San Jose Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Jose
St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica
San Jose Museum of Art which includes interior views
San Jose
San Jose featuring modern architecture

Do you know the way to San Jose? This northern California city is so much more than just a catchy song title.

San Jose has a perfect combination of big city (California’s third largest), diverse neighbourhoods and beautiful countryside. It’s the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit several museums to learn about the tech industry’s vast and influential history, which has only been 60ish years in the making. Mingle with dotcom leaders at restaurants and bars. Or, appreciate the city’s grand cathedral and older Spanish architecture, smell the roses at the community’s garden and hike the Los Gatos Creek Trail. Next time you hear the song, say YES, I do!

Where to stay in San Jose

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Downtown San Jose

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like SAP Center at San Jose and San Pedro Square, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Kelley Park showing a garden

South San Jose

4/5(4 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in South San Jose. If sightseeing is on the list, Almaden Plaza is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Blossom Hill Station (VTA) or Snell Station to see more of the area.

South San Jose
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Willow Glen

When in Willow Glen and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like The Pruneyard Shopping Center or Orchid Beauty & Spa and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

If you're spending some time in West San Jose, Winchester Mystery House and Santana Row Shopping Center are top sights worth seeing.

West San Jose
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North San Jose

While you're in North San Jose, take in top sights like Samsung Semiconductor Inc or Alum Rock Park, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Cisco Station or Baypointe Station.

North San Jose
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East San Jose

5/5(3 area reviews)

While you're in East San Jose, take in top sights like Raging Waters or San Jose Flea Market, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Alum Rock Station or McKee Station.

East San Jose
Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport

Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
1355 N 4th Street, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$140 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$140
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (462 reviews)
"It wad cool. There was a spider. No big deal."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport
Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Jose Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Jose Airport by IHG

2.5 out of 5
2080 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$260 per night from 27 Sept to 28 Sept
AU$260
27 Sept - 28 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,153 reviews)
"A clean well appointed room near the airport but very little noise. The only negative was no nearby restaurants, which is no reflection on the hotel."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Jose Airport by IHG
Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
82 Karina Court, Airport, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$222 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
AU$222
3 Oct - 4 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,420 reviews)
"Clean and front desk was exceptional"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Studios Inn

Studios Inn

3.5 out of 5
348 S. Clover Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (86 reviews)
"Very good"

Reviewed on 17 July 2025

Studios Inn
Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown

4 out of 5
77 N Almaden Ave, San Jose, CA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour business center. Popular attractions SAP Center ...
6.6/10 (24 reviews)
Great location and apartment
"Great location and great apartment. Good value for what you get. Kitchen could be better appointed. Pickup process was pretty bad. Concierge with keys was nowhere to be found."

Reviewed on 26 July 2025

Global Luxury Suites San Jose Downtown
Nice open concept 4bdr/2.5bath in great part of South San Jose

Nice open concept 4bdr/2.5bath in great part of South San Jose

San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Wonderful house with a very convenient location to everything you might need."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Nice open concept 4bdr/2.5bath in great part of South San Jose
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of San Jose

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
4
5 - Excellent 21%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 58%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 21%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Was there for MedTech conference, not sightseeing.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We were just over-nighting.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Located close to SFO international airport, downtown San Francisco and Bay areas.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only came to San Jose for an ELO concert at SAP arena, also due to it’s close proximity to San Francisco airport.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Henrys Hi Life . Busy place unique american bar experience. Best steaks worth lining up for.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

You will need to hire a car to get around as public transport seems useless.

Cities near San Jose

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