City BuddyCityBuddy
English
San Antonio United States cover photo

San Antonio, United States

When to visit

NOT BUSYJan11°5d rain
MODERATEFeb13°4d rain
BUSYMar16°5d rainBEST
VERY BUSYApr21°4d rainBEST
BUSYMay25°6d rain
BUSYJun29°6d rain
BUSYJul31°4d rain
BUSYAug30°4d rain
MODERATESep28°6d rain
MODERATEOct23°4d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov17°4d rainBEST
MODERATEDec12°5d rain

When are you going to San Antonio, United States?

Pick your dates and travel style to get:

  • Personalized day-by-day itinerary
  • Budget calculator for your trip
  • Pre-trip checklist (visa, eSIM, tickets...)

Are any of these especially important to you?

Select all that apply

Must-include attractions sorted by popularity

Most popular attractions in San Antonio, United States

The Alamo

1. The Alamo

4.6 (65,152)
Historical PlaceTourist AttractionHistorical LandmarkMuseumPoint of Interest

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Explore a defining moment in Texas history at the Alamo. Walk the mission compound, see artifacts, and experience powerful storytelling.

River Walk

2. River Walk

Route

Directions

Book tours & tickets

Riverside dining, historic architecture and lively nightlife meet along San Antonio's scenic canal. Stroll the cobbled paths, ride a narrated boat, and sample waterside Tex-Mex.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

3. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

4.8 (8,936)
Historical PlaceTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Explore five Spanish colonial missions along a scenic river corridor. Wander stone churches, plazas, and shaded trails that reveal 300 years of history.

Book a FREE walking tour in San Antonio, United States

The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.

Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!

Explore all of United States
San Fernando Cathedral

4. San Fernando Cathedral

4.8 (6,223)
Tourist AttractionChurchPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

One of the oldest U.S. cathedrals, steeped in Texan and Catholic history. See ornate altars, stained glass, and the dramatic nightly projection show.

Market Square

5. Market Square

4.6 (18,406)
MarketEvent VenuePoint of InterestEstablishment

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Vibrant hub of Mexican culture, full of food, crafts, and live music. Wander colorful stalls, sample tacos and pan dulce, and hear mariachi beneath papel picado.

Tower of the Americas

6. Tower of the Americas

4.5 (11,167)
Amusement ParkObservation DeckPoint of InterestEstablishment

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Panoramic skyline views from 750 feet make Tower of the Americas worth visiting. Ride the glass elevator to the observation deck and rotating restaurant for sweeping city and River Walk views.

The Pearl

7. The Pearl

4.7 (14,306)
Shopping MallParkPoint of InterestEstablishment

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Riverside dining and restored industrial charm combine at a lively neighborhood of top restaurants and independent shops. Stroll the historic Pearl grounds, sample the farmers market, and dine riverside.

San Antonio Museum of Art

8. San Antonio Museum of Art

4.7 (4,555)
Art MuseumTourist AttractionMuseumPoint of InterestEstablishment

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

World-class collections from ancient Mediterranean to contemporary art in a dramatic riverside brewery. Explore galleries, a sculpture courtyard, and rotating special exhibitions.

Natural Bridge Caverns

9. Natural Bridge Caverns

4.7 (17,108)
Nature PreserveTourist AttractionHistorical LandmarkHistorical PlacePark

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Explore massive limestone caverns formed over millions of years. Join guided underground tours, plus above-ground ropes courses and zip lines for extra adventure.

Japanese Tea Garden

10. Japanese Tea Garden

4.8 (17,104)
Botanical GardenTourist AttractionGardenParkPoint of Interest

Directions

Official website

Book tours & tickets

Peaceful Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Antonio, featuring koi ponds, stone bridges and lush plantings. Wander manicured paths, watch koi and snap vibrant photos.

Additional popular things to do in San Antonio, United States

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Traditional Sweet Dishes

Tres Leches cake

Tres Leches cake

A sponge cake soaked in three milks, Tres Leches is a celebration staple in San Antonio and reflects the citys strong Mexican and Latin American culinary heritage.

Buñuelos

Buñuelos

Buñuelos are thin fried dough or tortillas dusted with sugar and cinnamon, traditionally served during holidays and street festivals across San Antonio.

