Named after Saint Anthony, San Antonio, Texas is one of the largest cities in the United States. The city was founded in the 1700s as an outpost and mission for the Spanish and was even considered the first chartered outpost to be recognized in the state of Texas. San Antonio has a long history and despite the fact that the city has been unmoved for centuries, it changed hands three times in its history. First, it belonged to the Spanish Empire, then as a part of Mexico and finally, the United States. Plenty of historic structures remain in the city from its colonial past like the iconic Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park so although the times have changed, memories live on. San Antonio is full of amazing things to see and discover but if you’re only there for a short time and want to see the best of the best, check out this guide to know what to do for 36 hours in San Antonio, Texas.
Day 1: Afternoon
Have a delicious Mexican meal at El Nogal
Good morning por la mañana.
Posted by Mario A Gutiérrez Garza on Tuesday, 30 July 2019
San Antonio was once part of Mexico and since it is located relatively near the border, you can rest assured that there is some of the best Mexican food around in the city. El Nogal is a local favorite and if you’re a traveler on a budget, then you’re in luck because El Nogal is always very basic and affordable. The brightly lit restaurant serves some authentic Mexican dishes in a dining room with bright colors and lots of flair.
El Nogal
Address: 1605 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 2pm; Sat: 7am - 1pm (closed on Sun)
Marvel at the work done in The Grotto
The Oblate Grotto and Shrine to our Lady of Guadelupe is more popularly known as The Grotto among locals. Named after Lady Guadelupe who is the patroness of the Americas, The Grotto is a religious stop in the city but even the non-religious out there should stop by as the structure itself is pretty stunning. The shrine and the grotto were man-made and recreated in the image of a similar grotto located in Lourdes. Mass is held here as well, or you can simply walk around and admire the surroundings.
The Grotto
Address: Riverwalk N, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
Website: The Grotto
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
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Wander through San Antonio Museum of Art
Located along the Riverwalk is San Antonio Museum of Art. The museum is one of the best in the country with a huge collection of art and artifacts spanning centuries from places across the globe. The San Antonio Museum of Art truly houses an encyclopedic array of art and information about various art movements throughout history. The museum is located in what was once the Lone Star Brewery and after some massive renovations, the museum opened in 1981 to critical acclaim. Although this article details what to do in 36 hours in San Antonio, you can easily spend your whole day here.
San Antonio Museum of Art
Address: 200 W Jones Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
Website: San Antonio Museum of Art
Opening hours: Wed - Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Tue, Fri: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 - 20 USD
Day 1: Evening
Find your way out of The Amazing Mirror Maze
The Amazing Mirror Maze is a great evening activity for the whole family. Even if you’re not traveling with the family, adults and teens will still have a blast trying to find their way out of this confusing and weird maze. If a hall of mirrors met a hedge maze, The Amazing Mirror Maze would be the result. See the weird and distorted reflections of yourself as you try to find your way out of the corners, dead ends, and roundabout circles. You can also try your hand at the vault challenge and feel like a secret agent as you make your way past laser obstacles.
The Amazing Mirror Maze
Address: 217 Alamo Plaza #100, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Website: The Amazing Mirror Maze
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm
Price: 18 USD
Get a little taste of Brazil at Texas de Brazil
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Carnivores rejoice because if you’re looking to satisfy your meaty hunger, then Texas de Brazil is definitely the restaurant for you. Texas de Brazil is a family-owned restaurant that started in a Dallas suburb but has grown throughout the state and even internationally. The concept is a “churrascaria” which roughly translates to “barbecue” in Portuguese. Combining flavors of Southern Brazil with Texas favorites, Texas de Brazil operates on a simple premise. Customers turn a piece of paper green side up if they want more meat and red side up if they don’t. Servers go from table-to-table with meat on a spit and slice it right there at your table.
Texas de Brazil
Address: 313 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Website: Texas de Brazil
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 9:30pm; Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 4:30pm - 10pm
Day 1: Night
Take a trip back in time at Bar 1919
Bar 1919 is an interesting place. Operating on the theme of a speakeasy from 1919, the bar is unique and special not only for the city of San Antonio but for all of the United States because it has consistently been ranked as one of the best whiskey bars in the country. The New York Times ranked it as one of the best bars around and there is a good reason for that. Every drink here is served as a labor of love, but there are some house rules guests need to follow. Drinks are prepared meticulously so be prepared to wait a moment before receiving your beverage. Also, make sure you know what you want before you order. Cosmos, Long-Island Ice Teas, and anything with energy drinks in them is not served here so don’t even bother asking. If you’re going to take a phone call, take it outside, the atmosphere of a speakeasy bar is taken seriously here.
