Is Tijuana worth visiting? (2024)
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Is Tijuana worth visiting?
Yes, Tijuana is worth visiting if you want to see the busiest border crossing in the world, try some of the best tacos in Mexico, and enjoy wide sandy beaches.
Also known as “TJ,” Tijuana doesn’t have the flavor of a typical Mexican city, but it makes for an interesting trip if you want to take a day trip from Southern California or stop on your way to popular places in Baja.
Downtown Tijuana might remind you more of the United States than Mexico, because of countless signs in English, prices listed in dollars, and familiar chains like Costco and Walmart.
Still, Tijuana has its unmistakable vibe, unlike anything you’ve seen in Mexico.
When talking about whether Tijuana is worth a stop, it’s impossible to avoid the elephant in the room: the high murder rate attributed to rivaling cartels that fight over lucrative trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Unfortunately, Tijuana has one of the highest murder rates in Mexico, but tourists are usually not direct targets of cartels. However, visitors and innocent bystanders can be affected if they happen to be in the area of conflict.
Always stay in the tourist corridor and avoid unfamiliar areas. As someone who has been to Tijuana multiple times, I can tell you that it’s not the city where you can safely wander into places you don’t know.
Let’s look at what makes Tijuana unique, and how you can have a safe trip to the largest city in Baja California.
Where is Tijuana?
Tijuana is in the northwestern part of Mexico, along the border with the United States. It’s in the state of Baja California and is home to a major border crossing between Mexico and the United States.
Where is Tijuana on a map?
What is Tijuana known for?
Tijuana is known for San Ysidro, the busiest border crossing in the world that sees over 20 million people every year. The city has a thriving medical tourism industry, phenomenal street food, and a budding craft beer scene.
Tijuana is a transient city with never-ending traffic at the border crossing. Many Mexicans commute to San Diego for work daily, while Americans come to Tijuana for cheaper goods, services, and authentic Mexican food.
As housing prices have skyrocketed in the United States in recent years, Tijuana also emerged as a destination where some Americans look for affordable housing, as rents here are significantly lower than across the border.
Is Tijuana safe?
No, Tijuana is not safe. The city has the highest car theft and the second homicide rate in Mexico, according to Mexico’s Ministry of Defense (SEDENA). Organized crime is widespread in Tijuana, and rivaling cartels have attacked police in the past. Human trafficking is also a problem.
However, you can still visit Tijuana safely. As long as you do research and take necessary precautions, you should have no problem enjoying the best of this city.
Is Tijuana dangerous for tourists?
Tijuana is safe for tourists as long as you stay in areas like Avenida Revolucion, and Plaza Rio and avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods and outskirts of the city, where drime is likley to happen.
14 Tijuana safety tips
Now, let’s look at some safety steps you should take to visit Tijuana and enjoy your time.
1. Don’t do drugs
Tijuana is the kind of place where some people go to do things that they can’t get away with at home. Much of the shady activity occurs in Tijuana’s red light district (Zona Norte), a seedy area that’s known for drugs, prostitution, and a high murder rate.
No matter where you are in the city, buying drugs in Tijuana can lead to serious consequences, so it’s best to avoid it in first place.
2. Don’t go to unfamiliar areas
While places like Avenida Revolucion, Zona Rio, and Playas de Tijuana are mostly safe for tourists and have plenty of police, you should stay away from parts of town that are off the beaten track.
Many neighborhoods away from the center of Tijuana have high crime, and unless you are going there with a local, you could be an easy target.
3. Be aware of your surroundings
Tijuana is a city where you should always be aware of your surroundings, even in areas with police presence.
Petty crimes like purse snatching and pickpocketing can occur in busy parts of Tijuana, where criminals often walk in the crowds trying to get what they can.
Get an anti-theft purse, don’t show off your expensive camera or phone, and dress in plain clothes to blend in with the crowd.
4. Don’t accept food and drinks from strangers
One of the best rules for avoiding trouble is to never accept food or drinks from strangers, whether it’s at a party, bar, or restaurant.
5. Don’t leave your food unattended
Don’t leave your food unattended in public places. Always finish your drink or meal first before stepping away.
6. Be careful about street food
Tijuana is well known for its steet food scene, but be careful about what street food you eat. Avoid food that looks uncooked or old. If the food looks like it’s been sitting out for a while, you should skip it.
If you see a lot of people around a food truck and food smells and looks good, it’s usually a good indicator.
7. Don’t drink tap water
Tap water is not safe to drink in Tijuana or anywhere in Mexico. You can either buy bottled water or refill your water bottle at your hotel.
