San José, Costa Rica
The safest, most comfortable neighborhood in San José with the best restaurant scene. More expensive than other areas but worth it if you value being able to walk around freely and eat alone without hassle.
Barrio Escalante has San José's restaurant and cafe scene. Calle 33 (Paseo Gastronómico La Luz) has dozens of spots ranging from craft beer bars to fusion restaurants. The area went from quiet residential to foodie central over the past decade. You'll see people working on laptops in cafes and eating alone - it's normal here. Streets stay lit and active until 10-11pm on weekends with regular police patrols. Restaurant staff usually speak English since they get lots of international customers. Everything costs more than elsewhere in the city, but it's the safest area to walk around. The vibe is hipster - street art, boutique shops, young professionals and expats. Women-only hostels are here too.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
GoodHarassment Risk
ModeratePublic Transport Safety
GoodPickpocketing Risk
ModerateScam Risk
ModeratePolice Visibility
GoodEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Excellent"Felt completely safe walking around even at night until 10pm"
"So many women eating alone, I never felt out of place"
"Restaurant staff are used to tourists and helpful"
"More expensive than local areas but worth it for safety"
"Met lots of other solo female travelers at hostels here"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Safe residential area with more local character and less tourist presence. Quieter than Escalante with some good restaurants. Less English but still comfortable if you want something more authentic.
Wealthy suburb where expats live. Very safe with American amenities and shopping, but expensive and completely lacks local character. Choose this for comfort and security, not cultural experience.
Quiet residential area with a big park. Safe during the day, convenient for the airport, but no nightlife. You'll need to taxi elsewhere for food and entertainment.
Help other women stay safe in Barrio Escalante
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.