Things to Do Downtown San Antonio: Authentic Local Picks

You’re in town for a few days and want to see the real Downtown San Antonio — not just the same five tourist spots every guidebook pushes. The good news? There’s way more to this city than The Alamo and the River Walk (though we’ll show you how to enjoy those like a local, too).

Whether you’ve got a packed meeting schedule or a free afternoon to explore, this guide will help you hit the highlights, eat well, and soak up the culture — all without feeling like you're stuck on a guided tour.

Table of Contents

• Daytime Activities in San Antonio

• Downtown After Dark: Music, Cocktails & Local Vibes

• Where to Eat and Sip Like a Local in Downtown San Antonio

• Stay in Downtown San Antonio with Placemakr

Daytime Activities in San Antonio

Enjoy the River Walk (Local-Style)

Skip the tourist-packed loop and head to the Museum Reach section — it’s quieter, greener, and lined with art installations. Grab a local roast coffee from Rosella and stroll like you’ve lived here for years.

Explore the Missions by Bike

Just a short distance from the busy downtown, The Alamo stands as a must-visit historical site, but there's a secret most tourists miss: Visit before 9:30 a.m. to avoid the crowds and have those perfect photo moments all to yourself.

Of course, everyone visits The Alamo, but few realize San Antonio’s other missions are UNESCO World Heritage Sites — and stunning.

Mission San José offers the most complete historical compound and a much more peaceful experience than the downtown Alamo crowds. Rent a bike from one of the downtown BCycle stations and cruise the Mission Trail for an unforgettable morning adventure.

Experience the Pearl District

Locals head to The Pearl District on weekends for the farmers market, live music, and some of the city’s best bites. If you’re around on a Saturday morning, it’s worth the rideshare over. Don’t miss the artisan cheeses and handmade goods.

And if you need caffeine to fuel all this exploring, Local Coffee at the Pearl and Mila Coffee downtown are the go-tos. Both serve locally roasted beans, and both are places where you’ll overhear artists and entrepreneurs talking shop — always a good sign you’ve landed somewhere real.

Shop at Market Square (El Mercado)

Market Square (El Mercado) is well known — this vibrant marketplace is the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico — but only tourists stop at the main hall. Venture further back for hidden bakeries and local-owned shops.

Pro tip: Try the pan dulce in the back corner. That’s where San Antonians actually go.

If your visit lines up with Día de los Muertos or Fiesta San Antonio, you're in for something special. Market Square transforms with decorations, performances, and local energy that most visitors never see. Even on a regular weekend, there’s a good chance you’ll catch a free mariachi set — or a late-night jam session at the low-key Mariachi Bar tucked behind the main eateries.

Downtown After Dark: Music, Cocktails & Local Vibes

Nights at the Theater

Downtown San Antonio boasts an impressive theater scene many visitors overlook in favor of the River Walk. The magnificent facades of the Majestic and Aztec Theaters anchor the city's cultural offerings with architecture as stunning as their performances.

• Majestic Theatre: Broadway shows and big-name concerts. Book the lower balcony for the best combo of view and acoustics.
• Aztec Theatre: – Mesoamerican-themed venue with a younger, more local crowd. Great for indie and alternative acts.

Jazz and Speakeasies

At night, the downtown transforms. While tourists crowd the main strip of River Walk restaurants, savvy locals head to these spots:

• Jazz, TX: Live music and seriously good drinks in a Pearl District basement.
• Bar 1919: Speakeasy-style cocktails in a moody, underground spot.
• The Havana Bar: Tucked inside Hotel Havana, this candlelit bar feels like a locals-only secret.
• Thirsty Aztec: Happy hour before Aztec Theatre shows. Try the Puro San Antonio — spicy tequila with a local twist. Rooftop access is a bonus.

Where to Eat and Sip Like a Local in Downtown San Antonio

Downtown San Antonio is packed with places to eat, but only a handful truly reflect the city’s flavor — both in food and atmosphere. If you’re after the real deal, here’s where to start.

You can’t go wrong with Rosario’s Mexican Café y Cantina — it's one of those spots people return to again and again for its classics done right. If you're near Market Square, head to La Margarita for fajitas and live music, or grab a table at Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia, a colorful San Antonio landmark that's been open 24/7 for over 80 years.

Looking for a solid pre- or post-theater bite? Skip the obvious options and grab a cocktail at Bohanan’s Bar (not the pricey main restaurant). Or walk over to Pinkerton’s BBQ for smoky brisket that lives up to the hype. After the show, locals head to The Esquire Tavern — it’s been around since Prohibition and still serves food until midnight.

Want something more low-key? Head a little south to Blue Star Brewing, a converted warehouse taproom with its own house beers and a back patio that feels like a local secret.

Stay in Downtown San Antonio with Placemakr

Don’t spend your time in downtown only to crash in a hotel that could be anywhere. Stay in Downtown San Antonio with Placemakr apartment-hotels that give you a local-living feel. Check out two central options:

• The Maverick: A stylish high-rise that puts you in the heart of the action.
• The Continental: Modern comfort with personality, just steps from Market Square.

You’ll have space to unwind, a kitchen if you want it, and easy access to everything on this list.