San Pedro Travel Guide, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a wonderful country in Central America where travelers flock to every year to see all of its natural wonders.  However, many people, especially students, come to the capital of Costa Rica to learn Spanish.  In the capital, San Jose, there is a barrio (neighborhood) known as San Pedro.  San Pedro has everything the city has but it is more laid back.

San Pedro houses Costa Rica's oldest university, Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) as well as other Universities such as the Universidad Latina.  Therefore, you will see many students walking around town.  Likewise, while visiting San Pedro, you should take a walk in the UCR because of its exquisite atmosphere. You could walk along its tranquil river side or check out the beautiful mosaic buildings such as the one near the law school.

San Pedro is also home to the famous Calle de Amargura or the street of bitterness.  There are various cafes and bars along this street where you can sit from morning till night.  You will be able to eat gallo pinto or a casado, Costa Rica's traditional meals, at one of these great restaurants.  You can also get an Imperial or Pilson beer (Costa Rica's National beers) at one of the many bars such as Congos, Caccios or Uterra.  Whether you are looking for a night out to dance or just want to sit and relax with a few friends, you will be able to find the perfect bar on this street.  Other noteworthy bars in San Pedro are Roots, a reggae bar, Jazz Cafe and Las Brujas (The Witches). 

San Pedro can also serve your shopping needs as there are two mall shopping centers; The Mall of San Pedro and the Outlet Mall.  In addition to these two larger malls, there are multiple tiny shopping centers all around town where you can find book shops, jewelry stores, trendy boutiques (also located on the calle de amargura), motorcycle shops and much more.