Tijuana Travel Guide

Explore the culturally-rich city of Tijuana, Mexico with our comprehensive travel guide that features places to visit, things to do, food to try, and safety tips.


Introduction to Tijuana

Tijuana is a vibrant and culturally-rich city located in northern Mexico, just across the border from San Diego, California. Known for its lively nightlife, authentic Mexican cuisine, and historical landmarks, Tijuana attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in art, food, history, or simply want to soak in the vibrant culture of the city, Tijuana has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Tijuana

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa de la Cultura: A cultural center that features art exhibits, music performances, and traditional dance shows.
  • Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: A beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 19th century and offers visitors a glimpse into the religious history of Tijuana.
  • Museo de Cera: A wax museum that features lifelike sculptures of famous Mexican celebrities, politicians, and athletes.
  • El Popo Market: A bustling local market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

Natural Attractions of Tijuana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parque Morelos: A sprawling park that offers visitors a chance to hike, bike, or simply take a leisurely stroll amidst lush greenery.
  • Cañon de Guadalupe: A scenic canyon that boasts incredible views of the surrounding landscape and offers visitors a chance to go zip-lining or horseback riding.
  • Playas de Tijuana: The beaches of Tijuana offer a wide range of activities, from surfing to swimming to simply relaxing in the sun.
  • Cerro de la Silla: An imposing mountain that offers stunning views of Tijuana and the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tijuana

Cerro Coronel

The hike to Cerro Coronel’s summit rewards you with panoramic views of the city and surrounding Tijuana River basin.

Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir

This national park has two peaks you can climb, the most popular one being Picacho del Diablo.

Valle de Guadalupe

This is Tijuana’s famous wine country and it features many agritourism activities like hiking, biking, and vineyard tours.

Best Things to Do in Tijuana: Activities and Tours

  • Tijuana Cultural Walking Tour: This walking tour takes you through Tijuana’s historic city center and introduces you to the rich culture and history of the city.
  • Tequila Tasting Tour: This tour takes you to some of Tijuana’s best tequila distilleries and offers a chance to sample some of Mexico’s most famous spirits.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to make authentic Mexican dishes like tortillas, salsas, and tamales with a cooking class in Tijuana.
  • Art Tours: Explore Tijuana’s thriving art scene with a walking tour that takes you to see some of the city’s best murals and galleries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tijuana

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Tijuana’s historic city center, featuring landmarks like the Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe and the Jai Alai Palace.
Day 2 Visit Parque Morelos for hiking and outdoor activities.
Day 3 Take a day trip to nearby wine country and explore the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe.
Day 4 Spend the day at the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying local seafood dishes.
Day 5 Visit Tijuana’s cultural attractions like the Museo de Cera and Casa de la Cultura.
Day 6 Take a cooking class or tequila tasting tour to experience Mexican cuisine and spirits.
Day 7 Wrap up your trip with a day of shopping for souvenirs and exploring local markets like El Popo Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Tijuana

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos: Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine, and Tijuana is home to some of the best tacos in the world.
  • Carne Asada: Grilled beef served with beans, salsa, and tortillas is one of Tijuana’s most popular dishes.
  • Enchiladas: Corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and served with chili sauce and sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Tequila: Tequila is a popular drink in Tijuana, and many visitors come to the city specifically for tequila tasting tours.
  • Mezcal: Mezcal is another popular spirit in Tijuana, made from the agave plant and distilled in small batches.

Where to Stay in Tijuana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tijuana has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in Tijuana include:

  • Hotel Ticuán: A luxury hotel in the heart of Tijuana’s historic city center.
  • Hostel California: A budget-friendly hostel located near Parque Morelos and the city’s famous street food vendors.
  • La Villa de Zaragoza: A charming guesthouse located in a quiet residential area.

