Jill Robbins

San Antonio may be the seventh-largest city in America, but it radiates the warmth of a small community. A friendly “hello” from a passerby is common, and in a city accustomed to tourism, locals are welcoming and always happy to help. Visitors can expect warm Texas hospitality layered over a world of wonders, from museums and iconic architecture to outdoor adventures and citywide celebrations. The city also boasts a thriving culinary scene where innovation and experimentation take center stage. (Ahem, San Antonio was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy—one of only two U.S. cities to receive this honor).  Unlike other Texas cities, where a car is a must, Downtown San Antonio is walkable and bike-friendly. Stroll along the River Walk, explore the Pearl Brewery’s restaurants, local shops and cultural attractions, or check out one of the city’s many museums and interactive installations, such as the Witte Museum, San Antonio Fire Museum or Hopscotch San Antonio.   No matter where you wander, San Antonio is brimming with fun and exciting activities. From museums to historical parks and wildlife adventures, here’s a complete guide on everything to see and do on your next visit. This guide was updated by San Antonio experts Jill Robbins and James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: 🌮 The best restaurants in San Antonio🏛️ The best

If you think San Antonio is a great place to get a margarita, you’re right. Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex culture are abundant, and nothing goes quite as well with an enchilada plate, sizzling fajitas or puffy tacos piled high like a margarita. While margs on the River Walk are a quintessential San Antonio experience, there’s more to drinking in the Alamo City than just that. San Antonio enjoys warm weather year-round, which translates into hot, humid summers, and a cold drink goes down mighty good at the end of a long day of exploring the city. Whether you seek a posh cocktail spot perfect for a date night or something more offbeat, there’s a bar that will tick the boxes off your checklist. Here are the best bars in San Antonio to check out right now.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in San Antonio🌮 The best restaurants in San Antonio🏛️ The best museums in San Antonio🏨 The best hotels in San Antonio This guide was updated by Texas-based writers Jill Robbins and James Wong. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

With its winding River Walk, the historic Alamo, warm weather and even warmer hospitality, San Antonio draws 37.7 million visitors every year. While San Antonio may not offer as many dirt-cheap hotels compared to other major cities, it’s still brimming with options for visitors traveling on a shoestring. You’ll find better prices and free parking further away from downtown, although there are no shortages of places to stay directly on or just steps from the Riverwalk, from boutique hotels to recognizable big-name chains. These hotels have many of the same amenities that you’ll find at pricier accommodations. Even though these are less expensive options doesn’t mean they’re not comfortable places to stay. You can expect free Wi-Fi, close proximity to some of San Antonio’s most treasured attractions and, in many cases, food and beverage perks, such as free breakfasts, welcome drinks and happy hours. Want to stretch your dollars further? Check out the best cheap hotels in San Antonio.  RECOMMENDED: 🌮 The best restaurants in San Antonio🏛️ The best museums in San Antonio🍺 The best bars in San Antonio🛏️ The best Airbnbs in San Antonio Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Time Out loves cities. We love talking about them and guiding you to explore them and, once a year, we even rank them with help from you, our readers. The results of our annual survey—which polls city-dwellers around the world about what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns—give us insight into what makes a city great. Your views on current culture trends, nightlife, and the things that make you love where you live, such as green spaces and access to beaches, help us compile our global ranking of the world’s best cities and this U.S.-specific list. Below, you’ll find the top 10 places in America, along with insider info from locals on why this year is the right time to visit. Now, without further ado, the best cities in the U.S. right now.