8. Don’t share your travel plans with strangers
When in Tijuana, you will often hear locals trying to speak English as they try to sell souvenirs, invite you to their restaurants, or offer a taxi ride.
Most of these people are friendly and just trying to make money, but there’s always a chance you could come across someone with ill intentions.
If someone starts a conversation, stay polite, but avoid oversharing your personal information and travel plans. Simply give general answers without offering too much detail.
9. Avoid Tijuana’s red light district
Tijuana’s red light district (aka Zona Norte) is a hotbed of criminal activity with drug dealing, prostitution, and high homicide rate. If you are in Tijuana to see the culture, there’s no reason to go there.
10. Stay away from remote areas
Similar to Tijuana’s red light district, going to remote parts of Tijuana, and even some residential areas, could invite trouble. If you need to go to a specific place and you aren’t familiar with it, research first.
11. Take an Uber
Uber is the best way to get around Tijuana quickly and avoid troubled neighborhoods where you could be an easy target. I took an Uber from the border crossing to Tijuana Airport when I had to pick up a rental car for my road trip in Baja, and had a great experience. My drivers were courteous and helpful and gave me some good safety tips on Tijuana.
12. Don’t stay on Tijuana beaches after the sunset
Watching colorful Pacific sunsets is one of the best things to do in Tijuana, but you should avoid staying at the beach when it’s dark.
13. Don’t camp in remote areas
Baja is a beloved place for camping among many outdoor enthusiasts and snowbirds who come here to enjoy its rugged beaches many of which require a 4X4 vehicle.
Unfortunately, the murder of three surfers south of Ensenada in May 2024, cast a dark shadow on camping in Baja, highlighting rising crime in the peninsula.
If you want to enjoy camping in Tijuana, choose campsites that have staff and facilities. Avoid remote primitive campsites, because you never know who might be around, and you would have a tough time getting help.
14. Get a travel insurance
Things could go wrong, even if you follow safety precautions.
SafetyWing is my go-to travel insurance company. It has several insurance plans that protect you in case of accidents, hospital visits, property theft, lost and stolen luggage, and many other things that could happen while you are on the road.
SafetyWing offers flexible plans for long-term and short-term travelers and has budget-friendly rates.
Is Tijuana worth visiting? My opinion
I’ve been to 20 states in Mexico, and Tijuana is one of my least favorite places in the country. In my opinion, the city lacks authenticity and the Mexican culture that you see in other destinations like Oaxaca, Chiapas, Yucatan, and even larger cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
In many ways, Tijuana feels like a city that caters to Americans coming here to get cheap services, try Mexican food, and go to bars and nightclubs.
There are plenty of places within a 2-hour drive from Tijuana that are safer and more authentic. Valle De Guadalupe, Tecate, La Rumorosa Highway, and even Ensenada, offer more fun things to do and a more authentic taste of Baja California.
When I explored Tijuana, I always felt the urge to watch my back, as some people looked at me as if I was walking in the wrong place. I felt disappointed that I couldn’t explore beyond the “safe” Americanized parts of town, where most things were geared toward visitors from across the border.
Is Tijuana a walkable city?
Tijuana isn’t walkable outside of downtown and Avenida Revolucion, and you will need a car or Uber to get around the city.
Is Tijuana safe for solo travel?
Tijuana isn’t the safest place for solo travelers for many reasons. The ever-growing cartel presence and the transient vibe of the city that attracts many shady people, make it not the best choice for solo travelers.
Is Tijuana worth visiting for a day?
Yes, Tijuana is worth visiting for a day, but you should stay in touristy places and avoid the outskirts, as well as Zona Norte, which has a lot of crime.
Is Tijuana safe for a day trip?
Tijuana is perfectly safe for a day trip, as long as you stick to the beaten path and don’t wander into unfamiliar neighborhoods.
If you want to visit Tijuana, join a guided tour from San Diego. Organized tours leave from San Diego daily, but if you are already in Tijuana, you can book a tour with a local guide who will give you an overview of the city and offer practical tips.
Best Tijuana tours from San Diego
Tijuana tourist murders
A number of tourists have been killed in Tijuana over years. In July 2023, a San Diego woman was found dead in Tijuana hotel and in 2018, two San Diego teenagers were tortured and killed in Tijuana. A 79-year-old San Bernardino man was beaten to death in Tijuana in 2023 while delivering donations.