What to Buy in Tijuana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Mexican Artisan Crafts: Tijuana is home to many talented artists and craftsmen, and the local markets are filled with beautiful handmade goods.
  • Mexican Candy and Snacks: Tijuana is known for its delicious candy and snacks, including tamarind candies and spicy potato chips.
  • Tequila and Mezcal: Bring home a bottle of Mexico’s famous spirits as a souvenir of your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Tijuana

Tijuana is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should take the time to learn about the local customs and traditions. Some important things to know include:

  • Respect for Religion: Many of the locals in Tijuana are deeply religious, and visitors should be respectful of this and avoid behaving inappropriately in places of worship.
  • Tipping: Tipping is customary in Mexico, and visitors should generally leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants and for other services.
  • Language: While many locals speak English, visitors will have a much better experience if they take the time to learn some basic Spanish phrases.

Best Time to Visit Tijuana

The best time to visit Tijuana is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists. The summer months can be very hot, and the winter months can be chilly and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tijuana

Do:

  • Try the Street Food: Tijuana is famous for its street food scene, and visitors should make a point to try some of the local dishes.
  • Take a Walking Tour: Tijuana’s historic city center is best explored on foot, so consider taking a walking tour to learn about the city’s culture and history.
  • Be Respectful: Tijuana is a vibrant and lively city, but visitors should always be respectful of the locals and their customs.

Don’t:

  • Drink Tap Water: Visitors should avoid drinking tap water in Tijuana and stick to bottled water.
  • Flash Money or Valuables: Petty crime is a problem in Tijuana, so visitors should avoid flashing money or valuables while out in public.
  • Go Out Alone at Night: Visitors should avoid walking alone in Tijuana at night, especially in areas that are unfamiliar.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tijuana

While Tijuana is generally safe for visitors, there are some precautions that visitors should take to ensure their safety. These include:

  • Avoiding the Red Light District: Visitors should avoid the red light district of Tijuana, especially at night.
  • Staying in Safe Areas: Stick to well-lit and heavily trafficked areas to avoid becoming a victim of petty crime.
  • Use Caution When Driving: Exercise caution when driving in Tijuana, as the roads can be poorly maintained and congested.

Health in Tijuana

Visitors to Tijuana should be aware of the following health risks:

  • Tap Water: Visitors should avoid drinking tap water in Tijuana and stick to bottled water.
  • Street Food: While Tijuana’s street food scene is delicious, visitors should be careful to avoid food poisoning by only eating at reputable vendors.
  • Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Visitors to Tijuana should take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and dengue fever.

Getting to Tijuana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tijuana

  • Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) in Tijuana: The airport is only a few miles from the city center and offers daily flights from major cities in Mexico and the United States.
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN) in California (USA): Located just across the border from Tijuana, San Diego International Airport is a great option for visitors coming from other parts of the United States.

Bus Stations Near Tijuana

  • Terminal de Autobuses ABC: Located in the heart of Tijuana, this bus station offers daily service to destinations throughout Mexico.
  • Greyhound Bus Lines: Greyhound offers daily service between Tijuana and cities throughout the United States.

Other Options

  • Uber/Lyft: Both Uber and Lyft are available in Tijuana and can be a convenient option for getting around the city.
  • Taxis: Taxis are plentiful in Tijuana, but visitors should be sure to use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.

How to Get Around in Tijuana

Tijuana is a large and sprawling city, but there are plenty of transportation options for visitors. These include:

  • Taxis: Taxis are plentiful in Tijuana, but visitors should be sure to use licensed taxis and agree on the fare in advance.
  • Buses: Tijuana has a comprehensive bus system that offers affordable transportation throughout the city.
  • Walking: Tijuana’s historic city center is best explored on foot, and many of the city’s other attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Where to Go Next from Tijuana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ensenada: Located just south of Tijuana, Ensenada is a beautiful coastal town known for its wineries and stunning beaches.
  • Rosarito: North of Tijuana is Rosarito, a popular resort town that boasts some of the best surfing beaches in Mexico.
  • San Diego: Just across the border from Tijuana is San Diego, California, a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for visitors.

Conclusion

Tijuana is a vibrant and culturally-rich city that should be on every traveler’s must-visit list. From its historic landmarks to its lively food and drink scene, Tijuana has something to offer every visitor. By following our guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to this incredible city.

Street scene on Avenida Revolución Street scene on Avenida Revolución Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) Walk to USA sign in Tijuana Walk to USA sign in Tijuana


    Playas
    Zona Centro
    Zona Norte
    Zona Rio