When you think about Tijuana, what do you think of first? Which aspects of Tijuana are important, which are essential, and which ones can you take or leave? You be the judge.
Many visitors to San Diego decide to take a brief trip south into Baja California. The international border crossing at Tijuana is the busiest border in the world and the difference between American and Mexican ways of life is noticiably marked. Thousands of Americans, who come to Tijuana every year to enjoy its inexpensive shopping and exuberant nightlife, often affectionally refer to the city as “TJ”. The city Tijuana is hardly representative of the fabled Mexico of Mayan art and Spanish colonial architecture, but it is interesting as a hybrid frontier town devoted to extracting dollars from its wealthy neighbor.
The city’s futuristic Centro Cultural Tijuana was built on the banks of the Tijuana River in 1982. The cultural center has an OMNIMAX theater, where films about Mexico are shown on an enormous stilting screen. Changing exhibitions on various Mexican themes are also held here. The open-air Mexitlan rooftop exhibitions re-creates the country’s architectural treasures in miniature.
You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Tijuana. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?
Many visitors come to shop and party. Tijuana has long been popular with young Americans taking advantage over 18 to drink alcohol.
The best shopping is in the quiet bazaar situated to the sides of the lively Avenida Revolucion. Painted pottery, leather boots, silver jewelry ad tequila are some favorite buys. Tourists are encouraged to barter with the merchants.
English speaking staff at the Tijuana Tourist Office can provide maps and free advice on visiting the city.
So now you know a little bit about Tijuana. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.