10 Reasons to visit Tijuana:
While Tijuana sees a steady flow of traffic, the city isn’t particularly touristy, as many people use it as a transition point on the way to other destinations. The core of Tijuana has a handful of landmarks and plenty of restaurants, but you can see most of the city in just a day.
1. Avenida Revolucion
Also known as “La Revo,” the heart and soul of Tijuana, this is where you can find local street vendors selling tacky souvenirs, obnoxious taxi drivers offering rides, and try Tijuana’s famous street food.
In many ways, Avenida Revolucion is a sensory overload, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind experience where you can see some cool street art, check out high-end restaurants, and do some people-watching.
One of the main highlights of Avenida Revolucion is the Tijuana Arch, which you can see from many parts of Tijuana. It’s a good starting point for your tour of the area.
2. La Frontera
Although the border wall around Tijuana has been a subject of controversy in recent years, it’s still a big part of the city’s cultural heritage.
You can see the wall while driving around Tijuana, but if you want to get up close, the best place to do it is Tijuana Border Beach, which you can reach by Uber or local bus. The wall has some cool graffiti and has a steady influx of visitors who stop by to take photos.
3. Tijuana’s street food
Trying Baja’s famous street food is a rite of passage for many Tijuana visitors. The city is known for its variety of street food, which you can find on many street corners.
Street food carts in Tijuana are beloved neighborhood fixtures where locals come to socialize and have a great time while enjoying tacos, birria, and other staples of Mexican cuisine.
✅ Check: Best Tijuana tours from San Diego
You can often spot food trucks in alleys and side streets, and you should check them out (just make sure it’s a safe area).
Best Tijuana food tours
4. Tijuana craft beer
Craft beer might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Tijuana, and yet, this town has a budding craft beer scene.
I don’t drink beer, so I can’t comment on what beer here is like, but I read that the best places to try craft beer in Tijuana are Norte Brewing Co., Cerveceria Insurgente, and Ludica Cerveceria.
✅ BOOK A CRAFT BEER TOUR IN TIJUANA
5. Authentic Caesar salad
Did you know that Tijuana is the birthplace of Caesar salad?
I had no idea either until someone told me about it when I visited Tijuana for the first time years ago. Located along Avenida Revolucion, Caesar’s is a landmark restaurant established in 1920’s where this salad was supposedly invented.
Today you can have the famous salad made by your table, and enjoy the quirky atmosphee of this place.
6. Mercado Hidalgo
Mercado Hidalgo is an unmissable spot in Tijuana to see local culture. Here you can find many vendors selling an array of goods including fresh produce, spices, clothing, arts and crafts, and jewelry.
When you walk around the market, watch out for your cell phone and purse, to avoid becoming a victim of pickpockets.
7. Valle De Guadalupe
If you have extra time, take a trip to Valle De Guadalupe one of the most popular places to visit in Baja California Norte. The largest wine-producing region of Mexico, Valle De Guadalupe is about 70 miles (113 km) southeast of Tijuana.
The area has many wineries where you can try locally produced wine and buy a few bottles for your trip back home, and enjoy the incredible scenery of this place.
Best Valle De Guadalupe tours
8. Shopping at Plaza Rio
Plaza Rio is one of the largest and most popular places for shopping in Tijuana. While this neighborhood isn’t particularly pretty, it has a big plaza with tons of stores, including international and domestic brands, restaurants, and some entertainment options. If you need to do some shopping in Tijuana, this is the place.
9. CECUT – Tijuana’s culture hub
Located just 5 minutes from the border, Tijuana Cultural Center (or CECUT), is a major art and culture center in Baja.
Here you can find rotating exhibits showcasing the history of the region, watch concerts, and enjoy the green space at the botanical garden. It also has an IMAX theater, coffee shops, and a bookstore.
10. Catedral Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe) is the the main cathedral of Tijuana in the heart of the city.
It features stunning neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, and is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city.
What is the nicest area of Tijuana?
Zona Rio is the most upscale area in Tijuana where you can find a shopping mall, restaurants, and high-end hotels.
What areas of Tijuana to avoid?
Avoid neighborhoods like Tres de Octubre, Sanchez Taboada, Urbivilla Del Prado 2, Camino Verde, and Rio Norte, Tijuana’s red light district from downtown to the U.S. border. It’s also the area where people from the United States come to do drugs and engage in shady business.
Is downtown Tijuana safe?
Downtown Tijuana is relatively safe, but you should always be aware of your surroundings as it’s a popular place for pickpockets and petty criminals.
