San Antonio is a huge city in Texas that holds massive historical significance to the state! Aside from historical attractions, it also has great nightlife and culinary attractions. It subtly blends American and Hispanic culture to create a truly unique local culture.

As it is such a large and sprawling city, it can be difficult to navigate your way around. The best areas are all quite dispersed, and there aren’t any official boundaries for the different neighborhoods.

That’s why we built this guide! We’ve picked out the seven best neighborhoods in San Antonio, and categorised them based on who they are best for.

So let’s just jump right into it!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in San Antonio

• Where to stay in San Antonio for your first time? Southtown
• Where to stay in San Antonio close to everything? Downtown
• Where to stay in San Antonio for nightlife? Riverwalk
• Best neighborhood in San Antonio for families? Northwest
• Where to stay in San Antonio on a budget? Pearl
• Where to stay inn San Antonio for couples? Monte Vista
• Where to stay in San Antonio for history? Alamo Heights

Where to Stay in San Antonio

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in San Antonio.

San Antonio 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the seven best neighbourhoods in San Antonio. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Southtown

Best neighborhood in San Antonio for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Southtown – head to the Blue Star Arts Complex to participate in art walks and even the occasional workshop
• BEST place to visit in Southtown – Guenther House functions as both a historic attraction and a Victorian style restaurant

Right next to Downtown, Southtown gives you the best of both worlds of being centrally located, whilst still having a bit more space to unwind away from the bustling crowds of the city centre! Southtown is the city’s creative hub – with many of the galleries and art walks. Creative events occur in the area throughout the year.

For first time visitors, Southtown is a reasonably calm introduction to the city – whilst still being vibrant enough to add some excitement to your itinerary! It is well connected to other neighborhoods on this list, allowing visitors to easily make their way around all the main attractions.

• San Antonio Art League & Museum is a popular gallery right in the heart of Southtown featuring local and international artists
• Blue Star Contemporary is a bit more of a hidden gem, but also has some fantastic pieces with a more local focus
• Rosario’s offer some of the best Mexican cuisine in the city – they are particularly renowned for their seafood dishes and margaritas
• Bar America hosts a daily happy hour – perfect for kicking off a night in the city if you are ona strict budget
• The Fruiteria offer delicious fruit juices and smoothies throughout the day and innovative fruit cocktails by night

Best Budget Hotel in Southtown

La Villita Inn

Whilst there aren’t any hostels in the city centre, there are plenty of budget friendly hotels dotted around the city that are perfect for backpackers! Rooms come with high speed WiFi, microwaves and even HBO access. The reception operates 24 hours – perfect for those late arrivals.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Southtown

Brackenridge House

This quaint bed and breakfast is perfect for a short stay in the heart of the city! With a complimentary American breakfast every morning, and well-equipped kitchenettes, it also helps those on a budget further save money during their stay. There is a communal hot tub on the terrace.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Southtown

Marriott Plaza San Antonio

Marriott are known for their high-quality luxury hotels, and their San Antonio accommodation is no exception! It comes with a gorgeous pool and terrace outside – perfect for sitting back and soaking up the sunshine. A complimentary breakfast is included in the rate, and every room has a balcony.

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Neighborhood #2 – Downtown

Where to stay in San Antonio close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – head up the Tower of the Americas for unbeatable views across the city
• BEST place to visit in Downtown – do you remember the Alamo? If not, learn all about it at the preserved location right in the heart of the city

As is the case with most North American cities, Downtown is the most central district in San Antonio! All roads in the city lead to Downtown, so getting around is far easier from this district than any other. It is also home to the main railway and Greyhound stations – connecting you with other destinations across the continent.

Aside from the convenient location, Downtown is also home to most of the major attractions in the city! For first time visitors, this is where you come if you want to throw yourself right into the deep end of life in the city. History, culture and nightlife all mingle to create a truly eclectic neighborhood.