Bar 1919
Address: 1420 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78204, United States
Website: Bar 1919
Opening hours: 4pm - 2am (daily)
Observe San Antonio's most historic landmark at The Alamo (from USD 24.0)
The Alamo is perhaps inarguably, the most important landmark in San Antonio. The place is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the more important historic places not only for the state of Texas but the country as a whole. The Alamo was a Spanish mission and at the time was part of Mexico. American settlers moved here. A Mexican General eventually took control of the government to the chagrin of the settlers. Mexican soldiers attacked the fort for 13 days until the Texans inside were simply overwhelmed and wiped out.
San Antonio Ghost Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Day 2: Morning
Grab your morning coffee at Mi Tierra Cafe and Panaderia
Taco Tuesday featuring our beef and chicken fajitas
Posted by Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery on Tuesday, 24 September 2019
Mi Tierra Cafe and Panaderia is a little taste of Mexico that’s available morning, noon, and night. Mi Tierra Cafe and Panaderia started as a little three-seater shop in San Antonio’s Mercado, offering coffee and breakfast for the early rising farmers. That was in 1941 and now over 70 years later, Mi Tierra Cafe and Panaderia is a San Antonio staple and now they’re open 24 hours a day serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as drinks freshly baked goods.
Mi Tierra Cafe and Panaderia
Address: 218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207, United States
Website: Mi Tierra Cafe and Panaderia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Get a full dose of Texas at The Buckhorn Saloon (from USD 22.0)
The Buckhorn Saloon is many things, only one of which is actually a saloon. Located just a block away from the Alamo and River Walk, The Buckhorn Saloon is a museum, cafe, store, and yes, a saloon too. For over 131 years, people have been coming here to look at the sometimes weird artifacts like an eight-legged lamb and chairs made from buck antlers as well a replica of Bonnie and Clyde’s getaway car. Check out Ranger Town, a recreation of San Antonio in the 1900s or have a beer brewed on site because after all, it is a saloon.
The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and Texas Ranger Museum Admission
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Check out local art at La Villita Historic Arts Village
Located right in the heart of downtown, San Antonio La Villita Historic Arts Village is listed on the United State’s Register of Historic Places. The whole area is a collection of everything art, from galleries to shops selling paintings and crafts as well as jewelry, Mexican folk, and pottery. The area is on the south bank of the river and connects to San Antonio River Walk. The area has also been a place of hustle and bustle as Spanish soldiers first lived here in the 1700s, followed by German, French and Italian immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are tons of interesting architectural mixes in the neighborhood dating back to the 1800s that reflect both the poor and prosperous of the area.
La Villita Historic Arts Village
Address: 418 Villita St #9, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Website: La Villita Historic Arts Village
Opening hours: Mon - Sat:10am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
Price: Free
Day 2: Afternoon
Have lunch at Cookhouse
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Cookhouse aims to show the public of San Antonio that there is more to New Orleans than just Cajun and Creole. Bringing a taste of the bayou to the people of San Antonio, Chef Pieter Sypesetyn’s restaurant offers some seasonal delights that showcase his home state of Louisiana’s best food. There’s more to New Orleans cuisine than crawfish and jambalaya and Cookhouse wants to showcase all of the cultures that made The Big Easy so special.
Cookhouse
Address: 720 E Mistletoe Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, United States
Website: Cookhouse
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5am - 10pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Find your inner peace at Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden of San Antonio is a special that really should be seen with your own eyes to fully get its beauty. The area started its life as a rock quarry until the idea to build a lily pond was established in early 1918. The park began to grow and by the 1920s it was a Japanese Tea Garden. In 1926, the garden was home to Japanese-American artist Kimi Eizo Jingu where he opened a tea house serving light lunches and traditional teas. To this day there is a cafe called Jingu House, named after Kimi and his family who lived there where guests can continue to drink tea and indulge in a light lunch.
