A Mini Guide to Tijuana, Baja California
![CECUT](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/4122144989_55476593f4_o.webp)
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
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.
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
![Torre de Agua Caliente](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/1024px-torre_del_casino_agua_caliente.webp)
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.
![La Mona](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/18089473150_adefd589f8_k.webp)
Where to eat
1. Telefónica Gastro Park
Restaurant, Seafood, Mexican, Pub Grub
![1932173](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1932173.webp)
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
![Tacos de Carne Asada](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/4433480808_790025d389_b.webp)
Where to drink
Where to stay
2. LifeStyle Hostel
Hostel
![Tijuana coastline](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/1932175.webp)
3. Hotel Hacienda del Río
Hotel
![Hotel Hacienda Del Rio](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/hotel-hacienda-del-rio.webp)