< Around Town

Top 10Downtown San Antonio

TopTen

Skyline, San Antonio

The heart and soul of San Antonio is centered in the historic downtown area. The city began with the building of the first Spanish mission near the San Antonio River. That mission, now known as the Alamo, stands today as a legendary memorial to liberty. The modern downtown area is encircled by freeways, and within this boundary lies the crown jewel of San Antonio, El Paseo del Rio, the River Walk. This festive, bustling walkway along the river boasts many of the city’s finest restaurants, cafés, clubs, and hotels. Surrounding the Alamo and the River Walk is a vibrant, multicultural city with a fascinating history and abundant historic sites. Market Square, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, and San Fernando Cathedral date from the Spanish era. The King William Cultural Arts District and St. Joseph’s Church are reminders of the waves of German and European settlers who arrived in the 1800s. And then there are the legends of cattle drives and cowboys, found at the Buckhorn Saloon and Menger Hotel.




1The Alamo

The Alamo is the most visited historic site in Texas, maintained as the Shrine of Texas Liberty in honor of the men who fought here against incredible odds during the 1836 Texas Revolution. Although millions visit each year, the Alamo has a quiet, chapel-like atmosphere. The chapel was built in 1744, part of the mission established by the Spanish near the San Antonio River in 1718. By the mid-1700s, the mission had become a thriving community with farmlands, a cattle ranch, and a granary.

2River Walk

TopTen

River cruise at the River Walk

The fascinating River Walk attracts far more visitors each year than any other place in San Antonio. The atmosphere here is strikingly different from the rest of the downtown area. A popular way to experience the River Walk is by dining at the waters’ edge and listening to the sounds of mariachi music at night. The most informative is to take a river cruise to see attractions that include the tall Torch of Friendship and the Tower of the Americas. A lovely walk takes in the length of the pathway, through the vibrant restaurant area and the quiet green spaces.

3La Villita Historic District

The Little Village, La Villita, sits above the San Antonio River and became a popular place to live following the flood of 1819, which destroyed many homes in the low-lying land near the plaza. By 1880, German and French immigrants had converted this former military area into a village whose cultural mix is reflected in the variety of architectural styles found here. Today, this village offers brightly colored craft shops, art galleries, and some of the best dining in San Antonio (For further details see La Villita Historic District).

4HemisFair Park

HemisFair Park is an urban oasis with fountains, walkways, and a children’s playground. The Institute of Texan Cultures presents the fascinating peoples and cultures of Texas in over two dozen exhibits, one for each of the ethnic groups that settled in Texas. Opened in 1968, the park is undergoing a transformation into an accessible neighborhood gathering place.

  • Bounded by Alamo, Bowie, Market, and Durango Streets
  • 210 458 2330

5San Fernando Cathedral

The magnificent San Fernando Cathedral is the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral sanctuary in the US. This is where James Bowie was married in 1831, and where General Santa Anna flew the red flag of no mercy in 1836. Streams of visitors come to savor the cathedral’s spiritual serenity, view the incredible retablos and religious artifacts, and see the sarcophagus, that reputedly holds the remains of the defenders of the Alamo (For further details see San Fernando Cathedral).

Torch of Friendship

Fifty tons of gracefully curving modernistic red steel dominate the skyline and capture the eye in downtown San Antonio. A gift to the city, this sculpture by renowned Mexican sculptor Sebastian symbolizes the friendship, shared history, and cultural entwinement of the United States and Mexico. The placement of the sculpture in San Antonio honors the importance of the city to both countries.

6Spanish Governor’s Palace

This restored home of the Spanish officials who resided in San Antonio in the 1700s, is today furnished with 18th-century antiques, and is the only early aristocratic Spanish home remaining in Texas. The original doors are carved with seashells, dragons, and flowers, symbols of Spanish exploration in the New World. Of particular interest are an early map of the Villa de San Fernando in the main room, an 18th-century table, and a hand-carved chest made in Madrid c.1720 (For further details see Spanish Governor’s Palace).

7Market Square

Until the early 1900s, the festive open-air market where San Antonio housewives bought their bread and meat was held at Military Plaza. When plans for the new City Hall were finalized, the market moved to El Mercado in Market Square. Some of San Antonio’s most popular Mexican restaurants are located here. Vibrant festivals, mariachi music, and lively folk dancing occur most weekends and evenings. The Museo Alameda is located at the entrance to Market Square

8San Antonio Museum of Art

This ultra-modern museum presents art through the centuries from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Europe, and Latin America. Its folk art gallery displays a rich mix of art in every medium imaginable. The Asian wing includes Chinese bronzes, jade, Japanese armor, and the only intact Tibetan sand mandala in the US.

  • 200 W Jones Ave
  • 210 978 8100
  • Open 10am–9pm Tue, Fri & Sat, 10am–5pm Wed & Thu, 10am–6pm Sun
  • www.samuseum.org

9Majestic Theatre

One of the finest examples of the lavish theaters built in the 1920s to house vaudeville shows and the emerging silent movies, the Majestic is stylishly elegant. Moorish-Baroque styles predominate, with ornate decorations, plaster sculpture, and faux woodwork. It seats 2,400 under a simulated night sky. Restored in the early 1990s, it is the home of the San Antonio Symphony, which presents a full season of popular and classical concerts here (For further details see Majestic Theatre).

