San Antonio is home to numerous, well-maintained historic structures including five expansive Spanish missions. The Alamo is, without a doubt, the best-known mission given its legacy as a wartime fortification during the Texas Revolution. The second most popular tourist attraction is the San Antonio River Walk, a lovely pedestrian avenue that follows the river as it windspastshops, theatres and riverfront restaurants. 

Alamo
Originally built as a Spanish mission, the Alamo was used to educate Native Americans who had converted to Christianity. It gained prominence, however, when Mexico and the Republic of Texas fought an important battle here in 1836. Today, the Alamo is an historic site and museum that headlines San Antonio’s tourism industry. 

Aztec on the River
The Aztec Theater is an extravagant motion picture palace first opened in 1926. The theatre began to slump into disrepair in the 1970s and it eventually closed in 1989. It was later added to National Register of Historic Places, renovated and finally reopened in 2006. Today, the Aztec Theater is a core attraction along the River Walk, attracting visitors both for scheduled programs and for a chance to walk through the extravagantly decorated interior. Phone: +1 210 227 3930

Casa Navarro State Historic Site
The former home of Texas legislator, Jose Antonio Navarro, this 19th century adobe home is tucked into downtown San Antonio. Navarro worked as a legislature under three regimes: Mexico, the Republic of Texas, and the Texan state. Navarro was also a prominent merchant and rancher, and a tour of his estate reveals a number of period antiques as well as his personal writings. Phone: +1 210 226 4801

King William Historic Area
This historic neighbourhood spans 25 blocks and owes its elegance and opulence to the German merchants who settled here on King William street during the late 19th century. There are several extravagant houses in this area, including the Guenther House and the Steves Homestead.

River Walk
This pedestrian street, also known as the Paseo del Rio, follows the San Antonio River through a portion of the city centre. Sidewalks on either side of the river pass beneath bridges and overpasses, providing access to restaurants, bars and speciality boutiques. It is also possible to take guided boat tours of the River Walk area.

San Antonio Missions National Park
Four historic missions (San Juan, Espada, San Jose and Concepcion) that date to various periods of Spanish colonisation are protected here in this national park. These structures, the oldest of which was built in the 1600s, were part of a campaign to spread Catholicism through the indigenous populations.

Spanish Governor’s Palace
This national historic landmark was built in the 18th century and remains the most complete remnant of the Spanish aristocracy that once lived here. Situated close to the present-day City Hall, the stucco palace exemplifies Spanish Colonial style and features a lavish courtyard and fountain. The 10 rooms inside contain period artefacts and are open for public tours.