Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [42]
Bookstores
English-language magazines, newspapers, books and maps are widely available in shops throughout the city. The following stores offer the best selection:
7th Street Books (Map Click here;2256-8251; Calle 7 btwn Avs Central & 1; 10am-5pm) The headquarters of all things English-language also carries maps.
Librería Lehmann (Map Click here; 2223-1212; www.librerialehmann.com; Av Central btwn Calles 1 & 3; 8am-6:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat, 11am-4pm Sun) Good selection of English-language books, guidebooks (including Lonely Planet), as well as topographic and other maps (available upstairs).
Librería Universal (Map Click here; 2222-2222; www.universalcr.com; Av Central btwn Calles Central & 1) On the 2nd floor, the shop has a tiny selection of English-language books, as well as a rack devoted to Costa Rican literature.
Libro Azul (Map Click here; Av 10 btwn Calles Central & 1; 8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat) A tiny shop with secondhand books, mostly in Spanish.
GETTING INTO TOWN
International flights arrive at Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría in nearby Alajuela. There are a number of ways to get from the airport into town: taxi, bus and door-to-door shuttle service (for details, Click here). Many hotels can also arrange for private airport pickup at reasonable rates.
If traveling by bus, you’ll arrive at one of several international bus terminals sprinkled around the western and southern parts of downtown. Some of this area is walkable provided you aren’t hauling a lot of luggage and are staying nearby. But, if you’re arriving at night, take a taxi, since most terminals are in dodgy areas.
Note that many taxi drivers in San José are commissioned by hotels to bring them customers, and the hotel scene is so competitive that drivers will say just about anything to steer you to the places they represent. Among other things, they will ‘call’ your hotel and a voice on the other end will tell you that they’re fully booked. Be skeptical. Tell drivers firmly where it is you would like to go. And if you have concerns about where you have chosen to stay, ask to see a room before settling in for the night.
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Cultural Centers
San José’s growing cultural scene is supported by various foreign institutions, which host film nights, art exhibits, theater, live music and academic conferences. Call ahead in the summer months of January and February, when these spots tend to have limited hours.
Alianza Francesa (Map Click here; 2222-2283; www.afsj.net; cnr Calle 5 & Av 7) The Alliance has French classes, a small library and rotating art exhibits in a historic Barrio Amón home.
Centro Cultural de España (2257-2919; www.ccecr.org; Rotonda del Farolito, Barrio Escalante) One of the city’s most vibrant cultural institutions, this Spanish-run center offers a full roster of events. There is also an audio-visual center and a lending library.
Centro de Cine (Map Click here; 2223-0610/2127; http://centrodecine.go.cr; cnr Calle 11 & Av 9) Located in a rambling Victorian mansion, the government-run cinematheque hosts festivals, lectures and events dedicated to Latin American film.
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Emergency
See the inside front cover for more emergency numbers.
Red Cross (128)
Traffic police (2222-9330)
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Internet Access
Checking email is easy in San José, where cybercafes are more plentiful than fruit peddlers. Rates are generally ₡300 to ₡500 per hour, though these days most hotels (even budget hostels) provide free internet access, mostly via wi-fi.
Café Internet Omni Crisval (Map Click here; Av 1 btwn Calles 3 & 5; 9am-9pm Mon-Sat; per hr ₡400) A dozen terminals with speedy connections located on the main floor of the Omni shopping center.
Más Móvil Internet (Map Click here; Av 5 btwn Calles Central & 1; 2221-4080; per hr ₡300) Sixteen machines, some of which have Skype for online calling.
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Laundry
Do-it-yourself laundry services are hard