A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. San Jose for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Interlaken or San Jose?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and San Jose can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and hiking. See Interlaken travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a bustling, authentic, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See San Jose travel costs.

Interlaken and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or San Jose?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Jose. Although Interlaken and San Jose are both popular with visitors, San Jose has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Jose is more popular for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, food, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. San Jose is popular for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. It is also home to The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is Interlaken different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Jose and Interlaken. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, San Jose is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

San Jose is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Interlaken or San Jose?

San Jose is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

San Jose is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or San Jose? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Interlaken is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in San Jose. Most people miss out on local cuisine during their time in Costa Rica, but the capital city offers the best opportunities to eat like a local. You can sample favorite local dishes such as chifrijo, gallo pinto, rondón, and casado. You should also wander through the Central Market and dine at one of the many local restaurants.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

Both Interlaken and San Jose have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Interlaken has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There are tons of pubs and bars around town. This is the best way to meet locals and makes for a fun night out on the town. The atmosphere is generally laid back and relaxed, which matches the mellow vibe of the town.

The people in San Jose know how to have a good time. This city has the best nightlife in all of Costa Rica. You'll find a diversity of clubs and bars that are fun to explore. Check out the reggae bars, dance clubs, and sports bars (where you can enjoy a soccer game) while you're in town.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for its hiking trails. However, San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Interlaken draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

San Jose is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or San Jose?

San Jose is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Jose. There are a number of unique things you can buy in the city including jewelry, handbags, and wood workings. Make sure you check out the Central Market.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or San Jose More Beautiful?

Interlaken is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Interlaken is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. While the city itself has a lot of charm and character, it's really about exploring the surrounding countryside. There are world class hikes, stunning vistas, and adrenaline-filled adventure sports that you shouldn't miss.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

San Jose doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Most people pass through the city quickly, but if you have a day or two to explore, you can visit the Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños), Spirogyra Butterfly Gardens, or explore the Central Market.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Interlaken has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Most people don't think of San Jose as a couple's destination. While Costa Rica is a popular honeymoon destination, the capital city is often overlooked for the beaches and rainforests around the country.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

San Jose is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Backpackers appreciate the affordability of the city and the wide range of hostels that you can choose from. The city also offers an authentic glimpse of life in Costa Rica.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit San Jose. Many students come to Costa Rica to study the country's amazing environment and unique ecological systems. San Jose makes a good base as its easy to travel to other parts of this small country.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

Is Interlaken or San Jose Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Interlaken is fairly effecient and thorough. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

You'll find some public transit in San Jose, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Interlaken or San Jose a more walkable city?

Interlaken and San Jose are good when it comes to walkability.

Interlaken is somewhat walkable. The old town is relatively walkable.

San Jose is a somewhat walkable place. It can feel a bit chaotic, but it's relatively easy to get around on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Interlaken or San Jose to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Interlaken than San Jose because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Jose.

Families should spend more time in Interlaken than San Jose. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Interlaken, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Interlaken than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Interlaken that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Jose than Interlaken if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in San Jose.

One day in Interlaken or San Jose?

The beautiful town of Interlaken offers skiing and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the bustling city of San Jose, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Jose, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or San Jose?

Interlaken is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Jose, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or San Jose?

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Interlaken, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Jose, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or San Jose?

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

San Jose is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Interlaken and San Jose, we can see that Interlaken is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Interlaken is in Europe and San Jose is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to San Jose would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Jose and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Interlaken would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Interlaken than you might in San Jose.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Interlaken Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or San Jose?

San Jose has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and San Jose, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Interlaken or San Jose?

Interlaken has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or San Jose in the Summer?

Both San Jose and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Interlaken is cooler than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In July, Interlaken usually receives less rain than San Jose. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or San Jose in the Autumn?

Both San Jose and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.

In the autumn, Interlaken is much colder than San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.

San Jose gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in San Jose. Also, the hurricane season in San Jose is May to November.

Should I visit Interlaken or San Jose in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and San Jose. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Interlaken is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Jose this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than San Jose. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or San Jose in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as San Jose. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.

Interlaken is much colder than San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Jose. In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than San Jose. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in San Jose is the dry season. Keep in mind that May to November is the hurricane season in San Jose.

Typical Weather for San Jose and Interlaken