Sopapillas

Sopapillas

Sopapillas are puffy fried pastries served with honey or syrup, commonly found at Tex-Mex restaurants and family gatherings in San Antonio.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Puffy taco

Puffy taco

The puffy taco is a San Antonio original, made with a deep fried tortilla that puffs up and is filled with seasoned meat, cheese, and toppings, and it is closely associated with local taquerias.

Barbacoa

Barbacoa

Traditionally slow cooked over an underground pit, barbacoa is a weekend favorite in San Antonio, often made from beef or goat and served with warm tortillas and salsa.

Breakfast taco

Breakfast taco

A true San Antonio staple, the breakfast taco is eaten any time of day and features endless local variations like egg with potato, chorizo, or bacon wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.

Traditional Beverages

Horchata

Horchata

This sweet, cinnamon flavored rice drink is ubiquitous in San Antonio and is a cooling complement to spicy Tex-Mex dishes.

Prickly pear agua fresca

Prickly pear agua fresca

Made from the bright magenta fruit of the prickly pear cactus, this refreshing agua fresca celebrates local desert ingredients and is popular at markets and fairs in San Antonio.

Michelada

Michelada

A savory beer cocktail made with lime, hot sauce, spices, and a salted rim, the michelada is a popular choice at San Antonio taquerias and bars, especially on hot days.

Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email

Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips — perfect for offline use.

Day trips

Austin

128 km 1h 30m by car

Texas capital, live music, food trucks, state capitol.

Google Maps

Fredericksburg

117 km 1h 20m by car

Hill Country town, wineries, German heritage, shopping.

Google Maps

New Braunfels

51 km 35-45m by car

Rivers, tubing, Schlitterbahn waterpark, German roots.

Google Maps

Corpus Christi

206 km 2h by car

Coastal beaches, Texas State Aquarium, fishing.

Google Maps

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first!

Getting there

From SAT, take VIA Metro, airport shuttle, or ride-share to downtown, allow 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Click to get eSim for San Antonio, United States

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Useful information for San Antonio, United States

Shopping locationsThe Shops at La Cantera, Rivercenter Mall, The Rim, North Star Mall
Nightlife locationsRiver Walk, Pearl District, Southtown
Popular casual restaurantsMi Tierra Cafe, Rosario's, The Cove, La Fonda on Main
Popular fancy restaurantsBiga on the Banks, Cured, Bohanan's Prime Steaks, Signature Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsRosella Coffee, Local Coffee, CommonWealth Coffeehouse
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Lyft, Curb
Taxi price / km$1.5
Tourists / year30000000
Population1500000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage4 %
Poverty percentage12 %
Average income / month$3500
Average cost of living / month$2500
Hotel price / night from$70
Beer price from$4
Coffee price from$3.5
Street food price from$3
Restaurant meal price from$12
Local currencyUSD
Power plug typesA, B
ReligionsChristianity, Catholicism, Protestantism, Unaffiliated
Spoken languagesEnglish, Spanish
EthnicitiesHispanic or Latino, White non-Hispanic, Black or African American, Asian
Political orientationcenter-right
Population density1200 /km²
Geographical area1200 km²
Possible natural disastersHurricanes, Flash floods, Severe thunderstorms, Tornadoes, Heatwaves
Dangerous animalsRattlesnakes, Scorpions, Spiders
Locations for a nice walkSan Antonio River Walk, Brackenridge Park, Mission Reach, King William Historic District
Public transportationsVIA Metropolitan Transit, VIA Primo, Taxis, Rideshare services
AirlinesAmerican Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, United
Suggested vaccinationsMMR, Tdap, Influenza
Architecture typeSpanish Colonial, Mission, Victorian, Modern
Average beer consumption per person / year74 l
Average wine consumption per person / year10 l
Tipping culture15-20% in restaurants, round up for taxis, small tip for baristas
Coworking / day$20
Airbnb / month$2200
1BR rent / month$1100
Gym / month$35
Daily budget (backpacker)$60
Daily budget (mid-range)$120

Overview for San Antonio, United States

English proficiencyVery good
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationBad
HealthcareGood
EducationAverage
Power grid reliabilityGood
Crime safetyBad
WalkabilityAverage
NightlifeGood
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyGood
Startup sceneAverage
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessAverage
Nature accessAverage
Explore all of United States

Looking for another city?