Japanese Tea Garden
Address: Mary’s, 3853 N St Mary’s St, San Antonio, TX 78212, United State
Website: Japanese Tea Garden
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
See the exotic wildlife at San Antonio Zoo (from USD 26.0)
The San Antonio Zoo is home to over 3,000 different animals including over 750 different species. The park is a great option for those with a family and kids who are looking to do something that’s fun for everyone. The San Antonio Zoo is one of the largest in the country and in the state and is home to some of the biggest collections of birds and large animals like lions hippos and tigers. Learn about the wild and the animals on this educational outing in San Antonio.
San Antonio Zoo General Admission Ticket
Duration: 4 hours
Day 2: Evening
Enjoy the convivial vibe of Travis Park
Travis Park is not only one of the city’s most recognizable parks but it is also a part of San Antonio History. The area where Travis Park stands was once part of the original plot of land of which the Alamo Mission stood on and is located across the street from the iconic St. Anthony Hotel. The original owner of the land was was one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence and was mayor of San Antonio during the Civil War. Upon his death, he gave the land to the city and they named it after a commander who fought at The Alamo. Today, Travis Park hosts an annual jazz festival.
Travis Park
Address: 301 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Website: Travis Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Catch an evening show at Tobin Center for Performing Arts
Tobin Center for Performing Arts is one of the city’s best performing arts venues showcasing all kinds of talent, from comedy shows to music and plays to just about every other kind of live entertainment. The center’s name was made in honor of one of San Antonio’s most prominent residents and the venue was built in 1926. Many famous people have been here including Sir Paul McCartney and Barack Obama.
Tobin Center for Performing Arts
Address: 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Website: Tobin Center for Performing Arts
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
Price: 20 - 80 USD
Enjoy a taste of South America at Dorrego's
Dorrego’s is located in Hotel Valencia just next to the River Walk. Overlooking the waterfront, this restaurant is inspired by Argentinian cuisine in a high-class atmosphere. If you’re in a rush and don’t have a lot of time to sit and eat, Dorrego’s also has a bar when you can come and hang out, grab a drink, and enjoy some delicious Spanish and South American-inspired tapas.
Dorrego's
Address: 150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Website: Dorrego’s
Opening hours: 6:30am - 10pm (daily)
Day 2: Night
Delight in some live music at Jazz, TX
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Jazz, TX is located in the cellar of The Bottling House in the historic Pearl Brewery. The immediate area is home to a lot of music venues giving it the unofficial title of San Antonio’s live music district. Jazz, TX has events going on on a weekly basis so make sure to check out what’s going on in the bar before you come. For those that like a little late-night snack, they have a pretty decent food menu on hand inspired by South Texas cuisine. Come for the drinks and stay for the smooth jazz.
Jazz, TX
Address: Building 6, 312 Pearl Pkwy #6001, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
Website: Jazz, TX
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 5am - 12am (closed on Sun & Mon)
Have a laugh at Bexar Stage
Bexar Stage is San Antonio’s premier improve comedy spot. Whether you’re into watching or learning the craft for yourself, you can come and join a class or watch one of Bexar Stage’s many shows. There are shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Bexar Stage’s “Key Party” show is one of the most popular free shows around the city. At Bexar Stage, you’ll never see the same show twice.
Bexar Stage
Address: 1203 Camden St, San Antonio, TX 78215, United States
Website: Bexar Stage
Make it count in San Antonio
San Antonio has a little something for everyone. The city is home to some of the most amazing historical sites in the country including several UNESCO World Heritage Landmarks. But San Antonio is also home to some great international food options as well as some pretty wonderful things to do as a family. Just because you might be here for a short amount of time, doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it!
See San Antonio River Walk up close (from USD 53.0)
San Antonio River Walk is one of the more popular tourist destinations in the city with most of the important landmarks located closeby. Because the area is frequently trafficked by people there are tons of things to see and do around the River Walk that make for a great evening out with friends or even a romantic stroll with a loved one. San Antonio River Walk is mostly pedestrianized but there are hop-on hop-off bus tours available in the area as well as boat tours that go through the riverways and canals. Grab a bite to eat, do some shopping, or even do some people-watching at San Antonio River Walk.
San Antonio River Walk Cruise, Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, and Battle For Texas Show
History
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