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
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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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
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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
Spark by Hilton San Jose Airport

Spark by Hilton San Jose Airport

3 out of 5
2585 Seaboard Ave, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$156 per night from 10 Oct to 11 Oct
AU$156
10 Oct - 11 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (231 reviews)
"The room was spotless. The staff was very kind and the breakfast options were just right for me. The airport shuttle was right on time when we requested. We will stay again."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Spark by Hilton San Jose Airport
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$221 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
AU$221
11 Oct - 12 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! (1,430 reviews)
"Clean and easily accessible"

Reviewed on 26 Sept 2025

Hyatt Place San Jose Airport
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$194 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$194
25 Oct - 26 Oct
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! (469 reviews)
"Good clean just machines in gym room weren’t all functioning"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Uptown Oasis 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.
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
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
Charming 3-bedroom house in delightful San Jose with AC/ WIFI/ LAUNDRY/PARKING

Charming 3-bedroom house in delightful San Jose with AC/ WIFI/ LAUNDRY/PARKING

San Jose, CA
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose and PayPal ...
Charming 3-bedroom house in delightful San Jose with AC/ WIFI/ LAUNDRY/PARKING
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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