You know the text: “Hey, what should I do while I’m in San Antonio? I need recommendations.”
Next time that message rolls in, don’t sweat it — just send this list. It’s your go-to guide for showing off the best of the Alamo City (and making any visitor an instant fan).
Food + drink
- Fuel your adventure with a fresh cup of joe from one of the city’s most beloved coffee shops.
- Get a taste of local history at one of San Antonio’s oldest restaurants.
- Grab lunch at Pearl, a district packed with top-tier restaurants, boutiques, and a weekend farmers market.
- Make brunch a moment with Insta-worthy eats and aesthetic backdrops.
- Satisfy a late-night craving at these 15+ eateries open after 10 p.m.
- Save a buck or two by grabbing lunch for $10 or less.
- Dine al fresco on one of San Antonio’s prettiest patios.
- Keep your spirits high by sipping cocktails at a local happy hour destination.
Sightseeing
- Book a guided or self-paced tour at The Alamo to step inside one of Texas’ most iconic landmarks.
- Stroll the San Antonio River Walk, where shops, restaurants, and local attractions line the scenic waterway.
- Visit the historic San Fernando Cathedral — and don’t miss “The Saga,” a stunning video art projection on its facade shown at 9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday year-round.
- Experience a taste of old Mexico at the vibrant Historic Market Square, filled with local vendors, food, and live performances.
- Step inside Mission San José — it’s nicknamed the “Queen of the Missions” for a reason.
- Walk through La Villita Historic Arts Village, one of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods, now home to galleries, artisan shops, and cultural events.
- Find a moment of calm at the serene Japanese Tea Garden — and grab a bite at its on-site eatery Jingu House.
- Peruse the San Antonio Museum of Art, located in the former Lone Star Brewery and housing a world-class collection spanning 5,000 years.
- Ride to the top of the Tower of the Americas for panoramic skyline views. Be sure to grab a drink from Bar 601 or a meal at Chart House.
Nightlife
- Catch a show at the Majestic Theatre, an ornate venue built in 1929 that was the first in Texas to be completely air-conditioned.
- Order a libation at one of San Antonio’s swanky rooftop bars like Paramour or The Moon’s Daughters.
- Dance the night away under the disco ball at Bonham Exchange, a 25,000-sqft nightclub stretching across three levels + an outdoor patio.
- Grab tickets to a concert at The Espee — check out its upcoming events.
- Feel the whimsy at Elsewhere Garden Bar & Kitchen and Elsewhere Too, two nightlife destinations decked-out with art and attractions.
- Break in your cowboy boots on the dance floor or lounge in the expansive backyard at honky-tonk bar The Lonesome Rose.
- Spend your evening snapping photos and savoring specialty cocktails at Hopscotch, a gallery featuring interactive works by international artists.
What recommendations would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