• Visit the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts to catch a show from local or international theatre, dance and music practitioners
• Market Square is the commercial heart of the area, with plenty of large American brands as well as local boutiques
• The San Antonio Fire Museum might seem unassuming from the outside, but it contains some truly fascinating exhibits about the city
• Aside from Riverwalk, SoHo is the best spot in Downtown for bars and nightlife – we recommend SoHo Wine and Martini Bar in particular
• If you want to sample TexMex in the state that birthed the cuisine, head to Acenar for some fantastic dishes that won’t break the bank

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown

The Inn at Alamo

Located in a memorable location right next to the Alamo, this is the perfect pick for budget travelers that want to stay close to the city centre! The rooms are basic, but well equipped with sturdy furnishings and the usual set of facilities. A complimentary breakfast is included, and there is an outdoor pool.

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Editor’s Note: If you’ll be in Austin, check out the top things to do in Austin during your visit!

Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Hotel Indigo San Antonio

A little bit of an upgrade, but still well priced, this hotel is only a short walk away from the Riverwalk – keeping you well connected to two of the areas in this guide! There is a large business centre on-site, making this a popular choice with corporate travellers. Breakfast is included.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

The St Anthony

A part of the Luxury Collection, the St Anthony is one of the best rated four star hotels in the entire city! Rooms truly embody the idea that everything is bigger in Texas – with oversized desks, huge beds and luxurious bathroom suites. There is an American breakfast every morning.

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Neighborhood #3 – Riverwalk

Where to stay in San Antonio for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Riverwalk – learn about the city with a Riverboat Tour through the area
• BEST place to visit in Riverwalk – the Guinness World Records Museum is a truly fascinating way to spend an afternoon

Riverwalk is the main entertainment district in San Antonio. Though officially part of Downtown, it has such a unique atmosphere that many people consider it a neighborhood in its own right! The river is lined with restaurants, bars and entertainment venues that will ensure you’re never stuck for things to do.

As it is in the heart of Downtown, it is also well connected to other areas of the city! This is the liveliest part of San Antonio by quite some mile – so if you’re into partying then this is the place to be.

• Howl at the Moon is an incredibly popular nightclub on the Riverwalk, playing popular music and live DJs
• Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub is, like many other Irish pubs in the United States, a popular venue for the beginning of the evening
• If you want something a bit more upscale, head to Zinc and sip on their sophisticated selection of cocktails
• Beat the hangover in the morning at Mi Tierra Café and Bakery – they have an extraordinary range of breads and cakes
• The Buckhorn Saloon & Texas Ranger Museum is incredibly touristy, but a fun day out to discover Texan stereotypes

Best Budget Hotel in Riverwalk

Riverwalk Plaza Hotel

The Riverwalk Plaza Hotel has a much more modern atmosphere – and we believe one of the best communal spaces in the city! There are plenty of sofas, board games and drinking areas to mingle with other guests. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast in the morning, and custom cocktails in the evening.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Riverwalk

O’Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel

The O’Brien Riverwalk Boutique Hotel has an amazing location in the heart of San Antonio just a stone’s throw away from plenty of bustling restaurants and bars and only one block from the San Antonio Riverwalk.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Riverwalk

Mokara Hotel & Spa

This decadent hotel comes complete with a rooftop pool terrace where you can enjoy the beating sun and glorious views across the city! The complimentary American style breakfast comes with vegetarian, gluten free and kosher options. Rooms come with marble bathrooms and spa baths, as well as high ceilings.

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Will you also visit Austin? Check out where we like to stay in Austin!

Neighborhood #4 – Northwest

Best neighborhood in San Antonio for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in Northwest – Aquatica is a fantastic waterpark for all the family to enjoy
• BEST place to visit in Northwest – Alamo Ranch is a huge outdoor mall with plenty of outlets and boutiques

Northwest San Antonio is home to the major theme parks in the city! This makes it a popular choice for families that want to keep their kids entertained during their time in San Antonio. As it is so far from the city centre, it is also a much more peaceful neighborhood – allowing you to enjoy a break from the bustling Downtown area.

Whilst Northwest San Antonio is well connected to the centre by public transport, we recommend hiring a car to truly experience the area! The area has an ambient atmosphere, with leafy streets and modern skyscrapers harmonising for that unique San Antonio charm.

