San Antonio is the seventh most popular city in the United States of America and has lots of incredible activities to do. Whether you are a local or an international traveler, San Antonio is a city you do not want to miss. The city is a beautiful and modern blend of Native America, Old Mexico, and the Wild West.
There are deep and diverse cultures present within San Antonio, such as Mexican, German, and Irish. Its roots and history run deep. It holds incredible history within its walls and is the perfect destination for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or even a single traveler looking to experience something new.
There are a number of hotels, restaurants, and exciting activities to experience.
Where to stay:
The top three hotels, according to Trip Advisor, to stay in are Hotel Emma, Mokara Hotel and Spa, and Hotel Valencia Riverwalk. All 3 have free wifi, and they have thousands of near-perfect reviews.
Hotel Emma is a pricier option, with 1 room for one night costing around $500. It embodied South Texan luxury and was once a brewhouse. It has won the travelers choice award in 2019, and sports plenty of amenities.
Mokara Hotel and Spa is a slightly more affordable option at roughly $300 per night per room. It is pet-friendly and has a certificate of excellence. It is a great option as it has plenty of amenities, world-class facilities, and relaxing rooms.
While Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is the most affordable option of the top three, at roughly $250 per night, it is just as beautiful. It has plenty of amenities, such as free wifi and complimentary toiletries.
What to do:
There are plenty of exciting activities! You can jump on a highly recommended hop-on-hop-off tour bus of San Antonio and see the whole city. This includes the hop-on-hop-off bus facilities, so you can get on and off at one of the 19 stops to explore the city on foot. Additionally, this includes a cruise down the River Walk and a tour of the Tower of America’s. You will be immersed in San Antonio’s history and get to experience a number of activities the city has to offer, such as San Antonio’s museum and the Alamo.
If you’re feeling brave, then you could do the San Antonio ghost tour, which takes you through some of the most haunted parts of the city at night. You could also do a 90 minute segway tour through the city if ghosts and ghouls aren’t your things. The tour will take you through downtown San Antonio and Alamo’s beautiful, Spanish inspired sites while learning about the cities history.
Where to eat:
After an adventurous day, you can fill your stomach with delicious local cuisine. Pollos Asados Los Nortenos is a Mexican restaurant that is rated as a more affordable option and an overall rating of 4,5 on Trip Advisor.
If you are more in the mood for Southwestern cuisine, then be sure to visit Bourdo’s! This is a slightly pricier option but is the 2019 travelers’ choice. It is rated at 4,5 on Trip Advisor. They do cater to special diets, as well.
You could also go for a pricier option and visit Biga on Banks. This restaurant serves American and International food and is rated as a 4,5 on Trip Advisor. It is great for a romantic dinner, or if you’d just like to enjoy good food in a highly recommended restaurant!
What do you need as an international traveler?
As an international traveler, you will need to apply for a travelers visa in order to visit San Antonio. If you are from a country on the USA Visa Waiver Program List, you can apply easily and quickly for a Visa on their official USA ESTA website. This is an electronic website, and you’d need to apply at least 72 hours before you plan to travel. It also costs about $14. You can also only apply for this if you plan on staying for less than 90 days. Among the 38 countries on the Visa Waiver Program include Greece, New Zealand, Monaco, and Sweden. Be sure to check the list! You must hold a valid passport from one of these countries.
The ESTA takes 23 minutes to complete and is not a visa, but will allow an international traveler from one of the countries on the Visa Waiver Program to travel within the US. It is a more convenient and affordable option compared to a visa. Your information is also protected and only held while the ESTA is active – which is about two years or until the holder’s passport expires. You will need to supply your passport details, your national ID, and your employer’s address and number if it is applicable and check ESTA application status online.
If you do not fall under the Visa Waiver Program, then you will need to apply for a US travel visa as an international traveler. You can do this by visiting your nearest US Consulate. Be sure to check your local website for additional information and what documents would be required.
What do you need as a local traveler?
As a local traveler within the US, visiting San Antonio is as simple as booking a local flight and ironing out your travel plans.
San Antonio is a historically rich city, with incredible Mexican, Native American, and Wild West influences visible. It is a great city to visit during the summer and experience a mixture of an adventurous and relaxing holiday. You can also learn a lot on a trip to San Antonio about its history and the different cultures present.
Don’t miss out on this beautiful city, and be sure to visit it soon!