From: Reise Reporter
Of course, in San Antonio you will also find cowboys with strong southern accents on sprawling ranches, the smell of hearty barbecues is in the air and the American flag hangs proudly in front of the entrances to the houses. Apart from that, "Alamo City" lives from its uniqueness. The seventh largest city in the country with almost 1.5 million inhabitants is not only one of the most historically relevant, but also one of the most culturally and culinarily diverse in the USA. We will now tell you what you should not miss on your trip to San Antonio!
On the trail of German heritage
As early as 1836, San Antonio was the scene of the famous and eponymous Battle of the Alamo, in which Texan freedom fighters met the Mexican army and made history with their victory. Even today, this event is considered an important historical chapter in the state of Texas and a symbol of the patriotic fight for freedom and independence. The Alamo - the former mission building that was converted into a fortress during the battle - attracts millions of visitors every year.
In addition, the history of San Antonio was also significantly shaped by German immigrants who settled in the region during the 19th century and built magnificent villas and architecturally impressive buildings - for example in today's King William Historic District. The settlement area at that time is now affectionately known as the "German Belt" and includes the small towns of Fredericksburg and New Braunfels. The German cultural heritage can even still be found here in the regional cuisine and various German festivals.
San Antonio – Texas, but different
The metropolis in the central south of Texas can justifiably be described as "the unexpected" among Texas cities. Whereas other major cities in the region have wide urban highways and buildings designed on the drawing board as the backdrop, San Antonio attracts visitors with historic colonial-style neighborhoods and a sometimes surprisingly rural flair right in the center. The positive and colorful lifestyle here has historically grown through Mexican influence, German immigrants and Spanish missionaries.
In San Antonio, history and the present are equally alive. Whether marveling at the Alamo battlefield, visiting the Spanish missions that have been designated UNESCO cultural heritage sites, strolling through the largest Mexican market in the country or the lively waterfront promenade of the River Walk - visitors will remember the city for a long time. And thanks to direct flights with Condor from Frankfurt, a visit to Alamo City is now even easier. Condor flights to San Antonio can currently be booked per person and route from 249.99 euros in economy class and from 819.99 euros in business class. The brand new A330-900neo will take you directly to the heart of the Lone Star State every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between May 17 and September 6, 2024.
Where the palate also dances salsa
San Antonio's cuisine can do more than just Tex-Mex and chili con carne. The unique culinary culture and the traditional mix of Texan, European and Mexican cuisine was even awarded the "Creative City of Gastronomy" award by UNESCO in 2017. Connoisseurs and foodies will appreciate San Antonio not only as a melting pot of local culinary influences, but also for the creative combination of traditional dishes, high-end gastronomy and sustainable fast food concepts. It is not for nothing that one of only three of the renowned Culinary Institutes of America, which offer training programs in the entire gastronomic sector, is located here.
From highlight to highlight with the CityPASS
The good news first: Exploring the city is even more fun with the San Antonio CityPASS. With this, you can visit four of the major attractions for free for $59, saving almost half the entrance fee. These include the San Antonio Zoo, the historic site The Alamo , the 185-meter-high Tower of the Americans observation tower, and the unforgettable Go Rio San Antonio River Cruises.
A selection of other must-sees that you definitely shouldn’t miss:
- The Spanish UNESCO World Heritage missions , such as San José, Concepción, San Juan or Espada
- The River Walk in the center of the city - a place of encounters, creativity, culinary discoveries and music and culture. Let yourself drift along the idyllic waterfront promenade and discover all the facets that San Antonio has to offer
- The former brewery site and today's trendy district The Pearl takes you on a culinary journey between its restored walls between restaurant hopping, farmers market, as well as bars and cafés with live music
- The video art projection “The Saga” at the San Fernando Cathedral , which amazes with a light show on the church façade and choreographed music every Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 23 minutes
- The city's many green oases , such as the Japanese Tea Garden with waterfall, the San Antonio Botanical Garden or the Confluence Park with its quirky art installations
- The unique family and entertainment parks, such as the huge Six Flags or the barrier-free Morgans Wonderland Park
- Animal lovers, on the other hand, will be amazed at the San Antonio Zoo or the huge SeaWorld San Antonio
100% active experience on land and water
Another thing that makes San Antonio so un-Texan: The city is also easy to visit without a car or bus. Whether on foot, by bike, Segway or paddle boat - if you like active sightseeing, you will love San Antonio! How about, for example, exploring the many historic missions along the perfectly developed Missions Hike and Bike Trail? Or getting to know the city and area from a different perspective on a stand-up paddle board or kayak along the San Antonio River? On the 24-kilometer-long River Walk, on the other hand, you can travel picturesquely on foot, by bike or Segway from bar to restaurant to shopping boutique. For fans of the San Antonio Murals, the large and colorful murals that decorate the facades all over the city, there are even guided Mural Ride & Bike tours.
Unforgettable road trips around San Antonio
San Antonio itself offers experiences for several weeks and several photo albums, but if you also want to experience the surrounding area, we have put together a few particularly exciting tips for a short road trip. The two charming German Belt cities of New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, for example, are only 30 minutes and a good hour away respectively and attract visitors with historic town centers, wineries and historic dance halls with German brewery culture.
Near New Braunfels, the whole family will get their money's worth at Schlitterbahn Waterpark - one of the largest water parks in the world. The Natural Bridge Caverns, about 30 minutes north of San Antonio, are also a popular destination for adventurers and explorers of all ages. Ziplining and climbing are even possible in the huge cave system. Wine lovers will find their own personal paradise in the Texas Hill Country. Nestled in rolling hills are a number of wineries that invite you to take tours, attend events and, of course, enjoy extensive wine tastings.
Festivals you shouldn’t miss
San Antonio's event calendar is just as diverse as its tourist offerings. You'll find festivals and events in the city and the surrounding area almost all year round, all of which are worth an exciting trip in their own right. We'll tell you about the most exciting options:
February: The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos in the USA and a wild mix of bull competitions, concerts and an agricultural fair - all in a cozy, family atmosphere.
April: The Fiesta San Antonio is the city's biggest festival and lasts for ten days! It includes colorful parades and street parties, concerts and a variety of art and cultural exhibitions.
May: At the Culinaria Wine & Food Festival, San Antonio lives up to its role as the Creative City of Gastronomy. The culinary scene invites you to cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and samplings of various gourmet dishes.
October: The German heritage of the city of Fredericksburg is immediately apparent at the annual three-day Oktoberfest - including traditional Bavarian food, beer from a stein and rustic music. Another highlight in October is the Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, which has its origins in Mexico. Deceased relatives are remembered with colorful parades, costumes and art exhibitions.
November: German history is also celebrated in New Braunfels – during the ten-day sausage festival, everything that makes meat lovers smile is served. Accompanied, of course, by typical German folk music.