Mexico, Colonial Spain, and Germany Meet along the River Walk

Discover the authentic culture of San Antonio, from its contemporary art galleries to its old-world open markets. The city is a mix of flavors and cultures influenced by colonial Spain, Native Americans, Germany, Mexico, the Old West and the Deep South. Experience the fusion during your visit.

Start your San Antonio cultural exploration with a stroll along the River Walk. Restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment follow the serpentine route of this relaxing river, and some of the city's top attractions can be accessed from it. Stop off at the Alamo, the must-see Shrine of Texas Liberty. If you find yourself intrigued by Spanish colonial mission life and architecture, there are four more to see along Mission Trail.

Also along the River Walk is one of the oldest sections of town—La Villita. First it was home to Spanish soliders serving at the Alamo, and in the late 1800s, French and German immigrants settled here. Now, it's a National Historic District brimming with arts, craft shops and galleries. You can find more south of the border crafts and tasty treats at El Mercado, a market square that will make you think you're in Mexico.

Art and Architecture Thrive in the King William Historic District and Southtown

Next, travel to the King William Historic District—a restored neighborhood with a variety of architectural styles including Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian. Once farmland for the Alamo mission, it grew into a German neighborhood. The area fell into disrepair, but in the 1960s, its beauty was rediscovered and restoration began. Two homes are open to the public, the Guenther House and Steves Homestead. The Guenther House was built in 1860, and includes a restaurant, store and museum. The 1870s era Steves Homestead is now a museum of historic homes.

Close to the King William Historic District is Southtown, an arts neighborhood. Its eclectic blend of shops, galleries and restaurants host an art walk on the first Friday of every month. While you're there, check out the Blue Star Arts Center—a renovated warehouse that includes artist space, galleries and a brewpub.

Museums, from Impressionists to Modern Masters

San Antonio is also home to world-class museums. The San Antonio Museum of Art exhibits collections of Latin Ameican and Asian art, as well as folk and contemporary pieces. From Diego Rivera and Pablo Picasso to manuscripts and sculpture gardens, the McNay Art Museum invites you to step into a masterpiece. The McNay opened in 1945 as the region’s first museum of modern art. Works are displayed in the ornate setting of a 1920’s Spanish colonial home amid 23 acres of beautifully landscaped terrain.

The Museo Alameda, an affiliate of the Smithsonian, tells the story of the Latino experience in America. And the Witte Museum combines culture, history and science, from Egyptian mummies to dinosaur bones.