Welcome to a guide on how to spend a day in Tijuana, Mexico! Tijuana is a bustling border city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of exciting activities to offer visitors. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for a fun adventure, Tijuana has something for everyone. From exploring the city’s vibrant street art scene to indulging in delicious Mexican cuisine, this guide will take you on a journey through some of the best things to see and do in Tijuana in just one day. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this vibrant city, and let’s get started!
Bringing a car can be dangerous in Tijuana as the police do not always enforce the law and car break-ins are very common. I recommend walking across the border instead of driving, in order to protect your car. First off you can get dropped off by the border or take public transportation from San Diego to the San Diego-Tijuana border (like I did). You can use the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s Blue Line Trolley.
The Blue Line runs from San Ysidro to downtown San Diego, with several stops in between. The final stop is at the San Ysidro Transit Center, which is located just a short walk from the border crossing. A ticket costs around $2.50 (but there was no one checking tickets when I was there). These can be bought with cash or a card. If you are headed to San Ysidro Transit Center from the city center, it may take around 45 minutes to get you there.
You can catch the Blue Line trolley at any of its designated stops, including the America Plaza Station and the Santa Fe Depot Station in downtown San Diego. The trolley runs frequently throughout the day, and fares can be purchased using cash or a reloadable Compass Card.
What to Do in Tijuana
This was the perfect spot to grab lunch at! Composed of over 10 food trucks/shops, this outdoor food park is home to a variety of vendors serving up delicious Mexican cuisine and other international flavors. From tacos and ceviche to craft beer and cocktails, there’s something for everyone at Telefónica Gastro Park. The park’s open-air setting makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon or a casual evening out with friends. I had the taco pollo con tocino from Satabu. These tacos are reason enough to cross the border for—seriously one of the best tacos I have had in a while.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Tijuana is La Bola (“The Ball”) located at the Cultural Center. The museum contains the history of Baja California including historical artifacts. It’s a great place to learn more about the country’s culture. There are rotating art exhibits featured at the museum as well! The Cultural Center in Tijuana, also known as the Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT). You can explore the center’s museum, which houses a collection of pre-Columbian art, as well as galleries featuring contemporary art and photography. The CECUT also hosts regular cultural events, such as concerts, film screenings, and dance performances, providing visitors with a comprehensive look at Mexico’s vibrant cultural scene.
Ever wondered where Caesar salad came from? It’s Tijuana! You can eat at the first restaurant to ever serve this popular dish. Head chef Caesar Cardini first introduced this salad in 1927 and it became an instant success which puts this restaurant on the map nearly 100 years later. Located in the Zona Centro neighborhood, the restaurant boasts a rich history and a classic old-world atmosphere. The walls are adorned with vintage photographs and memorabilia, and the waiters wear traditional black and white uniforms. The star of the show, of course, is the Caesar salad, which is made tableside using the original recipe created by the restaurant’s founder, Caesar Cardini. In addition to the famous salad, the menu at Caesar’s features a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, seafood, and steak. Dining at Caesar’s Restaurant is a unique and memorable experience that should not be missed when visiting Tijuana!
Avenida Revolucion is one of the most famous streets in Tijuana, known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the heart of the city’s Zona Centro neighborhood, the street is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Visitors can browse the many stalls selling traditional Mexican crafts and souvenirs, or stop for a bite to eat at one of the many street vendors serving up tacos and other local delicacies. Avenida Revolucion is also home to several historic landmarks, including the iconic Arch of Tijuana and the Casa de la Cultura, which houses a museum and cultural center. In the evening, the street comes alive with music and dancing, as locals and visitors alike hit the bars and nightclubs for a night of fun and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for shopping, dining, or nightlife, Avenida Revolucion has something for everyone.
Mercado Hidalgo is a bustling market located in the heart of Tijuana, Mexico. The market is known for its colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Visitors to Mercado Hidalgo can wander through the maze of vendors, sampling local delicacies like churros, tamales, and tacos. The market is also a great place to pick up unique gifts and souvenirs, including handmade pottery, textiles, and jewelry.
I did not realize how long the borderline was going to be when I went. Going from San Diego to Tijuana was only about a 10-minute wait, but coming back to America was a whole nother story. We waited in line for around three hours before we made it back to San Diego. Definitely keep this in mind whenever planning to head back.
Do not bring or wear anything valuable. Having anything expensive on you automatically makes you a target, therefore, it is smart to leave valuables at home. Only a few of us even brought our phones. It is also a good idea to make copies of important documents such as your passport, identification, and credit cards, and leave the originals in a secure location such as a hotel safe. This way, if your valuables are lost or stolen, you’ll have the necessary information to report the incident and replace the items. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to valuable items. Be sure to take necessary precautions to protect your belongings and keep them secure while traveling in Tijuana.
Use registered taxis: When taking a taxi in Tijuana, be sure to use registered taxis that display official identification. Avoid unlicensed taxis or “pirate” taxis, which can be unsafe.
Bring cash in small denominations: While credit cards are accepted in many places, it’s a good idea to bring cash in small denominations, as some smaller shops and vendors may not accept credit cards and you do not want to risk your credit card or its information getting stolen. We stored our money in different places including our shoes, pockets, bras, or socks. This way, it breaks up the money in case something were to be stolen.
If you decide to stay overnight I recommend only staying at reputable places. Make sure to do your research before booking a hotel and read reviews from other travelers. My honest recommendation is to only go on a day trip and try not to spend the night there. It is much safer to stay across the border in San Diego.
Do not sit on the Zonkeys! If you have no clue what I am talking about then you have never experienced the hassle of Mexicans trying to entice you to sit on the Zonkeys. They are donkeys painted like zebras for photo ops. The problem is, they almost always hassle you for more and more money after the photo. Overall, it is not worth it.
This is probably one of the largest concerns with visiting Tijuana, but I do not want this to stop you from visiting this city. Tijuana, like any other major city, has its share of safety concerns. However, with proper precautions, it is totally possible to have a safe and enjoyable visit. As always, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, avoid traveling alone at night, and stay in well-lit, populated areas. Here it’s also recommended to use licensed taxis and to avoid flashing expensive belongings. I want to be completely transparent that this is on a watch list for dangerous cities around the world. If you are a first-time or solo traveler, then this might not be the spot for you. Nevertheless, if you are looking to explore Tijuana, it is completely possible to have a wonderful time (just like me!) and immerse yourself in its unique culture. By taking these precautions, you can have a great time exploring the city and experiencing all it has to offer.
Check out my YouTube video on Tijuana!