• A world famous theme park, SeaWorld is by far the most popular attraction in Northwest San Antonio
• If you’re more interested in roller coasters or want to avoid SeaWorld entirely, we recommend heading to Six Flags
• The Shops at La Cantera is another fantastic mall – though the stores here are a little more exclusive so be prepared to spend
• San Antonio Aquarium is another fantastic option for those that want to get up close with some interesting aquatic life
• Viola’s Ventenas is an incredible restaurant where you can enjoy views of the surrounding nature to one side or the city to the other

Best Budget Hotel in Northwest

Blazing Star Resort

For a more typical resort experience, Blazing Star comes with some fantastic reviews from previous guests thanks to their excellent attention to detail and top-notch facilities! Alongside the outdoor pool there is also a large games room and a children’s playground. It is within walking distance of Seaworld.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Northwest 

La Quinta by Wyndham

La Quinta Hotel  comes with some fantastic additional amenities! There is a large outdoor pool on-site, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is provided every morning.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Northwest

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa

This sprawling resort and spa complex is also within walking distance from SeaWorld – giving you easy access to most of the main family friendly attractions in the city! Rooms are well equipped with the latest in modern technology, and the on-site spa offers bookable holistic therapies.

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Neighborhood #5 – Pearl

Where to stay in San Antonio on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in Pearl – sample food and pick up some bargain souvenirs at Pearl Farmers Market
• BEST place to visit in Pearl – visit the San Antonio Museum of Art for fantastic contemporary and classical exhibits

Just north of Downtown, Pearl is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city! Though quite small and narrow, Pearl is packed with green parklands that make it one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in San Antonio. It also has plenty of fantastic bars, restaurants and museums waiting to be discovered.

For those on a budget, Pearl is a cheaper alternative to the Downtown section of Riverwalk! It has many of the same benefits, though the atmosphere is far easier going and the happy hours more generous. Pearl is still well connected with Downtown, allowing you to explore the main attractions with ease.

• Museum Reach is a 1.3 mile open air exhibit with cycle paths where you can admire public art installations
• If you are visiting as a family, or simply want to check out the animals, San Antonio Zoo is in the heart of the area
• The DoSeum is a fun concept that aims to help you learn about the history and culture of the area through interactive exhibits
• San Antonio Botanical Garden is free to enter and is a gorgeous setting for an afternoon stroll to unwind
• Head to Ocho to discover Latin American cuisine that has been influenced by the entire region – not just Mexico!

Best Budget Hotel in Pearl

Super 8 by Wyndham

Super 8 are a popular hotel chain across North America for budget conscious travellers looking for a comfortable accommodation choice! For backpackers, this hotel also has some fantastic social spaces where you can mingle with guests. A continental breakfast is included as part of the rate.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Pearl

Best Western Plus

Best Western Plus is the budget friendly wing of the popular hotel chain – and their Pearl hotel is in an ideal location for exploring the city! Rooms are fully air conditioned and come with cable TV as well as high speed WiFi access. There is also an outdoor swimming pool available year round.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Pearl

Hotel Emma at Pearl

This five star behemoth is well and truly the height of luxury in San Antonio! Located where Pearl meets the Riverwalk and Downtown, it is perfectly located for exploring all of the city’s best attractions. The on-site restaurant specialises in cuisine made exclusively from locally sourced ingredients.

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Neighborhood #6 – Monte Vista

Best neighborhood in San Antonio for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in Monte Vista – try a few games at the McFarlin Tennis Center –  a popular activity with local couples
• BEST place to visit in Monte Vista – San Pedro Springs Park is an enormous green space with excellent leisure facilities

Bordering Pearl and Downtown, Monte Vista is another great neighborhood for those that want to stay close to the city centre without all of the hustle and bustle! As the largest historic district in the United States, it has a truly diverse selection of attractions on offer as well as fascinating insights into Texan history.

For couples, Monte Vista has a great range of romantic restaurants, sophisticated bars and peaceful parks that all add to create a delightful getaway in the Texan metropolis! Neighboring Olmos Park also offers plenty of culinary delights if you want to discover the city’s cosmopolitan side.

