Have you ever ever let journey advisories or damaging headlines deter you? If that’s the case, likelihood is you are lacking out on a few of Mexico’s top cultural destinations in favor of Cancun and different curated seashore havens.
As the vacation season commences, it is honest to say Mexico typically finds itself on the ‘naughty checklist’, however would not everybody deserve a second likelihood?
The U.S. could have seized international headlines throughout a polarizing election 12 months, however Mexico’s political local weather has modified as properly.
With a brand new President dedicated to bettering residents’ high quality of life and renewed give attention to crime, a few of Mexico’s “harmful” cities have been thrown again into the highlight as journey locations.
That is very true for Tijuana, probably the most visited border metropolis on the earth, but mockingly ignored as a trip spot.
Factoring in a newly-elected mayor devoted to revamping the town, which has already seen a gritty downtown district blossom with new attractions, it is time to uncover Baja’s solely metropolis as your subsequent getaway brimming with ritzy motels, low-cost mouthwatering eats, and buzzing seashores.
A Revolution On “Revolución“
This could be an exaggeration, but it surely’s cheap to counsel 99% of vacationers will enterprise to Tijuana’s downtown district, which is extensively thought of “Revolución”, a bustling boulevard of taco stands, nightclubs, and memento retailers allotting free tequila photographs to lure you to “purchase one thing you do not want”.
I have been visiting Tijuana since 2013. Actually, it was my first passport stamp. It is unbelievable to see how a lot it is modified. From as soon as requiring a police escort to strolling freely previous midnight simply final week, it is come a great distance.
Tijuana definitely goes via spurts of violence; there is not any doubt about it. What’s misunderstood is vacationers are hardly ever affected as Revolución is fully protected, in addition to the upscale area of the town, Plaza Rio, and the all the time abuzz Playas, many expats’ most popular abode.
Downtown has grown from empty pandemic streets to limitless eats, hidden alleyways full of unusual delights, vigorous mariachi performances, and new artisan retailers and selfie-worthy murals.
To not point out a brand new Taco Museum! Taco ’bout a superb time!
In fact, there’s nonetheless a fair proportion of memento trinkets and pharmacies, however Revolución has few storefronts unclaimed, stretching from the unmissable St. Louis-esque arch to the street’s finish.
My private favourite stomping grounds alongside Revolución are:
- Serenity Therapeutic massage ($20 specials for 60-minute massages on Tuesday and Friday)
- El Torito (nice rooftops views and piping scorching molcajetes)
- La Justina (downtown’s finest cocktail choice)
The Playas & Rosarito: Tijuana’s Buzzing Seashores
Full disclosure: Tijuana’s seashores will not be for swimming, however that does not imply you’ll be able to’t get pleasure from each different facet of Northern Baja’s picture-perfect shores.
‘The Playas’ of Tijuana is a buzzing seashore district lined with indescribably scrumptious seafood eating places, oceanfront coconut distributors, and extra genuine vibes than Revolución.
With year-round sunny climate, it is each idyllic in a single sense and action-packed in one other. You’ll find tremendous low-cost trip leases overlooking the Pacific or simply attain the Playas whereas staying elsewhere as each Uber and DiDi are viable transit choices throughout the area, together with to Rosarito, a stunningly lovely seashore city below 40 minutes away.
Rosarito packs a punch in its personal proper, from fashionable beachfront bars just like the extremely popular Papas & Beer (where I was scammed) to extra informal eateries that deal with you proper, corresponding to Viaje Cocina del Mundo.
The principle strip is a microcosm of Cabo, pulsing with neon-lit bars, hawkers providing tequila photographs, and a festive environment that immediately places you in trip mode.
Higher but, Rosarito has a pleasant number of upscale seashore motels that really feel extra in tune with a real seashore trip versus visiting Tijuana’s ‘Playas’ for a enjoyable day trip.
The historic Rosarito Beach Hotel & Spa could not be in a greater location.
Tijuana’s Reasonably priced Luxurious And Low-cost Eats
Tijuana will not break the financial institution throughout the board – low-cost eats, luxe stays, and even internet hosting 2 funds airways at their more-than-convenient airport. (Plus, American flies right here now too!)
Even when your solely Tijuana expertise is chalked as much as viewing the scenic hills and cityscape from San Diego, it is not possible to disregard the ever-changing skyline of recent condos and motels.
Quartz Hotel is a good possibility for an reasonably priced keep with out sacrificing luxurious. Plus, it is house to The Park, a classy meals corridor with among the finest alternatives of Baja-style delicacies you would ask for.
My private favourite, nevertheless, is a traditional. Circling again to Revolución is a Tijuana staple – Hotel Caesar’s, typically priced below $100.
You could not ask for a greater location. Plus, their restaurant, famend for creating the Caesar Salad, is insanely scrumptious and fairly priced for a connoisseur meal.
Talking of classics, no journey to Tijuana is full with out a go to to ‘Taco Alley.’. Right here, a trio of road distributors whip up quite a lot of tacos from carne asada to suadero for about $1.50 a bit till 3AM.
However my favourite new discovery of Tijuana is the town’s number of speakeasies. I simply found Alcatraz, designed ,as you guessed it, America’s most infamous jail, serving $1 beers on the primary restaurant bar and specialty cocktails for those who can work out the password.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
