Free Public Tours
of Downtown
“It was a great tour, super informative, full of historical anecdotes and fun.” - Alfredo Q.
Looking to cover the must-see sights of Downtown San Antonio while having some fun? This is the perfect tour.
From the historic block where San Antonio began to the crown jewel of its skyline, this tour introduces guests to "a few of our favorite things" in Downtown, covering all the must-see sights. There's no set price for our Free Public Tours of Downtown - guests tip whatever they feel is fair at the tour’s end.
Route: Main Plaza, San Fernando Cathedral, the River Walk, the Alamo (exterior), Rivercenter Mall, the Confluence of Civilizations Mosaic, and Hemisfair Park.
Price: Guests tip the guide whatever they think is appropriate at the end of the tour.
Language: English only.
Duration and Distance: About 1.75-2.25 hours long, covering about 1 mile (1.6km) of easy walking.
Start Point: The tour meets in Main Plaza (115 Main Plaza), just to the left of San Fernando Cathedral’s entrance.
End Point: The tour typically ends in Hemisfair Park (630 E. Nueva St.), between the Tower of the Americas and La Villita.
Want to join a Free Public Tour? Let’s get you on the list!
Reservations must be made at least 90 minutes before the tour time to guarantee a tour. People may show up without a reservation (or with less than 90 minutes' notice), but a tour cannot be guaranteed.
Free Public Tours are offered on a pre-set schedule, which is released one month at a time, usually a week or two before the start of a month.
If you would like to be notified when the schedule for a particular month is posted, just send us a message (via text or WhatsApp) at +1 210-560-0807. (Be sure to include the dates you’ll be in SA.)
FAQs
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Free Public Tours are offered on a pre-set schedule that is released one month at a time, usually a week or two before the start of a month. So if you don’t see tour dates for the month you’re interesting in taking a tour, please check back.
You’re also welcome to send us a message letting us know you’ll be in town certain dates and asking to be notified when the schedule of Free Public Tours for that month is released!
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Free Public Tours are offered on a pre-set schedule that is released one month at a time.
Once the schedule of Free Public Tours is published for a month, it is unlikely that more tour options will be added. But you’re welcome to send us a message asking to be notified if any Free Public Tours are added. Please include in your message the dates you’ll be in San Antonio.
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The parking situation Downtown fluctuates quite a bit depending on day and time. But here are a couple tips…
An affordable option for parking is the Bexar County Parking Garage (211 S. Flores St.) It’s a five-minute walk from the tour’s meeting spot, and the cost is usually $5 for all day parking. To check the price before heading that way, call 210-335-2700.
Metered parking along the street can also be a good idea on Sundays or after 4pm on all other days. A good area to look for metered parking is around 115 S. Flores St. Always read the signage, but there’s usually a two-hour max before 6pm (and it’s free after 6pm). On Sundays, metered parking is free.
Both of the above addresses will put you near the start of the tour and are inexpensive, but they’re a bit farther away from the core of Downtown.
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San Antonio has over 300 days of sunshine! We love rain when it arrives, but we also prioritize the wellbeing of our tour members in less than ideal weather.
As such, unsafe conditions or logistical conflicts may cause tours to be canceled. To confirm if a tour is still taking place, just text/call/WhatsApp us at +1 210-560-0807.
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Texas can be very hot in the summer, but whenever possible, tours are scheduled at times when temps are cooler. The hottest temps are at street level, but things cool down once on the river level. We take advantage of air conditioning, seating, and shade at every opportunity along the way.
Guests are encouraged to dress in cool clothing, wear hats and sunscreen, and bring water!
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We love offering Free Public Tours, for which tips are very, very appreciated. Amigo’s Free Public Tours receive no subsidies from the city or business sponsorships, so they’re entirely funded by guests’ tips.
However, high-fives, thank you's, and the naming of firstborns after tour guides are equally accepted.
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Guides are happy to receive tips in cash or via Venmo in-person. After the fact, you can tip via Venmo (@AmigoSA), PayPal, or credit card by clicking here.
…cars and frequent flier miles are also happily accepted.
Please note: Zelle is not accepted.
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Yes! Our guides are sensitive to the needs of tour members and will make available every opportunity for rest and care.
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All ages are welcome, but the tour is best for those comfortable with leisurely walking a mile and listening to some really good stories.
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Our guides work hard to make routes accessible and easy to traverse. The Free Public Tour of Downtown includes some stairs, but let us know in advance if this is a challenge, and we will gladly find a work-around!