• Scobee Planetarium, located right in the heart of the park, has some interesting exhibits about space exploration
• Catch a show at the Playhouse Theatre – it has a small and intimate atmosphere despite hosting some big performances
• Vintage shopping is a popular activity in the area – we recommend checking out Feliz Modern and Off My Rocket
• For a unique date night experience, head to Mixtli restaurant where you can enjoy an ever changing tasting menu of 10 courses

Best Budget Hotel in Monte Vista

Hyatt Place

This modern hotel truly exemplifies the Texas way of life – go big or go home! Rooms are massive, and the en-suite bathrooms come with baths and showers. There is an outdoor swimming pool on-site, and the fitness centre comes well equipped with weights and resistance machines.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Monte Vista

Stylish San Antonio Apt with Patio Near River Walk

Unfortunately, Monte Vista isn’t home to any mid-range hotels, however, this stunning and stylish apartment is the next best thing! The apartment can fit up to four guests and has a sleek and aesthetic design throughout. It also comes with a great outdoor patio area perfect for having an evening meal in the warming Texan heat.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Monte Vista

Ashby Luxury Vacation Home

Whilst there aren’t any luxury hotels in Monte Vista, this holiday home is the perfect choice for those that want to splurge whilst staying in the area! It comes with a large patio and beautiful garden areas, as well as a modern kitchen that is fully equipped with everything you need for a self-catered stay.

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Neighborhood #7 – Alamo Heights

Best neighborhood in San Antonio for history!

• COOLEST thing to do in Alamo Heights – sample even more delectable cuisine at the Central Market
• BEST place to visit in Alamo Heights – head to the Witte Museum to discover family friendly exhibits

Whilst the Alamo itself is based in Downtown, Alamo Heights is a neighborhood that carries major historical significance related to Texan independence! This is a great neighborhood to learn about the short period when Texas was an independent country and the events that lead up to it.

As a fairly central neighborhood, it also has its fair share of great bars, restaurants and stores! It neighbours Pearl and Downtown, and there are plenty of excellent tour companies in the area offering trips around the city and beyond.

• Head on an Alamo Tour – though they usually start at the Alamo in Downtown, most of them include Alamo Heights and its history
• McNay hosts some truly stunning art collections – a must for any creatives visiting San Antonio
• Quarry Golf Course is the largest 18 hole course in the city centre and has a fantastic clubhouse
• Want to pick up some cowboy boots whilst in Texas? Head to Lucchese Boot Co – we recommend you get a custom pair if you have the budget

Best Budget Hotel in Alamo Heights

Stay Express Inn

The Stay Express Inn is a small motel in the centre of Alamo Heights. Though fairly basic, and with mediocre reviews, it is a great option for backpackers that really just want a cheap place to lay their head at night! A complimentary continental breakfast is included, and there is plenty of parking.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Alamo Heights

Comfort Inn & Suites

Comfort Inn & Suites, as the name suggests, specialise in comfortable budget-friendly hotels! On the outskirts of Alamo Heights, this hotel has peaceful surroundings that allow you to get away from the bustling city centre attractions. An American style breakfast is included in the rate.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Alamo Heights

Crowne Plaza Hotel

A popular luxury hotel brand across the world, Crowne Plaza is a high-quality four star hotel on the outskirts of Alamo Heights! There is a modern fitness centre on-site, as well as a large, heated outdoor pool. The restaurant serves typical Texan cuisine, and there is a complimentary breakfast in the morning.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in San Antonio?

San Antonio is a true microcosm of everything that Texas is known for. Cowboy culture, historic monuments and strong Hispanic cultural influences are abound in the city, making it an intriguing destination for tourists.

For the best area, we are going to go with Southtown! Though well connected, it is a little bit more peaceful than the other city centre neighborhoods, giving you a nice introduction to the city before exploring further.

That being said, all of the cities in this guide have their benefits and we hope we have helped you narrow down your options.

Did we miss anything? Tell us in the comments!

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