10Briscoe Western Art Museum

A River Walk landmark since 1929, this Art Deco building with its Beaux Arts interior originally housed San Antonio’s Carnegie Library and then, until 1996, the Hertzberg Circus Museum. A major renovation added the outdoor Pavilion and Sculpture Garden. Museum exhibits, Western art, and thousands of historic artifacts tell the multifaceted story of the American Indians, vaqueros (cowboys), and early settlers of the American West, South Texas, and San Antonio.


A River Walk to La Villita and the Alamo

Early Morning

Start at the Torch of Friendship, and walk down the stairs on to the River Walk. Head south to the Arneson River Theatre. The arched bridge ahead links the theater’s stage on the opposite bank to the audience seating on this side. It is named Rosita’s Bridge for singer Rosita Fernandez. The next section of the River Walk is Bowens Island with the Tower Life Building. Follow the river to the left (south) at the inter-section along the west of the King William Cultural Arts District. At Johnson St, cross the bridge, and go south along the river to the Guenther House Restaurant, next to the Pioneer Flour Tower. Enjoy breakfast at this historic home and visit the small museum upstairs.

Late Morning

Exit the restaurant and turn right on Guenther St. Turn left on to King William St (For further details see King William Park and Bandstand). At 509, Steves Homestead, take the docent-led tour. Go along this historic street, pass by King William Park and the San Antonio Art League Museum. Turn left on to St. Mary’s St, then right on to Durango and another left on Alamo St. HemisFair Park is right across the street. Ahead on your left is the La Villita Historic District. Stop to see the historic district, or pause for some shopping. Continue on Alamo St to the Alamo and see the film in the Long Barrack Museum. Then head over to the River Walk for a relaxing lunch.

< Around Town

Top 10Places to Shop



1Market Square

Many shops offer colorful Mexican goods, from jewelry and fabrics to sombreros and bright tin and paper items (For further details see Market Square).

2La Villita Historic District

Shops in this area include Monte Wade Fine Arts Gallery and Artistic Endeavors. The former sells modern and traditional art, while the latter features Southwest artists.

  • Monte Wade
  • 418 Villita St
  • 210 222 8838
  • Artistic Endeavors
  • 210 222 2497

3Blue Star Arts Complex

This group of converted warehouses has shops such as San Angel Folk Art, which offers international folk and modern art.

  • 116 Blue Star
  • 210 227 6960

4Southwest School of Art and Craft

An exceptional shop with arts and crafts in various media by international professionals.

  • Ursuline Campus, 300 Augusta St
  • 210 224 1848
  • Open 8:30am–5pm Mon–Sat

5Rivercenter Mall

Downtown’s largest and most convenient mall features a Macy’s department store (For further details see Rivercenter Mall).

6ArtPace

This cutting-edge gallery displays art works all year round, with special exhibitions of new works by artists-in-residence.

  • 445 N Main Ave
  • 210 212 4900
  • Open noon–5pm Wed–Sun, noon–8pm Thu

7Melissa Guerra Latin Kitchen Market

Like a real Mexican mercado, you can get just about anything here– from kitchenware to food items, jewelry, and decor.

8Menger Hotel Shops

Shops here offer clothing and collectibles. J. Adelman sells art, antique, and estate jewelry, while Kings X has a fantastic range of toy-soldiers (For further details see Menger Hotel).

9Casa Manos Allegres

Colorful Guatemalan and Mexican crafts that line this little shop include nativity sets, woodcarving, and papier-mâché.

  • 418 Villita St, Building #600
  • 210 224 5107

10San Antonio Museum of Art Shop

This shop offers a wide selection of jewelry, clothing, fine art, and affordable gifts and souvenirs from around the world (For further details see San Antonio Museum of Art).

< Around Town

Top 10Places to Eat



1Biga on the Banks

This award-winning restaurant serves some of the River Walk’s best food. Entrées include sesame tempura-crusted swordfish.

  • 203 S St. Mary’s St
  • 210 225 0722
  • $55–80

2Ostra

The finest wild fish is flown in from around the world, and an exceptional selection of vintage wines is served.

  • 212 W Crockett St
  • 210 396 5817
  • over $80

3Boudro’s

A local favorite for New American cuisine made from fresh Texan beef, Gulf seafood, and Hill Country produce.

  • 421 E Commerce St
  • 210 224 8484
  • $40–55

4Paesano’s Riverwalk

Classic Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and fine wines are the trademark here. The shrimp Paesano is legendary.

  • 111 W Crockett
  • 210 227 2782
  • $55–80

5Fig Tree

Continental cuisine by candlelight sets the elegant tone. The menu features filet mignon, rack of lamb, and lobster.

  • 515 Villita
  • 210 224 1976
  • $40–55

6Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina

This popular restaurant offers excellent tortilla soup, enchiladas de mole, and tasty pork tips in chili sauce.

  • 910 S Alamo St, King William
  • 210 223 1806
  • under $20

7Sushi Zushi

This popular downtown restaurant serves exceptional sushi, and a variety of spicy Japanese dishes.

  • 203 S St. Mary’s St
  • 210 472 2900
  • under $20

8Republic of Texas

Popular Texan and Tex-Mex dishes are served along the River Walk.

  • 526 River Walk St
  • 210 226 6256
  • $20–40

9La Margarita Mexican Restaurant and Oyster Bar

The special fajitas at this New Orleans-style restaurant are served with a super-hot pico de gallo sauce.

  • 120 Produce Row, Market Square
  • 210 227 7140
  • $20–40

10Mi Tierra Café & Bakery

Great, 24-hour Tex-Mex food in a festive atmosphere, with mariachi musicians.

  • 218 Produce Row
  • 210 225 1262
  • $20–40