San Antonio, Texas

• San Antonio is a Texas city where Spanish colonial missions, Tex-Mex food and a fairly compact downtown sit close together. The Alamo and the River Walk get most of the visitors, but the Pearl food-and-market district, the galleries and old houses of Southtown and King William, and the UNESCO-listed Missions along the river south of downtown are worth the time too.
• The main visitor areas (River Walk, Pearl, Southtown, Alamo Heights) are fine for a woman on her own. There are plenty of other solo diners, busy patios and staff around. Eating at the bar is common. English is spoken everywhere, and Spanish is heard a lot in daily life.
• Crime is higher than in many comparable tourist cities. Most of it is property crime, plus some incidents on the quieter edges of downtown after events let out. Car break-ins are the most common problem, so don't leave anything visible in a parked or rental car. Late at night, stay on busy, lit streets, keep your bag close in bars, and take a rideshare instead of walking back through empty blocks.
• The city is spread out and built around cars. Downtown, the River Walk, Pearl and Southtown can be linked on foot or with short rides, but the Missions, the Quarry area and the suburbs need a rideshare, rental car or bus. Go easy on drinks along the River Walk, since the paths are uneven and some stretches of the river have no railing.

English is the main language, and Spanish is very widely spoken across the city. Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance; phone interpreters are available if you don't speak English. For non-urgent police matters, such as reporting a theft after the fact, call 210-207-7273.

• Casual dress is normal almost everywhere, from shorts and sandals to sundresses. Dress up a little for rooftop bars and nicer restaurants in the Pearl and Alamo Heights.
• Tipping is expected: roughly 18-20% in restaurants and bars, and a few dollars for rideshare drivers and hotel staff. Menu prices don't include tax or tip.
• Texans tend to be friendly and chatty, and strangers often make small talk in lines and bars. A polite, firm no is respected. A bit of Spanish goes over well, though English works everywhere.
• Carry ID, since bars and shops check it. Open containers are allowed on the River Walk only in cups from the venue that served the drink.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) and taxis are the easiest way to get around, especially at night and between areas too far to walk. Check the plate and driver name before getting in, and sit in the back seat.
• VIA Metropolitan Transit runs the city buses, including Route 5 from the airport to downtown. Buses are fine in daylight, but evening service is thinner and many stops are exposed, so take a rideshare late at night. Fares and passes are listed at viainfo.net.
• In the daytime, downtown, the River Walk, the Alamo, La Villita and Southtown can all be covered on foot. The walking route along the San Antonio River between the Pearl and downtown is fine by day, and River Walk boat rides run through the center. The Missions and the Quarry area need a car, rideshare or bus.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore San Antonio with local guides and curated experiences.