From the article: Tijuana
There's so much in the news these days about violence along the US-Mexican border and the Department of State has been issuing traveler alerts since 2008, with wording that becomes stronger with each renewal. Have you been to Tijuana lately? Do you live there? Related your experience and opinions to help others decide what to do. What do you think?
Had a great experience
- Went with a couple friends, and thoroughly enjoyed it! As long as your respectful of the people you shouldnt have a problem. I will say this though, watch where you eat, be smart about it!
- —Guest Jerry
We felt comfortable
- I enjoyed our day trip to shops and restaurants in the main strip "Revolucion". The taxi drivers were very friendly and helpful. I loved my buying power over there most of all!
- —Guest dianamend
Saturday Market
- Park the car ($15 or so) at the border then walk across. No need for a cab, walk across the TJ river (follow your nose if you can't find it) then get away from the gringo area. I went on a Saturday afternoon and had a blast! They had a street closed off with a huge mexican folk dancing stage, lots of cool markets, street food etc. I felt like I was in Mexico!! The pesty street hawkers didn't really bother me much. I also enjoyed a nice cervesa with mariachi in the touristo area. People were beyond friendly. One warning; there are fake cops (slppy looking) who may try to get a bribe. The real cops have clean, sharp uniforms.
- —Guest wes4267
I still go there
- I have been going there for years and here is what I have seen. Yes crime is on the upswing but if you are careful you will be all right. If it is your first time to TJ you will be shocked. There will be merchants that will almost drag you into their store with the constant badgering. Act like you are not interested. Don’t worry about offending them. They are used to it. I have seen some really nice works of art for sale cheap. A real heart wrenching thing is the deformed begger children looking for money. You have to develop thick skin and wearing sun glasses really helps out. Night time is totally different. There is a lot of wild party bars there but you have to be very careful. If any one offers you a drink that is not a bartender do not take it. When you are going back to the border always take a taxi. In the daytime that road to the border is filled with people and merchants. At night it is abandoned and dark.
- —Guest idiota borracho
Not a problem.
- I've been to Tijuana about a dozen times in the last two years, and not only have I never seen any safety concerns, I haven't had any problems at all—knock wood. So I'll just say it this way: Get off Revolution Avenue. It's the Bourbon Street, the Venice Boardwalk, the Times Square of Tijuana... not at all like the city it's part of. Donkeys painted like zebras, sex shops, and horribly overpriced bars? Walk down it once and then hop a cab for the Zona Río (look inside first; if you don't see a meter, haggle the price before you get in—US$5 is about the going rate). Go to CECUT, eat in the Zona Gastronómica, wander the Mercado Hidalgo, have tamarind margaritas at Cheripán or La Diferencia. Go to the beach and wander, then have seafood.
- —Guest Dave
Not Good
- Howza I definitely wouldn't go back and felt lucky to get out unscathed-am even scared to write this after going there for an hour...
- —Guest Jack
britbich@cox.net
- behave, stick to main streets,be polite,the people appreciate being spoken to politely. they are helpful and kind
- —Guest betty Duncan
