San José is the heartbeat of Silicon Valley and a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers. Despite being a centre of technological excellence, the city features a laid back and friendly atmosphere that is so often associated with California. Visitors to this will find San Jose has plenty to offer, the City's revitalized downtown area boasting a wide array of bars, restaurants and social hubs, as well as numerous places to enjoy some retail therapy.
Where to stay in San Jose
San Jose has plenty of accommodation on offer, though it can vary in quality. It is therefore advisable to book through a trusted advisor. If you plan on making an extended stay in the city, then choosing a serviced apartment in San Jose not only gives you an enhanced level of comfort and privacy, but the added convenience of room cleaning and reception services. The Squa.re present a selection of the best studios, houses and apartments the city has to offer, and our staff can advise you on the best areas to meet the requirements of your trip.
What to do in San Jose
San Jose, like much of California, has a fantastic atmosphere that celebrates the more outdoor, social aspects of life. The parks and green spaces are full with people partaking in extreme sports, enjoying barbeques or simply having fun in the sunshine - and the city’s welcoming culture means it’s easy to get involved.
Being one of the world’s leading tech hubs, San Jose also has plenty of innovative places to eat, shopping malls and social hang-outs to satisfy its population of young professionals. There are numerous sports facilities, offering everything from indoor skiing to paintball, as well as plenty of large scale entertainment complexes with cinemas, amusement arcades and more.
Those looking for something a little more refined will not be found wanting, as San Jose plays host to numerous contemporary art galleries, avante garde theatres and museums dedicated to natural and cultural history. The city really does offer something to suit all tastes and there are also numerous festivals and shows held throughout the year, ranging from rock concerts to meditation marathons.
Tips for staying in San Jose
Places to eat
San Jose has innumerable restaurants and places to eat, ranging from casual American grills, such as the Smoking Pig BBQ Company, Our House and Veggie Grill, to more international offerings, like Il Fornaio, Nemea Greek Taverna and Left Bank French Brasseries. The city also has an emerging ‘gastro pub’ theme, with Firehouse No.1 Gastropub and Original Gravity Public House leading the way.
Shopping
Westfield Oakridge is arguably the central place for general retail in San Jose, with some 200 stores offering everything from cookware to designer shoes. Santana Row is a popular place for those looking for the latest in designer fashions, whilst San Jose Market Center is an outdoor plaza featuring a variety of retailers, casual restaurants and grocery stores. Those seeking a bargain can also check out MAS outlet store, which offers a discount range of clothes and furniture.
Attractions
San Jose boasts a wide range of attractions. Those visiting with family will find Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, Winchester Mystery House and the Rotary PlayGarden offer fantastic, family-friendly fun, whilst those seeking something more mature can enjoy the California Theatre’s varied programme of events, the San José Museum of Art, or The Tech Museum of Innovation - which documents San Jose’s considerable contributions to the field.
Transport
Like most of the US - and especially California - San Jose is covered by excellent public transport infrastructure. The city has a bike share scheme, which is ideal fro traversing the central, or more scenic areas. There’s also VTA Light Rail and Bus services, which cover most of the popular destinations and districts across the city. Alternatively, Uber and Lyft also operate locally, providing a cheap and convenient way to get around.
Local Business
San Jose is big tech country, with Apple, Alphabet Inc, Intel and Cisco Systems all being based in the local vicinity. Software firms, such as Adobe Systems, BEA Systems and Ubicom are also major employers in San Jose specifically. There are also several manufacturing firms with operations in the city - such as RAE Systems and Oclaro.
