Downtown San Antonio - San Antonio, TX Area Guide

San Antonio's downtown area started to take shape shortly after Texas was granted statehood. Completion of the horseshoe-shaped San Antonio River bypass spurned commercial development all around it, creating the River Walk area. The building of the surrounding highways provided clear borders to further distinguish the downtown area. Many cultural attractions highlight the city's Latin and Western roots, including the famous Alamo, where Texas settlers fought to the death for their freedom.The Brisco Western Art Museum and the Institute of Texan Cultures also delve into the culture of the region. Performing arts fans can check out a Broadway show at the Majestic Theatre, or see Ballet San Antonio or the San Antonio Symphony perform at the Tobin Center for Performing Arts. Check out the many festivals throughout the year including the art-driven Lumineria festival, and the 10-day Fiesta San Antonio, which includes parades and various other events all over downtown.

As the tourist center of the city, downtown has a wide variety of dining options. Many restaurants offer menus that reflect San Antonio's Tex-Mex, traditional Mexican, and Spanish influences. The River Walk has the largest cluster of restaurants in the downtown area, spread out along the riverbank. For a taste of the city's famous Tex-Mex cuisine, Casa Rio serves up all the classics, including sizzling fajita platters, chile rellenos, and chile con carne. Request a seat outside on the patio for excellent river views. If you're looking for a more intimate feel, Bella on the River creates a romantic vibe with candlelit tables and twinkling outdoor lights along the riverfront. The tantalizing southern European cuisine features seafood paella and the popular eggplant Josephine, which stacks plump gulf shrimp between layers of eggplant smothered in bechamel sauce. Save room for the homemade salted caramel ice cream. In the Southtown district, Bliss serves up new American cuisine in a chic, thoroughly modern dining room. The menu changes a bit with the seasons, but always features an assortment of charcuterie and artisanal cheeses. Expect creative takes on classic dishes, like the restaurant's "Pork & Beans," which consists of a grilled pork shank topped with Italian corona beans, bacon, and broccolini. For cheap and casual eats, Mi Tierra Cafe serves up Tex-Mex inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner 24 hours a day. Its popular bakery section churns out the freshest Mexican sweets, including a variety of pane dulce. Taste the city's German immigrant influence at Schilo's Deli, which prepares German food comforts such as corned beef, sausage sandwiches, and split-pea soup. Choose from a wide variety of nightlife options in the downtown area, from dive bars to wine bars, dance clubs and plush lounges. A favorite among locals, Drink Texas Bar on the River Walk has a reputation for long happy hours and generous deals. Flat-screen televisions and cozy sofas add a casual, but upbeat vibe to the place. Dance the night away at Kremlin, a sleek, Vegas-style nightclub with a huge dance floor and VIP private lounges.

Easily the most walkable area of the city, you can count on getting around the busy downtown area on foot. However, because the downtown loop is large, VIA Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio's public transportation system, makes it easier to quickly get around to the various districts. Serving all areas of San Antonio, VIA runs buses and some streetcars, with the highest concentration in the downtown area. The streetcar routes shuttle passengers to popular tourist destinations. Because of the three highways encircling downtown San Antonio on three sides, locals find it easy and convenient to get into downtown by car. Interstate 35, also known as the PanAm Expressway, sits to the north and west of downtown, with Interstate 37 on the west, and Interstate 10 on the south. However, downtown has a series of notoriously confusing one-way streets. Park in one of the many city parking garages, then walk or hop on a bus to get around. The city of San Antonio offers free parking in all downtown loop garages on Tuesday evenings to attract locals to the downtown area. Bikers are welcome in the downtown area, even if you don't own your own bicycle. With the B-Cycle bike sharing program, anyone can pick up and return bikes from the many stations spread around downtown. Traditional cabs, as well as rideshare services Uber and Lyft, are also readily available.

Choose from three major parks in the downtown to unwind, play and get back to nature. Surrounded by city buildings in the heart of the business district, Travis Park feels like an urban oasis with its colorful tables and benches, a giant chess set and a kiosk where you can borrow books and toys. Take a fitness class on weekend mornings or bring the family for outdoor movies on select evenings. The park also plays host to the annual Jazz'SALive festival. On the far western edge of downtown, Milam Park welcomes families with a large playscape for kids, an impressive 26-foot copper-domed gazebo, game tables, and a quarter-mile long walking trail with fitness stations spread along the path. As the largest park in downtown, Hemisfair Park houses the Institute of Texan Cultures, the Mexican Cultural Institute and the 750-foot Tower of the Americas. Ride up to the tower's observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. The park also has a large wooden play structure sure to be a hit with young children.

Living in the center of it all comes with a higher than average cost of living compared to rest of the city. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the downtown core ranges roughly between $997 to $1070, compared to the overall city average of about $720. Traveling into the downtown area via public transportation costs only a $1.20 on a VIA bus. If you're traveling by car, gas prices in the downtown area run about 1 percent below the national average. Expect to pay around $4 for a bottle of domestic beer in most restaurants.

One of the largest shopping areas is the Rivercenter Mall on the east end of the River Walk. The airy, two-story mall features popular retail chains and entertainment venues with unique touches that give it an outdoor look. You can even take a riverboat cruises straight to the mall. For a cultural shopping experience, head to Market Square on the western edge of downtown to find shops and artists selling authentic Mexican wares. Stop by shops such as Los Pueblitos for hand-crafted jewelry and apparel from top designers in Mexico. Find authentic Western wear at Mustang Grey's. La Villita Historic Arts Village, just south of the River Walk, boasts several galleries filled with Latin and Southwest-inspired works of art, many of which are available for sale. While major chain supermarkets are nearby, the downtown area consists mainly of independent grocery stores. If you find yourself in the mood for fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables straight from the farm, head to Main Plaza Farmers Market on Main Street. This year-round market has something for everyone and is open every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.