11 Top-Rated Attractions & Best Things to Do in Tijuana MX (Mexico)

Almost everyone will give you a skeptical look if you mention Tijuana. True, Tijuana does not have a good reputation. With boasts like “the most crossed border in the world,” you might wonder what has drawn people here for the majority of the twentieth century.

What is the solution? Unsavory activity. Tijuana mexicowas once a hotbed for a variety of nefarious activities. However, a recent resurgence, government investment, and cultural renaissance are completely transforming this iconic border town. Tijuana mexico is being revitalized by a thriving dining and urban art scene, which includes modern restaurants, galleries, and artsy cafés.

Things to Do in Tijuana MX, tourists should still exercise caution in Tijuana, as nothing is perfect, but they are rarely the targets of any illegal activity that may still exist. And if you stay in the tourist areas, it is almost certain that you will be fine. In fact, if you want to fully understand Mexico and see everything it has to offer, you should visit one of its most talked about and visited towns. It is a popular day trip Mexico city destination from San Diego due to its proximity to the border.

Are you ready to explore everything it has to offer? See our list of the best things to do in Tijuana.

11 Best Things to Do in Tijuana MX Today

1. Cultural Center of Tijuana

The Tijuana Cultural Center, known for its iconic spherical shape and desert sand color, is one of the best places to visit in Tijuana. The Center, located in Zona Rio, just five minutes from the US border, opened in the 1980s and has since become one of the city’s icons.

Tijuana Cultural Center is one of Mexico’s only National Council for Culture and Arts institutions. Visitors can learn about the history of Baja California by visiting the Museum of the Californias, watching films in the IMAX dome, and attending live performances in the Performance Hall, aquarium, and other venues lucha libre.

The Cultural Center pays special attention to the region’s indigenous peoples, with national and international artists and artisans participating. The center even has its own Cineteca Tijuana airport, which shows films and serves as a meeting place for directors, screenwriters, and actors.

Paseo de los Héroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, BC 22010

2. Revolucion Avenue

In a word, Avenida Revolucion is legendary. What was once the city’s notorious “seedy” thoroughfare has now become the focal point of club Tijuana’s renaissance. Today, it is a kaleidoscope of physical color and holds the secrets of a shady past. It is locally known as “La Revu.” It breathes new life into the city, with its cafés, restaurants, and hotels, as well as brilliant street murals, designer galleries, and outdoor performances.

This is the street to visit if you’re looking for artisan craft shops. Many of the shops along the street stock their shelves with club Tijuana-made goods. Stained glass, leather, and figurines come to mind. Talavera pottery, wooden figurines from Oaxaca, and Yucatan textiles are also available on this mini city.

Along the downtown’s main artery, there is always something to see, hear, smell, or taste mini city. This is also where Tijuana’s culinary revolution is taking place. Visitors will find many modern restaurants on either side of the Avenue serving traditional and experimental dishes from both local and international chefs.

3. The Trompo

El Trompo is an interactive science museum aimed at both locals and tourists. There’s something for everyone here, with cultural shows, games, and a variety of exhibitions at gastro park.

The general admission price is around $5. Their website frequently includes a calendar of upcoming events.

The learning space encourages children and their families to experiment with and incorporate science into their daily lives. The four-story structure houses four interactive rooms with a total of 108 pieces, as well as a Multipurpose Room and a 4,000-person auditorium.

Visitors will find sculpture and robotics workshops, a youth science center, a computer programming center, and space for concerts, conferences, and book presentations among the exhibits. A movie theater also shows 3D films.

Av de los Insurgentes s/n, Rio Tijuana 3ra Etapa, Tijuana, B.C.

4. Rodriguez, Pasaje

In the midst of La Revu’s frenzy, tucked between the slew of hotels, restaurants, and shops, an oasis for the artistic exists unnoticed. Pasaje Rodriguez is a back alley filled with art, delicious food, and a lot of energy.

Pasaje Rodriguez is a nod to Tijuana’s evolution and the revitalization that is changing the way the city is perceived around the world. The Passage project started in 2009, when sections of the passage were opened up for a few days to display local art. It’s not surprising that artists, designers, and photographers wanted the space to stay open after the festival ended.

