Share the article
Have you ever been put off by travel advisories or negative headlines? If so, chances are you’ll miss out on some of Mexico’s best cultural destinations in favor of Cancun and other carefully curated beach paradises.
As the holidays begin, it’s fair to say that Mexico is often on the ‘naughty list’, but doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance?
The US may have made global headlines during a polarizing election year, but the political climate in Mexico has also changed.
With a new president committed to improving citizens’ quality of life and a renewed focus on crime, some of Mexico’s “dangerous” cities have been put back in the spotlight as travel destinations.
This is especially true for Tijuanathe most visited border town in the world, yet ironically overlooked as a holiday destination.
This takes into account a newly elected mayor who is committed to renewing the city, which already has a rough city center flourish with new attractionsit’s time to discover Baja’s only metropolis as your next vacation packed with luxury hotels, cheap delicious food and vibrant beaches.
A revolution about ‘Revolución“
This may be an exaggeration, but it’s fair to assume that 99% of tourists will venture to downtown Tijuana, widely considered “Revolución,” a bustling boulevard lined with taco stands, nightclubs, and souvenir shops dispensing free tequila shots to to lure you into “buying something you don’t need”.
I have been visiting Tijuana since 2013. In fact, it was my first passport stamp. It’s incredible to see how much has changed. From needing a police escort to being on the loose after midnight last week, it’s come a long way.
Tijuana is certainly experiencing outbreaks of violence; there’s no doubt about that. What is misunderstood is that tourists are rarely bothered by it Revolución is completely safeas well as the city’s chic region, Plaza Rio, and the ever-bustling Playas, the favorite haunt of many expats.
Downtown has grown from empty pandemic streets to endless eateries, hidden alleys full of surprising treats, vibrant mariachi performances and new artisan shops and selfie-worthy murals.
Not to mention a new one Taco Museum! Taco is a fun time!
Of course, there are still a fair number of souvenir trinkets and pharmacies, but Revolución has few unclaimed storefronts, stretching from the unmissable St. Louis-style arch to the end of the road.
My personal favorite places along Revolución are:
- Rest massage ($20 special offers for 60 minute massages on Tuesdays and Fridays)
- El Torito (great view of the rooftops and piping hot molcajetes)
- La Justina (the best cocktail selection in downtown)
The Playas and Rosarito: the vibrant beaches of Tijuana
Full disclosure: Tijuana’s beaches are not for swimming, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy every other aspect of Northern Baja’s picture-perfect shores.
Tijuana’s ‘The Playas’ is a bustling beach neighborhood with indescribably delicious seafood restaurants, oceanfront coconut vendors and more authentic atmosphere than Revolución.
With sunny weather all year round, it is both idyllic in one respect and action-packed in another. You can find super-cheap vacation rentals with Pacific Ocean views or easily reach the Playas while staying elsewhere, as both Uber and DiDi are viable transportation options throughout the region, including to Rosaritoa stunningly beautiful seaside town less than 40 minutes away.
Rosarito packs a punch in its own right, from popular beach bars like the very popular Papas & Beer (where I got ripped off) to more casual eateries that treat you right, like Viaje Cocina del Mundo.
The main strip is a microcosm of Cabo, bustling with neon-lit bars, street vendors offering tequila shots and a festive atmosphere that will instantly put you in holiday mode.
Better yet, Rosarito has a nice selection of luxury beach hotels that are more suitable for a real beach holiday than for visiting the ‘Playas’ of Tijuana for a fun day out.
The historical Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa couldn’t be in a better location.
Tijuanas Affordable luxury and cheap food
Tijuana won’t break the wallet across the board: cheap eats, luxurious stays, and even hosting two budget airlines at their more-than-convenient airport. (Plus, American now flies here too!)
Even if your only Tijuana experience involves viewing San Diego’s scenic hills and cityscape, it’s impossible to ignore the ever-changing skyline of new condos and hotels.
Quartz hotel is a great option for an affordable stay without sacrificing luxury. Moreover, it is home to The Parka trendy dining room with some of the best selections of Baja-style cuisine you could wish for.
My personal favorite, however, is a classic. Returning to Revolución is an important part of Tijuana – Hotel Caesar’soften priced under $100.
You couldn’t wish for a better location. Plus, their restaurant, known for making the Caesar salad, is insanely delicious and reasonably priced for a gourmet meal.
Speaking of classics, no trip to Tijuana is complete without a visit to ‘Taco Alley.’ Here, a trio of street vendors prepare a variety of tacos carne asada Unpleasant suadero for about $1.50 each until 3am.
But my favorite new discovery of Tijuana is the city’s variety of speakeasies. I just discovered Alcatraz, which, as you guessed, served as America’s most infamous prison $1 beer at the main restaurant bar and specialty cocktails if you can figure it out the password.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
