Tijuana is the largest city in Mexico's Baja State, geographically the westernmost and northernmost city in Latin America. This "corner of Latin America" anchors one end of the world's busiest border crossing, traversed by over 300,000 people per day. It is home to some 1.2 million residents, making it the West Coast's second-largest city after Los Angeles. English- and Spanish-speakers often refer to it by the letters "TJ," pronounced ti yei in Spanish.
Tijuana's most famous and popular tourist attraction is Avenida Revolución, where visitors shop for name-brand knock-off apparel, Mexican curios and prescription drugs and frequent the local bars. Those who would rather avoid aggressive shopkeepers and find even better bargains head for the Arts and Crafts Market, just two blocks off Revolución.
Others prefer to see a bullfight (Sunday afternoons from May through September), watch jai alai, a fast-moving game with ball speeds exceeding 100 mph or go to the greyhound races. The city also hosts professional baseball, soccer and basketball teams.
Savvy travelers are beginning to discover a new Tijuana, a real travel bargain destination. In the Zona Rio area, along Paseo de los Heroes, they find relaxing spas such as Total Spa, dine in fine restaurants at reasonable prices, learn about Baja's history at the Centro Cultural Tijuana and end the day with wine-tasting at L. A. Cetto Winery, which has won over twenty international medals.
The nearby "La Coahuila" red-light district and its strip clubs draw so many visitors that it rivals Amsterdam and Bangkok as one of the world's most popular sex destinations.
Dining in Tijuana has changed since chef Caesar Cardini invented the salad that bears his name in 1924, but today's Tijuana is still home to excellent cuisine. Among the top-rated eateries are Cien Años, La Casa del Mole, La Taberna TJ, all serving Mexican-inspired dishes. Zio dishes up great Italian cuisine, while Cheripan specializes in Argentinean dishes and Rincón San Román has created a happy fusion of French and Mexican cuisines.
Tijuana visitors give highest marks to Hotel Real Del Rio Tijuana, Grand Tijuana, Hotel Lucerna, Camino Real Tijuana and La Villa de Zaragoza, reasonably-priced hotels that offer good value for money.
