Carmen is the first distrito of San José Canton in Costa Rica, and one of the four administrative units that form San José downtown (casco central).

This district is not heavily populated although it is a busy downtown area in daytime.

[1][2] Carmen lies in the north of the San José Canton.

It is surrounded by other districts (going clockwise): Goicoechea Canton (north) and Montes de Oca Canton (east) from San José Province.

Between its boundaries there are many important institutions and buildings, including government, health and culture.