Downtown San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio is a vibrant city centre that’s rich in culture and history. It's a great place for first-time visitors to the city to begin their trip. Founded in the early 18th century, San Antonio is one of Texas's oldest colonial Spanish settlements. The beautiful colonial architecture and iconic historic landmarks provide a charming contrast to the modern atmosphere. Of particular importance are the legendary 18th-century Alamo and Market Square.

With miles of riverside paths, it's best to explore Downtown San Antonio on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. And if you're looking for local art and handmade crafts, spend a couple of hours at the San Antonio Museum of Art and La Villita Historic Arts Village. So whether you’re a history buff, a people-watcher or looking for the perfect souvenir, Downtown San Antonio is a fabulous neighbourhood to spend a morning or even an entire day.

Downtown San Antonio - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in San Antonio (Read all about San Antonio here)

What are the highlights of Downtown San Antonio?

Start your exploration of Downtown San Antonio with a stroll along the River Walk. The paved paths wind for 15 miles along the San Antonio River, with the most famous section running through the centre of town. The route is lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques, and recreation spots. It is a fantastic place to people-watch and soak up the bustling atmosphere.

Along the River Walk lies the San Antonio Museum of Art. The museum houses over 30,000 art pieces, from Egyptian artefacts to Ancient Mediterranean, Asian, and Latin art. Nearby, you'll find the historic Alamo. The 18th century Spanish mission-turned museum was a famous battle site during Texas's independence from Mexico. It's a popular tourist attraction, so plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

What else can you do in Downtown San Antonio?

You'll find North America's largest Mexican market in Downtown San Antonio. The Historic Market Square is a 3-block plaza where you can browse for traditional Mexican handicrafts, enjoy authentic food, and listen to live performances by Mariachi bands. A few blocks east from here, on the River Walk banks, lies the La Villita Historic Arts Village. The 1-sq block features gorgeous architecture and over 25 galleries and shops selling handmade arts and crafts.

To see Downtown San Antonio from above, head to the Tower of the Americas. The 750-ft-tall building has an observation deck, plus a revolving restaurant and thrilling 4D Theatre Ride. Lastly, a trip to San Antonio is not complete without a live show at the Majestic Theatre. Built in 1929, the venue is the city's largest and oldest theatre.

Good to know about Downtown San Antonio

Less than 1 mile from Downtown San Antonio, accessible by walking along the River Walk, is Southtown. This bohemian neighbourhood is considered the city's arts district and is packed with galleries, hip cafes and lively bars. Plan your visit to coincide with Southtown's First Friday artwalk to enjoy free live music and visit art galleries. You can snap photos of gorgeous mid-1800s European-style mansions in the King William Historic District just a few blocks south from here.

If outdoor adventures interest you, rent a bike and explore the Mission Trail. The 10-mile trail starts in Downtown San Antonio at the Main Plaza. It meanders along the San Antonio River, connecting 4 Spanish Colonial missions.

Jacqui de Klerk | Contributing Writer

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