BUDGET TRAVEL · SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio on a budget.
SA is already one of the most affordable major cities in Texas. A full day — Alamo, River Walk, five missions, and great food — can cost under $40 per person.
THE NUMBERS
What a trip to SA actually costs.
Budget day (attractions + food)
$25–45
Alamo, River Walk, tacos, market lunch
Mid-range day
$80–130
One museum, two sit-down meals
Budget hotel
$70–110/night
Near downtown, weeknight
Mid-range hotel
$130–200/night
River Walk or Pearl area
ZERO COST
Free attractions.
The Alamo
Free. Historic mission, Long Barrack museum included.
River Walk
Free. 15 miles of paths along the San Antonio River.
All Five Missions
Free. National Park Service. Plan half a day.
Japanese Tea Garden
Free. Brackenridge Park. Stunning and overlooked.
Pearl Farmers Market
Free to browse. Saturday 9am–1pm, Sunday 10am–2pm.
Southtown Murals
Free. South Alamo Street mural walk.
Mission Reach Trail
Free. 8-mile paved river trail connecting all missions.
King William District
Free walking tour of 19th-century mansions.
See the full Free Things to Do guide — includes free museum days and free annual events.
BUDGET FOOD
Cheap eats that are actually great.
Taco Haven
$8–12Southtown. Neighborhood institution. Best breakfast tacos in SA.
Mi Tierra
$12–18Market Square, 24hr. Pan dulce, puffy tacos, big servings.
La Panadería
$8–14Pearl area. Pan dulce and coffee. Best morning pastries in SA.
Earl Abel's
$10–16Alamo Heights classic. Comfort food, affordable, massive portions.
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
$8–13SA chain, not fancy, but genuinely good BBQ at low prices.
Burger Boy
$8–12Classic SA drive-in. No-frills, excellent smash burger.
Pearl Farmers Market
$8–15Several affordable vendor stalls. One of the best $10 breakfasts in the city.
H-E-B deli / Central Market
$5–10Local grocery chain with excellent prepared food counters. Better than fast food.
BUDGET HOTELS
Budget hotels near downtown.
Hampton Inn & Suites (downtown)
$80–130Best value downtown option. Clean, reliable, a few blocks from River Walk.
Courtyard by Marriott (downtown)
$90–140Downtown location, Marriott quality, reasonable rates.
Holiday Inn Express (downtown)
$75–110Workable budget option, good downtown location.
Timing tip: SA hotel prices fluctuate significantly. Avoid conventions and Fiesta (late April). November–January and July–August offer lowest rates.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
A full day under $40.
SAVE MONEY