and enjoy this beautiful capital.

Map of neighborhoods in San José

Here is a map where you can identify the neighborhoods to avoid in San José but also the best places to stay listed below: Google Map

English
 Area to avoid in San José
Before telling you about the dangerous areas of the city, here is an area that tourists should avoid in San José because of its poor attendance. This is the red light district of San
José which is located Gringo Gulch near Morazán Park and the Hotel Del Rey.

Most dangerous neighborhoods in San José

A recent San Jose crime report found that the 3 most dangerous neighborhoods were Turkeys, helpless et The Carpio. These neighborhoods have high crime rates, with a
significant number of thefts, burglaries and physical violence. It is strongly recommended to avoid these areas, especially at night.

Then, Barrio Los Angeles, Barrio Mexico, Calle Blancos, Guadalupe et Hatillo are the 5 other neighborhoods to avoid in San José because of their insecurity.

To avoid these dangerous neighborhoods, find out where they are located in the city of San José below (click on the Google maps links):

1. Turkeys : Located west of San José, Pavas is known for its poverty and the presence of criminal gangs which contribute to insecurity in this neighborhood.
2. helpless : Located in the south of the city, Desamparados is another at-risk neighborhood.
3. The Carpio : Located near the Juan Santamaría International Airport, La Carpio is also an area where tourists should avoid going.
4. Barrio Mexico – Barrio México has been the scene of armed robberies and assaults. Poverty, the presence of gangs and the lack of basic infrastructure contribute to the
dangerous situation in this neighborhood.
5. Barrio Los Angeles – Barrio Los Ángeles is also a neighborhood with a high crime rate.
6. Calle Blancos – Calle Blancos is an area where thefts and assaults are frequent.
7. Guadalupe et Hatillo are 2 neighborhoods affected by security problems in recent years.
8. Districts Los Guido, Leo XIII, and El Infiernillo are also places to avoid at night.

Safe neighborhoods to stay in San José

Although San Jose has some unsafe neighborhoods, there are neighborhoods that are generally considered safe for visitors. Here are some of the safest neighborhoods to stay in
San Jose:

1. Escazú : Located west of San José, Escazú is known for being a secure residential area with many restaurants and shopping centers.
2. Santa Ana : Also located west of San José, Santa Ana is a popular residential area for expats. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and has many services for visitors.
3. Amon neighborhood : Located in central San José, the historic Barrio Amón district is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. It is home to magnificent
colonial buildings and charming pedestrian streets.

However, it is always recommended to take safety precautions, even in neighborhoods considered less dangerous.

Downtown: The best neighborhood to visit San José

Downtown San José is a large area ideal for tourists who want to be close to tourist attractions. This neighborhood is a mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and
bustling squares.

There you can admire emblematic buildings such as the National Theater, the Gold Museum and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You can also stroll the cobbled streets, explore the
local markets and discover some great restaurants.

Here is a hotel well located in the center of San José, a 5-minute walk from the San José Cathedral and the National Theater: Gran Hotel Costa Rica

San Jose Center Hotel

English
Barrio Amón: The historic district of San José

Barrio Amón is a historic neighborhood located in the center of San José in the Carmen district. It is home to magnificent colonial buildings, charming pedestrian streets,
museums, shops and trendy bars and restaurants.

Here is a hotel in a colonial house that has a lot of charm: Hotel Santo Tomas

Historic district hotel

Escazú: The chic district of San José

English
 If you're looking for a modern, chic residential neighborhood, Escazú is the perfect place to stay in San José. This area, a little further from the city center, is renowned for its
high-end supermarkets, luxury shopping centers and international restaurants. You can enjoy city life while being surrounded by lush green landscapes and breathtaking views of
the Central Valley.

Here is one of the best rated hotels in the area and the best value for money: Posada el Quijote

Hotel in Escazu

Must do in Liberia Isla Tortuga Tickets Arenal Volcano Tickets Must do in Granada

Tours, Tickets a
Book Now Book Now Book Now Book Now
Activities
GetYourGuide

← Previous Article Next article →

Leave comments
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

Write here ...

Name * E-mail* Website

Save my name, email, and site in the browser for my next comment.

Post a comment »

About me

Must do in Liberia Isla Tortuga Tickets Must do in Granada Arenal Volcano Tickets

Tours, Tickets a
Book Now Book Now Book Now Book Now
Activities
English GetYourGuide
 Passionate about travel, I love preparing them as much as experiencing and telling them. With this blog, I share my itineraries and lots of information that might interest trave

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave me comments.

The sacavoyage.fr site contains affiliate links Booking.com and Civitatis.com. Each time a visitor purchases a service by clicking on the affiliate link, compensation is paid to the site's righ
no additional cost to the buyer.

These affiliate links help generate income in order to continue to offer free advice to users of the site. The latter are free to use affiliate links or purchase the service concerned on t

Home - Legal Notice - Policy

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

English