Tijuana — Destination Guide: Overview

Just when Tijuana was about to pull its reputation out of the gutter, all hell broke lose. Gang violence and police corruption made international news throughout much of 2008, and tourism in the "world's busiest border town" plummeted. Avenida Revolución, normally packed with visitors exploring the infamous street's bars, strip clubs, kitsch shops and restaurants, turned practically silent. For travelers who like to ignore State Department travel warnings, Tijuana can still be an interesting place to go. This is, after all, where the U.S. and Mexico meet. It's the town that inspired musicians from Charles Mingus (Tijuana Moods) ...

Just when Tijuana was about to pull its reputation out of the gutter, all hell broke lose. Gang violence and police corruption made international news throughout much of 2008, and tourism in the "world's busiest border town" plummeted. Avenida Revolución, normally packed with visitors exploring the infamous street's bars, strip clubs, kitsch shops and restaurants, turned practically silent. For travelers who like to ignore State Department travel warnings, Tijuana can still be an interesting place to go. This is, after all, where the U.S. and Mexico meet. It's the town that inspired musicians from Charles Mingus (Tijuana Moods) to Manu Chao (Welcome to Tijuana). It has greyhound racing, bullfights and lucha libre (free-form wrestling). If you dig deeper than the tourist haunts on Revolución, you'll find bars and clubs that are actually interesting - and you won't have to hear a single party-whistle blow. Tijuana also has a plethora of downright amazing places to eat, from curbside taco stands to fine dining establishments serving gourmet Mexican cuisine based on ancient recipes. Sadly, Tijuana may be swapping its reputation for debauchery for one of danger. But reputations can be overblown. If you're adventurous (and understand the risks), it can be fun finding out for yourself.

About the Expert

Danny Palmerlee is the main author of numerous Lonely Planet travel guides, including Ecuador, Argentina, South America on a Shoestring, and Pacific Northwest Trips.