A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Delphi vs. San Jose for Attractions, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Delphi or San Jose?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Delphi or San Jose, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Delphi

Delphi is a historic, fascinating, and world-renowned archeological site. Delphi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and museums. See Delphi travel costs.

San Jose

San Jose is a traditional, colorful, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See San Jose travel costs.

Delphi and San Jose: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delphi or San Jose?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Jose than Delphi. While Delphi is larger than San Jose, San Jose has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Jose is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Delphi is more popular for its museums and attractions and impressive beauty. Delphi is more touristy than San Jose and is known for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. San Jose is well known for its colorful markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as its easy access to the rest of the country. Also, San Jose is famous for The National Museum of Costa Rica.

How is Delphi different from San Jose?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Delphi is very popular for its museums and history. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Delphi from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

San Jose offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Despite most people rushing through town, there are a number of museums, plazas, and interesting buildings that are worth checking out.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Delphi and San Jose.

Delphi is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

San Jose offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Delphi or San Jose Better for Nightlife?

San Jose is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to San Jose for the nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or San Jose?

San Jose is great for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or San Jose More Beautiful?

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

Delphi is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful mountain region, these ruins are both fascinating and beautiful.

San Jose is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Delphi or San Jose Better for Families?

Delphi is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Delphi is a family-friendly archeological site. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

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 Delphi or San Jose Better for Couples?

Delphi is a nice place to visit for romance. However, San Jose is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.

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 Delphi or San Jose Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Jose is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Jose. 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.

Delphi is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Delphi or San Jose Better for Students?

San Jose is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Delphi is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Delphi is not popular with students.

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

Delphi and San Jose both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Delphi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

San Jose has a few public transit options. There are local buses that travel through the city during the daytime hours.

Is Delphi or San Jose a more walkable city?

Delphi is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, San Jose is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Delphi is very walkable. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

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 Delphi Worth Visiting? and Is San Jose Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Jose or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or San Jose?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Delphi or San Jose to fill your time. In our opinion, Delphi has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Delphi than San Jose. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Delphi than San Jose. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Delphi 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 Delphi 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 Delphi or San Jose?

The beautiful archeological site of Delphi offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Jose. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Delphi or San Jose?

Delphi is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Delphi, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Jose is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Delphi or San Jose?

Delphi is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Jose. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Delphi or San Jose?

Delphi is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of San Jose. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, 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 Delphi and San Jose, we can see that Delphi is more expensive. And not only is San Jose much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Delphi 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 Delphi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Delphi 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 Delphi Expensive? and Is San Jose Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Delphi or San Jose?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Delphi 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.