San Antonio, a south central city in Texas and is 150 miles from the Mexico border in Laredo.

It has a rich colonial heritage influenced by its Spanish, German and American history.

San Antonio is known for its Native American history through the Texas revolution, and for being the most fought over city in North America and being the battleground for the battle of the Alamo.

San Antonio is the second most populous city in Texas after Houston and is the most populous city in Bexar County. The city is the second-largest in the Southern US.

It has the largest majority Hispanic city in the US, with 64% of its population being Hispanic.

The Alamo

It’s one of the most popular place to visit in San Antonio. A place that is synonymous with the history of the city.

The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholics.

Decades after the mission had closed in the 1800s, 200 Texans defended the Alamo from 2,500 troops from Mexico. “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry for Texans fighting for independence during the Texas revolution.

I’ve been to places with historical significant such as independence hall in Philadelphia where America history buffs feel at home and geek out (I mean this in the nicest way possible), but the Alamo felt like a different level to this.

The complex is roughly 4 acres and if you’re a casual visitor, you probably won’t spend more than an hour here.

Regardless if you know the history or not, it’s good to learn something new.

San Antonio River Walk

The San Antonio River Walk is a 15 mile long city park and pedestrian street situated below street level.

It stretches from Museum Reach, through to downtown and to Mission Reach national park.

The River Walk is connected to tourist attractions including the Alamo, the museum of art and the city’s five Spanish colonial missions.

The 5 miles of the area in Downtown San Antonio is full of shops, restaurants, bars and the rest. You could spend the day on the River Walk.

The River Walk is pretty chilled during the day, and vibrant in the night. Whether it be people enjoying a boat tour, getting their step count in or eating and drinking their way through the night, there are plenty of events and something happening to keep people with all kinds of interests occupied.

Tower of the Americas

The 750 foot tall Tower of the Americas offers views of the Alamo City and a revolving restaurant amongst other things.

I lucked out with this one, because the day I arrived on a Wednesday, it turned out to be the only day of the week that has live music at the Tower of the Americas.

It was through the Visit San Antonio shop that I learnt about this. So your tip of the day, if you’re visiting somewhere for the first time, utilise these places for tips, and it can give you a rough idea of how you can make the most of your time.

Even if you’re someone that likes to go with the flow, it’s good to have a look and give yourself options.

If you’re someone who gets stuck on what to order, the burger sliders are a good choice. In fact I ordered two different sets of sliders. You won’t struggle with the cocktail selection either.

The live music was jazz themed with a bit of classical thrown in there. All pretty chilled when you mix food, cocktails, a view of downtown San Antonio and live music.

Historic Market Square

San Antonio’s Historic Market Square is one of the more quirkier markets you’ll visit.

Spanning three blocks, it is the largest Mexican market in the US boasting more than 100 locally owned shops and stalls to go with the Mex-Tex food on offer.

Whether you’re into your markets or not, it’s worth swinging by to get a feel of old Mexico. It’s colourful and vibrant and you’re unlikely to get bored.

It’s worth a visit just for the sight of the mariachi buskers serenading anyone in sight.

The Saga at San Fernando Cathedral

Lights, colour and action.

This is what you get at the Saga. It’s pretty cool and it’s free to the public.

A video art project by international artist Xavier de Richemont, it covers the history and development of San Antonio.

The projection covers 7,000 square feet of light, colour and visual narration on the façade of the San Fernando Cathedral.

The display lasts around 25 minutes and since debuting in 2014, it’s grown in popularity amongst locals and visitors. People gather here at least an hour if not before to get a good spot

It’s feels like a real community event. It’s one of the more unique experiences you’ll have here.

Food

There’s a lot you could be recommended here. But having only spent a weekend here, I went with the places I was told about.

So we already covered the restaurant at the Tower of the Americas.

The place that got the most recommendations was Boudro’s. It’s on the Riverwalk and arguably the most popular spot to eat.

Their speciality is steak. I guess Texas and steak go hand in hand. I went with a ribeye steak, because why the hell not!?

Another place on the Riverwalk is a Mexican place called Iron Cactus. Rather than go for anything too heavy, I went for their shrimp tacos, again because why the hell not!?

San Antonio is good for a weekend getaway.

And for those of you who enjoy history or shopping, this is paradise.

The downtown is pretty small compared to other cities. There’s plenty of places to explore, eat and drink plus more options for day trips outside of downtown. You won’t struggle to fill your weekend itinerary.