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Sitting on the most crossed border in the world, Tijuana is the epitome of a frontier town. Just 20 miles south of San Diego, but a whole world removed, the stark cultural differences between the U.S. and Mexico are apparent as soon as you cross the border.
Thanks to this, Tijuana is a very popular destination for U.S. travelers. But few make the journey to Tijuana from further afield; and in not doing so, they’re really missing out.
Like border towns the world over, Tijuana, or TJ as the locals know it, isn’t the prettiest city. It’s gritty, rough around the edges and feels rather edgy.. To me, that makes it all the more special.
In recent years, Tijuana has reinvented itself. Today, Tijuana is home to a craft beer revolution, great restaurants and delicious street food, a dynamic arts scene and some fascinating museums. In truth, there are so many things to do in Tijuana, and you really ought to cross the border and discover them for yourself.
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Getting to Tijuana
By land
Most visitors arrive in Tijuana from San Diego. There are three land border crossings, but the main one – and easiest to use – is San Ysidro. Connected to San Diego’s Downtown and Old Town by the Trolley light rail network, and a 20-minute walk from Downtown Tijuana, San Ysidro is ideal if you aren’t driving.
At peak times, there may be a queue for passport control and customs (particularly heading back to the U.S.), but the formalities themselves are simple enough. If you don’t fancy the walk after crossing the border, there are always taxis waiting on the Mexican side.
Alternatively, you can take a bus across the border from San Diego or Los Angeles. Easier still, take a day trip from San Diego. On a day trip, you’ll be guided through the border crossing and shown the top things to do in Tijuana by an expert guide.
By air
There is currently only one flight between the U.S. and Tijuana, a six-times-weekly American Airlines service from Phoenix. Tijuana International Airport is also served by a number of domestic flights, with several daily services from Mexico City.
Where to stay in Tijuana
Avenida Revolucion
The buzzing main street of Downtown, Avenida Revolucion is our top recommendation. Closest to all the things to do in Tijuana, it’s packed with restaurants, souvenir shops and is home to the city’s best nightlife. Plus, as Tijuana’s main tourist destinations, it’s one of the safest areas of the city.
Hotel Caesar’s, famous for being the birthplace of the Caesar Salad, is an excellent choice. Clean, safe and comfortable (all the things you want from a hotel in Tijuana), their restaurant stands out from the crowd. Expect excellent value, with rooms costing as little as US$70 on weeknights.
If you’re looking for somewhere with a little more space, Downtown Designer Apartments by ULIV will suit you perfectly. There’s a great indoor pool and most apartments come with a balcony or private terrace.
For something a little luxurious, Hotel Boutique Lafayette Tijuana is a chic all-suite hotel at the northern end of Avenida Revolucion. Despite having some of the best rooms in town, a night here can be had for as little as US$120.
Playas de Tijuana
With miles of golden sandy beaches, Playas de Tijuana is the city’s coastal playground, just under four miles west of Avenida Revolucion. If a beach holiday is your thing, this is the ideal neighborhood to base yourself.
Despite being the new kid on the block, Hotel Jatay is our top pick here. Expect modern, comfortable rooms, many with sea views and a great restaurant. All the beach bars and cafes are just across the street, and there’s loads of street food just steps away. Another top choice is Del Mar Inn which has the unusual, if not dramatic, backdrop of the U.S. border wall.
Zona Rio
Tijuana’s up-and-coming Central Business District, Zona Rio is the place to stay for an overload of border town culture. Home to some of the best craft brew bars and trendiest restaurants, Zona Rio is conveniently located midway between Downtown and the airport. Whilst the majority of hotels here are international chains, there’s a couple of quirky boutiques which are worth a look.
Rio Suites are perfect for an extended stay, or if you want room to spread out. Hotel Real del Rio is one of the newest hotels in the district with modern, minimalistic rooms and quirky decor. The rooftop spa and excellent restaurant make this place stand out.
