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
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
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Northside

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

Northside
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$186 per night from 4 July to 5 July
AU$186
4 July - 5 July
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 helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,030 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Food and bar surprisingly very good"

Reviewed on 11 Jun. 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
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! (1,020 reviews)
"I was a little disappointed about the pool being out of commission 😕"

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose
The Westin San Jose
The Westin San Jose
4 out of 5
302 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The price is AU$265 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$265
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

The Westin 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 ...
6.6/10 (19 reviews)
Convenient
"This is an apartment in an apartment building, so no hotel type amenities but very comfortable and conveniently located. There is a coffee shop nearby and the unit has a furnished kitchen."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 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. ...
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
Downtown SJ The Hensley House
Downtown SJ The Hensley House
San Jose
Stay at this vacation home in San Jose. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Santana Row Shopping Center and Levi's Stadium ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (25 reviews)
Great Stay
"Property was great. Street parking was easy and free. Fun stay"

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Downtown SJ The Hensley House
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