When the sun goes down and the lights go up, the streets of Costa Rica, the country of “pura vida” are all full of surprises. A night out in one of the cities of Costa Rica can be quite an experience. There is more to Costa Rica than verdant foliage and thrilling adventures. The party-going side comes as no surprise as Costa Ricans love to have fun. It is there for the asking and any visitor is spoilt for choice. Costa Rica’s wide range of theaters, cool discos, interesting pubs and bars are as lively as can be.
Many areas especially in San Jose, the capital city, have a host of nightlife activities to satisfy the nocturnal needs of tourists and residents alike. To know what is going on in San Jose, the best source of information is the English daily “Tico Times” and the Spanish language newspaper” La Nacion”. The “Weekend” section of the former lists where expatriates hang out while the “Viva” and “Tiempo Libre” section of the latter highlights what is going on in discos, movie theaters and the live entertainment scene.
Costa Ricans love to dance. You will find plenty of places to dance the night away. Salsa and meringue are the main beats. Restaurants-cum-pubs-cum-dance halls are everywhere.
A good place to sample San Jose’s swirling nightlife is in El Pueblo, a huge entertainment complex built like an old Spanish colonial village. The structure houses gift shops, art studios, bars, restaurants, clubs and discos. Within the complex is Discotheque Infinito. It features several dance floors and bars. You can choose what type of music you want to listen to and proceed to the appropriate spot. Another good dance club in the complex is the Cocoloco where nightly “fiestas” are held.
When you have had enough of El Pueblo, check out the hip three-block stretch of San Pedro, south of the University of Costa Rica. After dark, the streets are filled with students, professors barhopping or simply hanging around. Stroll along the strip and take your pick. La Villa caters to artists and bohemians. Pizza Caccio is the preferred meeting place for many. It is a high energy and fun venue with good music, pizza and pasta and bottles of beer.
If you prefer noisy crowd and loud music, head off to Planet Mall Disco inside San Pedro Mall. This is a huge discotheque that can accommodate more than 2,000 people. It is equipped with the latest sound and light technology. Across the street from the mall is the All Star Bar and Grill. This is a popular American-style sports bar with large TV screens featuring American sports games.
El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte is the in-place where San Jose’s hippest crowd congregates.
For jazz lovers, there is Jazz CafÈ. Listen to relaxing jazz music amidst cozy New York bohemian ambiance. The cafÈ is decorated with original paintings and sculptures.
If loud music, sports bar, large crowds or a raucous atmosphere is not your thing, there are intimate venues around San Jose. The Hotel Grano de Oro has a lovely patio where you can unwind and enjoy your favorite cocktail. You can also relax and enjoy afternoon tea at the Amstel Hotel Lounge.
There are several gringo bars in San Jose. These are bars that cater exclusively for expatriates. Hotel Presidente’s News CafÈ is San Jose’s newest watering hole where the trendiest crowd gathers. Other popular gringo bars are the New York Bar, the Monkey Bar and the Dunn Inn Hotel.
Outside San Jose, other places across Costa Rica have quite a healthy nightlife as well. The Big Bazaar in Tamarindo is a huge beach party complete with a big bonfire. Party all night at the dance clubs and pubs in the strip at Jaco Beach. In Manuel Antonio, there is the Mar Y Sombra. It has a large open air dance floor and tables set in the sand at the beach.
Loose yourself in Costa Rica’s lively nightlife.