5 days in San Antonio
The Alamo and River Walk on day 1, San Antonio Missions NHP and Tower of the Americas on day 2, and Pearl District and Market Square on day 3. The other 2 days add a day trip to Fredericksburg and Southtown & King William District. Stay in Downtown & River Walk, the area closest to the plan's stops.
Costs about €1,215 for one person mid-range, or €575 on a budget. Best in January, March, or November.
Day 1: The Alamo and River Walk
The historic and bustling heart of the city, centered around the famous Paseo del Rio.
Morning
The Alamo
Visit the Alamo early in the morning right at opening (9 AM) to avoid the massive midday crowds and tour groups for a more contemplative experience.
In Downtown & River Walk.
To eat
Classic Tex-Mex
Don't skip the complimentary chips and salsa, and always ask for 'chili gravy' on your enchiladas.
Where to go: Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery (24-hour institution), Los Barrios (family-owned favorite), Ray's Drive Inn (inventor of the puffy taco)
Afternoon
River Walk
This area blends major landmarks, hotel towers, riverside dining, and shopping into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly core.
Evening
The Japanese Tea Garden
A serene, free public garden located in Brackenridge Park, featuring lush landscaping, koi ponds, a waterfall, and a historic pagoda built in an abandoned limestone quarry.
Day 2: San Antonio Missions NHP and Tower of the Americas
Morning
San Antonio Missions NHP
To eat
Modern Texas & Fusion
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner at Pearl District restaurants.
Where to go: Supper at the Pearl (elevated American), Cured at the Pearl (charcuterie-focused), Botika at the Pearl (Asian-Peruvian fusion)
Afternoon
Tower of the Americas
In Downtown & River Walk.
Evening
The DoSeum
San Antonio's museum for kids, filled with interactive, hands-on exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Day 3: Pearl District and Market Square
Morning
Pearl District
A trendy, walkable neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery.
To eat
Barbecue & Meat
Arrive early (before 1 PM) at the best BBQ joints as they often sell out of popular cuts like brisket and ribs.
Where to go: 2M Smokehouse (top-tier brisket), The Barbecue Station (local haunt), Bill Miller Bar-B-Q (ubiquitous regional chain)
Afternoon
Market Square
Evening
Mission Drive-In
A classic, no-frills drive-in movie theater that has been operating since 1948, showing double features on multiple screens.
Day 4, a day trip: Fredericksburg
1 hour 15 min by car.
Escape to the heart of the Texas Hill Country and German heritage. This charming town is famous for its wineries along Highway 290, peach orchards, and a historic main street lined with boutiques and German bakeries.
Highlights: Texas Hill Country wineries, National Museum of the Pacific War, Main Street shopping and dining, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Day 5: Southtown & King William District and The San Antonio Museum of Art
Morning
Southtown & King William District
San Antonio's most historic and artistic neighborhood, featuring beautifully restored 19th-century mansions along quiet, tree-lined streets. Southtown offers a bohemian, gallery-heavy vibe just south of downtown.
Also here: Blue Star Arts Complex, The Friendly Spot Ice House, Southtown's First Friday Art Walk, The Guenther House restaurant
Afternoon
The San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA)
Housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery, SAMA boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin American art in the southern U.S.
Evening
The Hot Wells Hotel Ruins
The atmospheric ruins of a once-opulent 1890s spa hotel, now a Bexar County park with walking trails and historical markers.
Before you go
From the airport
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is about 8 miles north of downtown. The most affordable option is VIA Metropolitan Transit bus #5, which takes about 45 minutes and costs $1.30. Ride-shares (Uber/Lyft) cost $20-35 to downtown and take 15-20 minutes. Taxis are a flat rate of approximately $30 to downtown. Rental car facilities are on-site.
Getting around
Downtown, the River Walk, and the Pearl District are highly walkable and pleasant. However, attractions are spread out (e.g., missions, zoo), making a car, ride-share, or bus necessary for a comprehensive visit.
Local tips
- Buy a $12 Day Pass for VIA's Primo express buses and regular routes—it's the cheapest way to reach the missions via bus #40 from downtown, saving you on ride-shares.
- For the best River Walk experience, explore the Museum Reach (north of downtown) or the Mission Reach (south) for fewer crowds, beautiful public art, and serene pathways.
- Parking downtown is expensive. Use city-operated garages like the Rivercenter Mall garage or find street parking in Southtown and walk or take a river barge into the core.