According to recent news, Tijuana topped 600 murders in less than 4 months, a grim statistic, which tells you about safety issues in the city.
- Distance from San Diego to Tijuana – San Diego is about 20 miles from Tijuana.
- Distance from LA to Tijuana – LA is 137 miles from Tijuana
Going to Tijuana from the US
Do you need a passport to go to Tijuana?
Yes, you need a valid passport to go to Tijuana. When you go through the border crossing, you will need to show your passport to Mexican border control.
Is it better to drive or walk to Tijuana?
Walking to Tijuana is a good idea if you want to spend a day in the city and go back to the US. If you have more time and want to see places near Tijuana, you should drive your car.
Is it safe to drive to Tijuana?
Driving to Tijuana is relatively safe, but it’s better to limit your driving to daytime when you are more likely to get help and avoid trouble if anything happens on the road.
Thousands of people drive to Tijuana from San Diego every day, and while statistically you are safe, you never know what might happen.
Driving to Tijuana
You will also need Mexican car insurance if you are driving to Tijuana, which is mandatory for driving in the country.
Baja Bound is the best place for buying a car insurnace for your trip to Tijuana. Thousands of Americans and Canadias trust this company, as it offers coverage for cars, RV’s, motorcycles and other vehicles.
What documents do I need to go to Tijuana?
You need a valid passport to go to Tijuana. If you are crossing the border by car, you will need additional documents for driving in Mexico.
- Valid passport (or passport card)
- Valid driver’s license
- Mexican car insurance
- Car registration
- Car title (or documents from your lender)
- FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) that can be obtained at the border or online
- Don’t forget to get a car insurance for your trip to Tijuana
Rent a car in Tijuana
If you want to stay in Tijuana for a few days, rent a car. Having your vehicle will give you more flexibility as you can take day trips from Tijuana to Ensenada, Rosarito, and Valle de Guadalupe.
When you book your car with DiscoverCars, you can buy your car insurance through their platform for just under $10 a day. DiscoverCars offers basic, medium, and full coverage for rental cars.
Where to stay in Tijuana?
Zona Rio, Playas de Tijuana, and Tijuana Centro are the best areas to stay in Tijuana. These neighborhoods are popular with tourists and they boast a good selection of hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Best hotels in Tijuana
- Quartz Hotel Tijuana – A modern hotel with a gorgeous pool area, great breakfast, and friendly service, Quartz also has private parking and is popular with visitors.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT QUARTZ TIJUANA
- K Tower Boutique Hotel – A nice stay just south of Zona Rio, K Tower has rooftop dining and pool, buffet breakfast, and welcoming staff.
- Downtown Designer Apartments – Located in downtown Tijuana, these cozy apartments are a perfect place whether you need only a place to crash or spend a few days in Tijuana. The apartments have a beautiful modern design and 24-hour security in the lobby. Parking is free.
✅ BOOK YOUR STAY AT DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS
Is Tijuana worth visiting: FAQs
Is Tijuana in Mexico or California?
Tijuana is the largest city in Baja California, Mexico. It’s located along the border with the United States.
Is Tijuana good for tourists?
Tijuana is not the most interesting place to visit in Baja California, but it makes a good stop if you want to get some street food, grab a pint of craft beer, and go for a walk along on local beaches before continuing your journey.
Is it worth it to go to Tijuana from San Diego?
It’s worth going to Tijuana from San Diego to experience different cultures and want to see the busiest border crossing in the world. Tijuana is also worth a trip if you want to save money on goods and services and try inexpensive but delicious food.
Why do people go to Tijuana?
People go to Tijuana to see different cultures, try famous Mexican street food, and save on goods and services.
Is Tijuana safe for American tourists?
Thousands of Americans go to Tijuana every day, and as long as you stay in popular parts of town like Zona Rio, Downtown, or Avenida Revolucion, you should avoid trouble.
Is Tijuana safe at night?
No, Tijuana is not safe at night. You should finish your activities by the time it gets dark, but if you need to stay out, you shouldn’t be by yourself.
I stayed in downtown Tijuana, but I didn’t feel safe enough to go out and explore the city by night. Once the night falls, many bars and restaurants in downtown Tijuana start blasting loud music, some of which Norteno style, so if you aren’t into that scene, you might not find it very interesting.
So is Tijuana worth visiting? Final word
Despite the bad rap that Tijuana often gets on the news, this border city is still worth a visit. While Baja might not be everyone’s place, it makes for a fun day trip as you can try tacos, enjoy Baja’s craft beer, and visit a couple of landmarks.
