A Mini Guide to Tijuana, Baja California
Tijuana has long been a favourite for partying frat boys and sorority sisters looking to escape the 21 and over drinking limit in the US. However, this Baja California border town has far more to offer and was recently named one of the New York Times’ top travel destinations for 2017. With that in mind, here’s your mini introductory guide to Tijuana, Baja California.
What to do
Learn about Tijuana’s history at Museo de las Californias
Museum
Learn about Tijuana’s history at Museo de las Californias
While in Tijuana you might as well learn about the history of the place and Museo de las Californias is the perfect place to do so. A sprawling museum, it’s filled to the rafters with displays, exhibits and information about the history of the region from the pre-Hispanic period up until the 20th century.
Museo de las Californias, Paseo de los Héroes 9350, Zona Urbana Rio Tijuana, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 687 9642
CECUT | © scanudas/Flickr
Watch a Xolos Game
Stadium
Watch a Xolos Game
The Xolos, known in full as the Xoloitzcuintles, are the local Tijuana football team and when you’re in the area, why not catch a game at the stadium? Given that the country as a whole is so football mad, even if you’re not really into the beautiful game, the atmosphere and bragging rights you’ll earn for having attended will make buying the (pretty cheap) ticket well worth it.
Estadio Caliente, Boulevard Agua Caliente, Hipódromo, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 647 4786
Xolos, Estadio Caliente | © Lrios82/WikiCommons
Enjoy the architecture
It may not have the architectural reputation of the country’s capital, or of pretty colonial towns like Guanajuato and Zacatecas, but that doesn’t mean Tijuana’s buildings aren’t worth taking a look at. In fact, there are a number of buildings and monuments dotted across the city that will leave you enthralled; we recommend stopping by the Cathedral, Torre de Agua Caliente and the Casa de la Cultura, the latter of which boasts gorgeous Spanish architectural influences. Moorish El Foro (formerly Jai Alai) is also unmissable.
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Torre de Agua Caliente, Blvrd Agua Caliente, Juárez, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 684 9640
Casa de la Cultura, Av. Buenos Aires, Altamira, Centro, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 637 3122
El Foro, Av Revolución, Zona Centro, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 644 685 7073
El Foro, Av Revolución, Zona Centro, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 644 685 7073
Snap some Instagram worthy photos
For the photo fiend, Tijuana is the perfect place to visit as it has a number of Instagram worthy snapshots just waiting to be taken. One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Tijuana is the so-called burro-zebra (donkey-zebra) or the Arco de Tijuana, both on Avenida Revolución. The Arco is a symbol of the link between Mexico and the US whereas the donkey-zebra is just a quirky bit of fun. If you like ridiculous, colourful statues, you should definitely stop by La Mona monument also.
Where to eat
Telefónica Gastro Park
Restaurant, Seafood, Mexican, Pub Grub
Taco joints
This is really more of a ‘what to eat’ than a ‘where to eat’, as the tacos de carne asada are unmissable in Tijuana according to local insiders. Don’t just stick to carne asada though, as the fish and prawn tacos throughout Tijuana are also must-tries. Some suggestions for where to pick up these Tijuana tacos include El Mazateño and Los Arcos, which offers regional tacos gobernador. Of course, the ever trusty (as long as you’re careful!) friendly street vendor is also likely to offer up some tasty tacos.
El Mazateño, Calz del Tecnológico 473, Tomas Aquino, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 607 1377
La Querencia
Restaurant
La Querencia
Baja Mediterranean cuisine is enjoying its share of the spotlight in Tijuana right now, and you can’t leave the city without stopping by the restaurant that started it all. It’s said that La Querencia was the brains behind this hybrid culinary invention so get yourself a table and try one of their machacas or exquisitely prepared carpaccios.
La Querencia, Escuadrón 201 3110, Aviación, Centro, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 972 9935
Carpaccio | © cyclonebill/Flickr
Where to drink
Dandy del Sur
Dandy del Sur
One of the most recommended places to grab a beer in Tijuana is the Dandy del Sur. A typical Mexican cantina, the atmosphere is guaranteed to be excellent whenever you choose to visit. A great place to spend time with friends and soak up the local vibe.
Dandy del Sur, Flores Magón 2030, Zona Centro, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 688 0052
Beer bottle | Pixabay
Sótano Suizo
Sótano Suizo
If you’re into craft beers, which are big business across the world right now but especially in Tijuana, then you have to stop by Sótano Suizo at least once during your visit to the city. Here you can try out one of the most recognisable craft beers to be produced in the region, Mamut. They offer everything from American Pale Ales to Dry Stouts and even Hefeweizen, so we’re certain there’ll be something to take your fancy.
Sótano Suizo, Ave. Paseo de los Héroes #9415, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, +52 664 684 8834
Tijuana | © Jonathan McIntosh/Flickr
Las Pulgas
Las Pulgas
If you prefer dancing to drinking, then Las Pulgas might be the best option for you in Tijuana. They proudly claim to offer Tecate brand beer at the lowest price in the area, so you can finally end the age old Mexican debate over whether Tecate really does taste better in the north. Offering a good mixture of norteño style music, mixed with some more mainstream rock, pop and cumbias every once in a while, there’ll be something for everyone at Las Pulgas.
Las Pulgas, Av Revolución 1127, Zona Centro, Tijuana, Baja California, México, +52 664 685 9594
Retro Tijuana beer advert | © Willem van Bergen/Flickr
Where to stay
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