When to Visit - Arts and Events

The Paseo del Rio, in the heart of downtown, is the pride of the city. Lush foliage lines the picturesque banks of this peaceful historic river and walking alongside the cool waterway has become a 'must' for both locals and visitors alike. Cobblestone walkways lead to river-level restaurants and shops. The river threads its way through the city one level below the hustle and bustle of city streets and makes for a delightful and soothing interlude in anyone's itinerary. First called Yanaguana by the Payaya Indians, meaning "place of refreshing waters." A horseshoe shaped bend in the river is shaded by towering cypresses, oaks and willows and bordered by gardens of flowering ornamental plants. For those who wish to rest their weary feet, cruisers travel the River Walk's three miles past an interesting selection of shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

San Antonio Dining

Texas is renowned as the home of steaks and Tex-Mex cuisine. But it is also a State where people take their food very seriously and not only are the locals enthusiastic, even evangelistic, about 'good 'ole home-cookin' they take great pleasure in eating excellent food from around the world. It's not difficult to find restaurants that will proudly serve 'nostalgia' foods like 'granny used to make', but the city does have plenty of other cuisine on offer. You'll find restaurants specialising in Caribbean, French, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Mexican and Oriental cuisine, as well as barbecued and seafood.

San Antonio Tipping Advice

Restaurants in San Antonio do not usually add gratuities to the bill so tipping is customary with a recommended 15 percent expected where customers deem the service to be good. Should the meal and service be excellent then a gratuity of 20 percent would not be exceptional. Tips in taxis should be paid along similar lines. The recommended rate for doormen, parking attendants and valets in San Antonio is one US dollar.