Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in San Antonio?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in San Antonio?
Most visitors spend two to three days in San Antonio when visiting. The historic city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the food, and the nightlife.
San Antonio is located in Texas's Hill Country and its filled with landmarks related to its role in American history. The Alamo is the most notable sight in the area, but there is also the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail. A highlight of any trip to San Antonio is wandering around the famed RiverWalk.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit San Antonio? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in San Antonio?
Three days is the perfect amount of time in San Antonio, as many people prefer to spend two to three days here. You'll be able to browse through museums, browse around the old town, taste delicious cuisine, and enjoy the evening activities. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
How to spend 3 days in San Antonio
Don't miss the Alamo during your trip to San Antonio, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. You'll find a mix of amazing and authentic Mexican food, simpler Tex Mex, and a number of Hill Country specialties. The city is filled with comfort food and the restaurants reflect the diverse character of the population. Popular local dishes include tacos, sweet potato fries, and chicken fried steak.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Taste of Fredericksburg Small-Group Wine Tour from San Antonio ($155)
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make San Antonio a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. It is known for its role in American history, and the city is famous as the location of the Alamo. It's also where you'll find the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail, the San Antonio Museum of Art, Witte Museum, and the Guinness World Records Museum, among others.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo ($169)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. The city's nightlife scene is diverse, with dance halls, breweries, and clubs. It has seen a recent boom in dance clubs, so there are plenty of places to party hard, or to have a more relaxing night out. The RiverWalk is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, particularly for tourists. Many conferences stay at hotels near the RiverWalk, so it's not uncommon to see professionals out and about after a day of networking.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Death Warmed Over: San Antonio Haunted Pub Crawl ($30)
- Texas’ Oldest Haunted Pub Crawl Shared Walking Tour ($30)
- Epic San Antonio Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam ($12)
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city is famous for its River Walk, which may feel slightly cheesy, but is still a unique and mesmerizing place to wander.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Drunk History Tour ($95)
- Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour ($39)
- San Antonio Haunted History Tour ($30)
San Antonio is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The RiverWalk feels almost like a European city and its filled with colors and festiveness.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Historic Downtown & Riverwalk Walking Tour ($39)
- Scenic San Antonio Small Group Night Tour w/Riverwalk Boat Cruise ($129)
- Best of San Antonio Small Group Tour with Boat + Tower + Alamo ($169)
Is 4 days enough time in San Antonio?
Four days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to San Antonio, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the food, and the nightlife on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use San Antonio as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
San Antonio, Texas
How to spend 4 days in San Antonio
If you have more than 4 days in San Antonio, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in San Antonio is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. From souvenir shops to local boutiques and chain stores, there are several shopping options around town. Check out the historic Market Square or the shops at Rivercenter for some of the city's most interesting shopping.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Shopping Tour from San Antonio to San Marcos Outlets ($175)
Live music is very popular in San Antonio, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. It's worth checking out The Aztec Theater, Sam's Burger Joint, and 502 Bar.
Is 5 days enough time in San Antonio?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that San Antonio has to offer. After all, it's not such a huge city. Many visitors prefer to spend two to three days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the food, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then you can take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in San Antonio
Having 5 days in San Antonio will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
After you've explored most of San Antonio, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
More Info
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