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 San Pedro Square and St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Jose
Kelley Park which includes a park

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 Santana Row Shopping Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bascom Station or Fruitdale Station.

Willow Glen
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Northside

When in Northside, you can plan a visit to San Jose City Hall and San Jose Flea Market, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Northside
Winchester Mystery House

West San Jose

If you're spending some time in West San Jose, Santana Row Shopping Center and Winchester Mystery House 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
La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley
La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley
3.5 out of 5
399 Silicon Valley Boulevard, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$140 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
AU$140
includes taxes & fees
19 Apr - 20 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (463 reviews)
"I like this place i stay for two weeks Awesome place too stay. The staff r nice and very respectful."

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

La Hacienda San Jose Silicon Valley
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley by IHG
Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley by IHG
3 out of 5
1350 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$221 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
AU$221
includes taxes & fees
18 Apr - 19 Apr
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 helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Ebriting"

Reviewed on 13 Apr. 2025

Holiday Inn San Jose - Silicon Valley by IHG
Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
2 out of 5
2560 Fontaine Rd, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$144 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$144
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this motel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,015 reviews)
"Ghj"

Reviewed on 12 Apr. 2025

Park Inn by Radisson, 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.
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 front desk. Popular attractions Santana Row ...
6.8/10 (13 reviews)
"The only issue I had was the paperwork and communication was annoying. I had to fill out two different forms with basically the same information. I got 27 emails from booking to checkout. That was excessive. The place itself was fine. Easy walk to the restaurants and stuff."

Reviewed on 13 Dec. 2024

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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (81 reviews)
"Very clean, with all amenities you may need, super-convenient to Santana Row and other shopping mall. Gas station around the corner. Safe parking. Only hitch: due to shared door with next apartment, you can follow conversations/loud TV if neighbors don't pay attention. However, we made it work and ..."

Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2025

Studios Inn
Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions SAP Center at San Jose and Raging Waters ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great Location and comfortable stay
"We were only there for one night, but it was a great place. The ice maker did not work, so you will need to bring your own ice in. Everything else was great. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

Spacious 4-bedroom house in enchanting San Jose with AC, WiFi, washer and dryers
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.

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