Today, visitors can enjoy a walkway lined with brilliant murals, small hole-in-the-wall restaurants, artistic galleries, and other attractions. The first Friday of each month is a great time to visit because exhibitions and festive parties are organized. Evenings are also the most active and interesting time to explore at North America.

5. El Popo Market

Tijuana, like the rest of Mexico North America, is all about its local markets. El Popo Mercado is arguably the best in town. This is the place to start if you want to see a slice of local Tijuana life. From fresh cheeses and candy to sacks of dried chilies, candles, soaps, oils, cinnamon, fruit, herbs, and incense, the downtown market is brimming with goods at plaza fiesta .

El Popo is a great place to try the local cuisine or buy some fun and festive souvenirs. It’s also a great place to see locals coming in from the countryside to sell their wares.

Address: Calle Benito Juárez 2da 8053, Zona Centro, Tijuana, B.C. 22000

6. Tijuana’s Beaches

Explore Playas de Tijuana, a western borough of the entire municipality, outside of “downtown.” The boardwalk here is a four-mile ring of pedestrian bridges that runs from Azteca Park to the border with the United States at balboa park. It’s difficult to visit Tijuana and ignore the very real political issue between Mexico and the United States, and the boardwalk serves as a stark reminder, with the border wall visible all the way to the Pacific Ocean el cubo.

Tijuana’s seafood reigns supreme, and there’s plenty of it in Playas, from fish tacos to ceviche and beyond. The majority of visitors bypass Playas in favor of downtown Tijuana, but this is a refreshing change of pace with a laid-back vibe that shows a different side of northern Baja.

7. Ensenada 

Sure, you’ve arrived in Tijuana. However, there is so much to see in northern Baja that you should not limit your vacation to TJ. Ensenada, a cosmopolitan counterpart to Tijuana, is only about 70 miles away at tijuana beach.

Ensenada was the capital of the Baja territory from 1882 to 1915 and is now primarily a beachside tourist destination. Cruisers, California road trippers, Mexican tourists, and locals make up the population. With approximately four million visitors each year, it is one of the most popular destinations in all of Baja.

The waterfront is lined with restaurants and shops. You should definitely try a fish taco here, as this is one of the best places to get traditional Baja fish tacos. Ensenada is also home to a fantastic science museum and aquarium. The musical fountain on the waterfront is a must-see if you’re traveling with children.

Wildlife enthusiasts should visit Guadalupe Island, which is one of the best places in the world to see white sharks, which migrate from Alaska to breed in warmer waters at South America.

8. Culture House

Never let anyone tell you that Tijuana lacks culture. The Casa de la Cultura in Tijuana is one of Mexico’s buildings that has been designated as a historical site is a fun things.

Originally intended as an elementary school (after one in Yuma, Arizona), it is now a place of learning. The structure was designated as Tijuana’s first cultural site in 1975. It was designated a state cultural heritage site in 2014.

It has a theater, the Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez library, the Benjamin Serrano Gallery, the Literary Cafe, and numerous workshop and exhibition spaces. Dance, hip hop, language, green cuisine, and other topics have been covered in previous workshops.

Every year, approximately 25,000 people visit Casa de la Cultura. In 2018, Casa de la Cultura became one of the city’s first cultural centers to receive funding from Mexico’s National Institute of Fine Arts.

Calle Benito Juárez 2da y Constitución s/n, Centro Zona, CP 22000

9. Salad Caesar

Did you know that ordering a Caesar Salad is actually ordering Mexican food? So, sort of. Though there is some debate, it is widely accepted that the Caesar salad was invented in Mexico – specifically, Tijuana.

Caesars Restaurants Bar at the Caesar Hotel in Tijuana is widely regarded as the salad’s birthplace. It was invented by Caesar himself, Caesar Cardini, who was the hotel’s owner at the time. Tijuana was popular among the Hollywood elite at the time, and Prohibition in the United States drove them south of the border for a little lawless fun.

Many other theories exist regarding the origins of the salad, but most people believe this version of history. So, can you still get a Caesar salad the old-fashioned way? Without a doubt! Caesars is still in business, and their table side salad is a well-known dish. In fact, it is one of Tijuana’s oldest culinary traditions.

