San Antonio

Travel Guide

San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio
San Antonio

For many years before the Battle of the Alamo, this city in southern Texas was part of Mexico. See the missions that remain from earlier times.

The strong Spanish and Coahuiltecan influences on the city of San Antonio are visible in its architecture, art and culture. See the Alamo and several other missions that remain from the early days of Spanish colonisation.

Travel along the River Walk that parallels the San Antonio River, which winds through the city. Walk, bike or step into a tour boat to enjoy the quiet under the cypresses lining the riverbanks. The paved trails provide access to museums, restaurants, bars, shopping and the city’s famous missions.

The Alamo, originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero, is the site of the famous 1836 battle in which Mexico’s President Santa Anna killed nearly 200 Americans after a 13-day siege during the Texas Revolution. Take a tour along the river to see four other missions that are part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. They were established not only for religious observation, but also for protection of local residents.

Attend a Sunday service at the Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, the largest of the area’s missions. The Mission San Juan Capistrano is surrounded by labores (farmlands) and an irrigation ditch built in the 1700s. When you visit these and the two other sites, Mission Concepcion and Mission Espada, look for Catholic symbols interwoven with architectural decorations depicting nature created by the indigenous Coahuiltecan people.

The Briscoe Western Art Museum holds Santa Anna’s sword and many other artworks and artefacts. See modern art in McNay Art Museum. Enjoy a live performance in the 1929 Majestic Theatre, which was once a movie theatre.

When the kids have experienced enough history and culture, spend a fun-filled day at one of San Antonio’s many theme parks including SeaWorld® San Antonio, Six Flags® Fiesta Texas and Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. Visit the San Antonio Zoo and the hands-on DoSeum science museum in the large Brackenridge Park and the Natural Bridge Caverns for a varied range of family-friendly activities.

Where to stay in San Antonio

San Antonio River Walk showing a river or creek, a bridge and heritage architecture

Downtown San Antonio

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

A scenic riverfront great entertainment and top sights from Alamo to Alamodome – discover Downtown San Antonio, a destination also famous for its historic sites.

Downtown San Antonio
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Uptown

If you're spending some time in Uptown, Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum and Alamo Quarry Market are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown
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Far West Side

While visiting Far West Side, you might make a stop by sights like Aquatica San Antonio Waterpark and Hill Country Golf Club.

Far West Side
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Medical Center District

While visiting Medical Center District, you might make a stop by sights like USAA Corporate Office Headquarters and Cinemark San Antonio 16.

Medical Center District
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Stone Oak

Stone Oak is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Shops at Hardy Oak and Alta Vista while you're in town.

Stone Oak
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Fort Sam Houston

You'll love the stunning river views in Fort Sam Houston, and you might want to stick around to check out United States Army Medical Department Museum, a top place to visit.

Fort Sam Houston
Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk

4.5 out of 5
150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €151 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
€151
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,032 reviews)
"I can’t wait to return!!! There wasn’t a part of the stay that wasn’t perfect! They even brought a refrigerator up to the room so we could put our leftovers in it!!!"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Riverwalk Plaza

Riverwalk Plaza

4 out of 5
100 Villita Street, Dwyer/Main Plaza, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,878 reviews)
"Excellent customer service, easy valet parking, cool art deco design, quiet, drink basket available in room, board games in lobby, restaurant/bar on site. Blinds don't close completely, need privacy curtains, older building, breakfast not included, require deposit"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Riverwalk Plaza
Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk

3 out of 5
105 S Saint Marys Street, San Antonio, TX
The price is €121 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
€121
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,811 reviews)
"Lovely stay although room very dusty Lots of coughing and sneezing At check in my husband & I presumed valet would deliver luggage to our room After about an hour I called front desk & was informed that valet does not perform the Service this should have been communicated to me @ check in we were ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Drury Plaza Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk
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.
The Continental, powered by Placemakr - Downtown - Market Square

The Continental, powered by Placemakr - Downtown - Market Square

3.5 out of 5
322 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions River Walk and Alamo are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (45 reviews)
"Amazing stay"

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

The Continental, powered by Placemakr - Downtown - Market Square
Landing South San Antonio

Landing South San Antonio

3 out of 5
130 Camino De Oro, San Antonio, TX
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Antonio. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Alamodome and River Walk are located ...
Landing South San Antonio
🌹BELLA🌹 Vacation Home & Ultimate HangOut 🏯Cave🏯

🌹BELLA🌹 Vacation Home & Ultimate HangOut 🏯Cave🏯

San Antonio
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in San Antonio. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Great communication, everything was nice and clean. We really enjoyed ourselves and felt comfortable. Will definitely book this property again!"

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

🌹BELLA🌹 Vacation Home & Ultimate HangOut 🏯Cave🏯
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

Things to do

Reviews of San Antonio

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
11
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Steve

We liked the history of San Antonio. Was able to hire a car because the apartment had parking, so we travelled out of the city to see more of the surrounding areas

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I would recommend San Antonio to everyone as it's delightful place, almost a Venice in Texas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Really enjoyed San Antonio. If you get a downtown hotel you can walk to the Alamo and the river walk area which is nice not having to take the car. The Alamo is an excellent (and free!) thing to see and the riverwalk has lots of dining options.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A beautiful town! Well worth a visit. The river walk is stunning

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I thought it was amazing, it has so much to offer. If you do the bus tour make sure you choose the option that has the places you want to visit included. The bar in the Menger Hotel is worth a visit. They do bar meals.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Will definitely be visiting again very soon 