Although San Antonio is actually more of an urban-urban city than its large cousins Dallas and Houston, it manages to have a laid-back, small town atmosphere. Where Dallas and Houston high-rise, San Antonio is comfortable in its greenery and its festivals. Its many districts reflect this.

Downtown

Downtown is truly a hub, truly the heart of the city. San Antonio always looks for a chance to party, celebrating everything from their basketball team to Christmas, and this is where it parties. This is where the Alamo rests, and the River Walk, that pedestrian way that's become possibly the best-loved attraction in all Texas.

Midtown

Midtown preserves the Monte Vista Historical District, home to a fascinating range of architecture. It's also home to prestigious Trinity University and Temple Beth-El, the oldest synagogue in southern Texas.

Far North Central and Uptown Broadway

Both Far North and Uptown Broadway are home to the city's rich. In Uptown Broadway, boutiques are common and trendy, and three malls share space with the high-rises. The McNay Art Museum serves one side of the museum spectrum, while the Witte Museum covers science and history.

Northeast and North Central

The Northeast and North Central districts are suburban. Randolph Air Force Base with its unique "Taj Mahal" tower is here within the Northeast District.

Northwest

Northwest San Antonio bustles everywhere at once, with everything from medical centers to colleges to amusement parks. Six Flags Fiesta Texas is an amusement park with a San Antonio twist. The University of Texas at San Antonio is the largest public university in the city. For the shopper, The Shops at La Cantera is an upscale open-air mall.

West

The West's Guadalupe Street is a commercial / entertainment district and the massive Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is its centerpiece. The National Shrine of the Little Flower, a historical Catholic church, is another landmark of the West District.

South and City South

San Antonio Missions Historic Park is naturally the big tourist site in South San Antonio. Further down, City South is rather literally south of the city and is partly farmland, irrigated by the San Antonio and Medina Rivers.

East

East San Antonio is very much the city's sports center, what with the football stadium, the Alamodome, being here, as well as the more basketball-and-rodeo oriented AT&T Center.

You can get into San Antonio by plane through the San Antonio International Airport. By car, I-35, taken north or south, I-10, or US 281 will get you there. Once within the city, you can certainly drive, but VIA Metropolitan Transit's buses are pretty good, too. Naturally, the River Walk is meant for pedestrians.