10 Best Things to Do in San Antonio

Known simply as "The Alamo," this 18th century Spanish mission is seen as a pivotal battle ground in American history. The bullet-riddled building holds great importance in Lone Star lore due to the role it played in the Texas Revolution. 

Here, a famous last stand against impossible odds between Mexicans and Texans took place in 1836. The UNESCO-listed mission is now a riveting museum filled with priceless artifacts and interactive exhibits. For an educational experience, you should book a guided tour.

Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican market in America, home to over 100 vendors selling colorful piñatas, handcrafted accessories, eye-catching textiles, and whimsical folk-art. Next to these shops you’ll find bustling cafes and restaurants offering traditional Tex-Mex food, from fajitas and tacos to burritos and tamales.

Visit La Morenita Imports for traditional Mexican textiles, Mi Pueblito for arts and crafts, and the Silver Twins for jewelry. While you’re there, hit Ranchero Grill & Tap for a cheap and cheerful fast-food feast. We love the gorditas, nachos, and cheese enchiladas.

The San Antonio River Walk follows a network of tranquil, tree-lined waterways that wind their way around the city. The walk, also named Paseo del Rio, brings you across a multitude of boutique shops, trendy bars and restaurants, and picture-postcard bridges.

The river at night is beautifully-lit, with strings of lights twinkling above the pathways. Schedule your visit during Fiesta San Antonio, a massive springtime celebration that features colorful Mexican river floats, spine-tingling fairground rides, and flamboyant music and dance performances.

Mission San Jose is the largest of the Texas missions, which is why this historic beauty is crowned as “the Queen.” Founded in 1782, this enchanting stone church is part of 5 city missions that have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, thanks to their mesmerizing archeological structures that were built by Franciscan missionaries.

San Jose is almost fully restored to its original design and is therefore a remarkable example of the architecture of its time. Wander under its grand stone archways and marvel at its mysterious Rose Window, before taking a guided tour to learn more about its past.  

San Antonio Botanical Garden dazzles visitors with its world-class collection of plant life. Its Lucile Halsell Conservatory, designed by Argentinian architect Emilio Ambasz, showcases 5 climate-controlled greenhouses that hug a stunning central courtyard.

When you’re not admiring cacti, orchids, and palms, take a stroll through the impeccably landscaped Japanese Garden where you can make a wish at the koi pond and daydream by the granite lanterns. Before you depart, stop by Rosella Restaurant for a boutique selection of regional wines and a Mediterranean lunch.

San Antonio’s Pearl District was a former industrial zone that has since been transformed into one of the city’s most hip and happening neighborhoods. Wander its 16 blocks and explore fashionable boutiques, chic little eateries, trend-setting bars, and super-cool coffee shops.

Note the famous Hotel Emma: 5-star luxury accommodation set inside a historic 19th-century brewery with rooftop views that are simply superb. When you’ve worked up an appetite, reserve a table at Brasserie Mon Chou Chou for traditional French comfort food and a fabulous selection of imported wines.

Between them, the Buckhorn Saloon and the Texas Ranger Museum are a bona fide representation of the evocative Old West. The bar walls are covered with taxidermized animal heads and prized trophy horns including stags, buffalos, bulls, and bears.

There’s a believe-it-or-not display on show, as well as an impressive replica of a Western town. Discover priceless artifacts that span more than a century of Ranger history, before taking a madcap journey with Dr. Phineas Phiasco in his Carnival of Curiosities.

The San Fernando Cathedral Light Show has been a staple of San Antonio’s nightlife since it first debuted in 2014. This spectacular projection of light, color, and visual storytelling dances across the majestic façade of the oldest cathedral in the United States, and spans 7,000 square feet.

Helmed by French artist Xavier De Richemont, San Fernando Cathedral Light Show is a perfect way to begin a night out on the town. Its free seats are limited and the show is very popular, so try get there early to avoid having to stand.

Some of San Antonio’s ghost tours cover the most haunted sites in the city. The entertaining guides recount intriguing stories of yesteryear Texas while showing off spooky landmarks including The Old Bexar County Jail, The Menger Hotel, and The Spanish Governor’s Mansion.

Book tickets with companies like Alamo City Ghost Tours, Bad Wolf Ghost Tours, or Sisters Grimm, who’ll drive you around in their spine-tingling tour bus. You can even join the oldest pub crawl in Texas, stopping at haunted bars to enjoy a beer while learning about gruesome events and hauntings. Most of the tours are on foot, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.

The San Antonio River is very much the heart of the city, with locals and tourists flocking there to hang out by its glittering waters. The friendly atmosphere is best felt along the buzzing footpaths of the historic River Walk, where you’ll discover cafes, restaurants, and hip little bars. 

Golden-hued lights are strung across the walkways, which only heighten the district’s truly enchanting atmosphere. For a night cap, nothing beats a visit to Mad Dogs British Pub, the Naked Iguana Bar, Esquire Tavern, or the legendary Waxy’s.