So you just came from the airport to your hotel, and you want to spend the night out in San Jose, but you don't know anyone or anyplace you can go. That's what I'm here for.

The first thing you should do is get a cab, no walking around San Jose, it's not that safe, you don't want to take your chances.

After you get the cab make sure to ask the receptionist how much it usually costs from your hotel to the bar, cab drivers will probably charge you more than usual if you let them, so also fix the price before going, talk to the cab driver.

Many hotels have cabs outside their lobby, but if you are already in a bar and want to leave, make sure you get a RED cab, with the proper signs that let you know it's a legal one, that way you'll be safe. We have some called "Piratas" - pirates, they provide the service but will charge a LOT more.

Some bars will let you in for free, others charge an entry fee, but its usually around $4 with two drinks, so it isn't that bad. Prices will vary depending on the place you go, like Calle de la Amargura, San Pedro, a beer will cost around $1.5, and in Escazu the same beer will cost $3. Hard liquor goes from $2- $10 a drink.

Now you also have to be careful in these cheap places, there's a reason why they are cheap, try to take little cash with you, no jewelry, etc. You will need some kind of ID to get in, don't use your passport, and try a driver's license.

What about dinner? Costa Rica, especially San Jose has many restaurants if you want a quiet night. You can find here anything, from Thai food, to Mexican food. Try in your hotel to get the yellow pages or a restaurant directory, I guarantee you will find anything you want on food.

Live music can be found but not every night, so try checking the newspapers, if you can't read Spanish, try getting a translator from the hotel. That's all for today, good luck all!!

Alfonso Chaves is a Costa Rica Travel advisor that has helped lots of travelers looking for tips and advice about travelling to Costa Rica. He currently works for Amapola Hotel located in Jaco Beach, Costa Rica for the internet client service department.

Feel free to leave him a question by clicking on the below link, he will gladly help you in any way he can: http://www.hotelamapola.com/contact.html