If you’re craving ultimate luxury, K Tower Boutique, an offshoot of Hotel Lucerna is the place for you. An adults-only venue, the rooftop pool with a poolside cocktail bar and two amazing restaurants make for a memorable stay.
Safety in Tijuana
There’s no denying that Tijuana has something of a reputation for all the wrong reasons. Part of that comes with the territory of being a border town. This has led to Tijuana being consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In 2024, Tijuana holds sixth place on this list.
The key point to remember is that the vast majority of crime in Tijuana is gang-related and doesn’t affect tourists at all. Stick to the main tourist areas and you’ll avoid the risk of violent crime. With so many things to do in Tijuana, there shouldn’t be any need to stray in to any of the seedier neighborhoods.
The top 6 things to do in Tijuana
1. Explore Avenida Revolucion
Avenida Revolucion is the street that never sleeps. During the day, the shops and art galleries are always buzzing. As evening falls, the restaurants spill out onto the sidewalks; and when darkness falls, the party is only just beginning.
Running south from Tijuana Arch, a shiny metal arch built to commemorate the start of the 21st century, Avenida Revolucion runs the length of Zona Centro (Tijuana’s Downtown). Take a look down the tiny passageways which run off the main street and you’ll be in for a surprise.
Pasaje Rodriquez is the most impressive; the walls are painted with graffiti-like murals. Every doorway is home to a bohemian coffee shop, art gallery or craft shop.
2. Unwind on the beaches at Playas de Tijuana
Removed from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, a visit to the Playas is one of the top things to do in Tijuana. The sand stretches for miles running south from the U.S. border wall, an impressive and moving sight in itself.
The area closest to the border wall tends to be the busiest. Grab some churros from one of the dozen street food carts here and while away a few hours wandering along the sand. Av. del Pacifico, the main street running alongside the beach, has plenty of beach bars and seafood shacks.
3. Learn about Tijuanese culture at a museum
The perfect way to learn a little about the local culture is to visit a museum, of which Tijuana has more than its fair share. Museo de Historia de Tijuana is a history exhibit spread over two floors. It goes right back to prehistoric times but the most interesting sections are on the city’s eclectic social history.
Travel tip: If history and culture are your thing, a guided tour is one of the top things to do in Tijuana to learn more about this intriguing city.
4. Perfect the art of taco making at Museo del Taco
Something a little more unique, setting it apart as one of the best things to do in Tijuana, is the Museo del Taco. Open from 1 pm to 9 pm every day except Monday, this quirky spot has nine interactive exhibits on everything from the art of making the tortilla to perfecting the salsa.
5. Sample Tijuana’s amazing food & drink scene
There’s tacos and burritos to be had on every street corner, but Tijuana’s real speciality is seafood, and it’s as fresh as it comes. Whilst visiting Playas del Tijuana, grab a grilled seafood skewer from a street vendor. Barbecued in front of your eyes and doused in hot sauce, you can choose between shrimp or squid.
When dinner time comes around, head to Avenida Revolucion. If you’re still craving seafood, El Cabo Seafood (Av. Revolucion 975) is a hidden gem. For something more formal, but surprisingly affordable, head to Caesar’s. Their namesake salad is made tableside, and you can choose your protein and dressing. If you’re not a salad fan, their other signature Beef Wellington is divine.
When darkness falls, Tijuana becomes more lively than ever. Centered around Avenida Revolucion, experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife is up there with the unmissable things to do in Tijuana. At the heart of a craft beer revolution, work your way down the street hopping from brew pubs to cocktail bars. If you’ve crossed from San Diego, you won’t believe how cheap a night out in Tijuana is.
6. Take a day trip to a winery
Tijuana is ideally situated for visiting the legendary Valle de Guadalupe wine region. Take a full day guided tour through the valley, stopping off to sample some of the region’s finest wines. You’ll also get to learn more about the wine making process and enjoy a delicious tapas style lunch. And if you haven’t had a taco overdose yet, you will have by the end of the day!
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