Av. Revolución 8190, Zona Centro, Tijuana, B.C. 22000

10. Plaza Santa Cecilia

A stroll through Plaza Santa Cecilia transports you to historic Tijuana. It is also one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Tijuana was born at the intersection of First Street and La Revu from this Plaza at rosarito beach.

It’s difficult to imagine historic Tijuana today, as it’s a jumble of outdoor craft stalls, restaurants, and modern businesses like pharmacies and dentists. That being said, rest assured that you are standing in the birthplace of this iconic Mexican bordertown. With the brassy blast of mariachi in the air and the fluttering flags strung overhead, it won’t be difficult to imagine how things used to be decades ago.

The plaza, like the rest of Tijuana, was not always a gregarious and joyful place. It was once a hotspot for criminal activity. Those days, however, are long gone. Today, it’s a kaleidoscope of color, activity, art, and music.

11. Zona Rio

Zona Rio, this thriving commercial hub east of downtown Tijuana is packed with shops, restaurants, and activities. The Plaza Rio Shopping Mall should be your first stop, especially if you enjoy eating. Foodgarden is a bustling dining destination with food stalls run by young chefs from Tijuana and the surrounding area thing.

Tijuana’s foodie scene is redefining the city, so don’t miss out on dining here. The Mercado Hidalgo, which is more or less a farmer’s market, is also nearby and is one of the best places in the city to discover the “real” Tijuana. Everything from tortilla presses and coffee to candy and pinatas is available.

Paseo de los Héroes 96-98, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, B.C. 22010

WHERE TO STAY IN TIJUANA FOR SIGHTSEEING

Luxury Hotels:

• There are no true 5-star hotels in Tijuana, but the Tijuana Marriott Hotel is one of the top relatively upscale properties. It has elegantly appointed rooms and suites with city or pool views and is conveniently located near the Rio Shopping Center and Tijuana’s business district. Among the amenities are several restaurants, a very nice fitness center, a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a spa. There is also an electric vehicle charging station, as well as airport transportation.
• Another luxurious option is Hotel Lucerna Tijuana. The family-friendly hotel, located just two miles from the international border in the Zona Rio, offers contemporary and spacious rooms and suites with flatscreen TVs, work desks, balconies, and free WiFi. A restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a swimming pool, a fitness room, and 24-hour room service are among the amenities. There is also free parking available.
• The K Tower Boutique Hotel By Lucerna is a relatively new adults-only upscale hotel. It has tastefully decorated, modern rooms with exposed brick walls painted white, large windows, and gold accents. Away from the rooms, the rooftop terrace features a swimming pool and hot tub. A restaurant, billiards rooms, a fitness center, and free parking are also available.

Hotels in the Mid-Range:

• The Hampton Inn by Hilton Tijuana is an excellent mid-range option. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms and suites, as well as family-friendly options. All have refrigerators, safes, and bottled water. The hotel is close to the American Consulate and the border. It is also only a few minutes from the airport and provides transportation. Mini golf, a workout room, free breakfast at the on-site restaurant, and a coffee shop are also available.
• Hyatt Place Tijuana is another dependable and reasonably priced option. Soundproof rooms and suites with fireplaces, refrigerators, and separate sitting areas are available at this trendy, modern hotel. Breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi are all complimentary. There are bike rentals available, as well as a restaurant and a workout room on-site at tijuana arch.
• The 3-star Hotel Ticuan is located on Tijuana’s historic Revolucion Avenue. The rooms are large, with separate sitting areas and large televisions. On-site amenities include a restaurant, a hot tub, and a sauna. Massage treatments can also be arranged through the hotel.

Hotels on a Budget:

• If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, try the 2-star Sleep Inn Tijuana. It has clean rooms with wood floors and accent walls. The rate includes an American buffet breakfast, as well as a shuttle bus service and free parking on-site.
• The Hotel Pacific is another budget-friendly option that is walking distance from a number of good restaurants. The hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms with work desks and free Wi-Fi. A 24-hour front desk is available, as is secure, free parking.

FAQs about Things to Do in Tijuana MX