The nation's capital and largest city, San José, has a population of about two million in the metro area. Because it is the capital, it is also the most cosmopolitan city in the country. Embassies, foreign dignitaries, transnational companies and tourists from around the world give the city an international flavor and perspective. San José is in the middle of the country, in the Central Valley , two hours from the Pacific coast and three hours from the Atlantic coast. Living in San José affords the opportunity for weekend trips to any of the diverse ecosystems throughout the country, because of the short distance and low-cost travel options.

Popular nightlife activities in the capital include music and dance performances at San José 's historic national theater; dancing at area nightclubs, dining in great international restaurants and movie-going; American movies are generally shown in English with Spanish subtitles.