Hugging the border of Mexico and the United States, Tijuana is a melting pot of vibrant cultures home to colourful street art, laneway galleries and restaurants serving food from around the globe. There’s something for everyone, with lively bars along its beachfront and a variety of central museums and monuments.

Things to do

If you’re interested in the local culture, visit the Tijuana Cultural Centre and explore displays on the city’s history, an IMAX cinema showing documentaries and workshops for children. Take a stroll down Avenida Revolucion to discover historic Mexican architecture that houses cantinas, tapas bars, dance clubs and art galleries.

You’ll find a range of attractions around the lush Morelos Park, which itself has a small zoo and walking trails around a lake. The nearby Trompo Interactive Museum Tijuana has educational games in themed areas, such as music machines, sculpturing and an arm-wrestling robot. Get some retail therapy at Macroplaza Insurgentes, a shopping mall with a cinema, Mexican restaurants and specialty stores.

Head to Pasaje Rodríguez, an artsy alley with creative murals, bohemian cafes, secondhand bookshops and bars with live music. Make sure you visit Playas de Tijuana, about 20 minutes west of the city centre. Popular among students, this lively beach features cocktail bars, themed restaurants and outdoor markets.

Tijuana boasts the “most-crossed” border in the world, so take advantage of your location and spend a day exploring San Diego, only 30 minutes away via car. Aquatica San Diego is also nearby and boasts dolphin shows, thrill rides and aquariums filled with native and international marine life.

Getting around

Public buses service most of the city, but taxis are better if you need to get somewhere fast. Uber is also popular, while hire cars are ideal if you intend on travelling further afield.