Tijuana/Zona Centro
From Wikitravel
Downtown Tijuana is referred to as the Zona Centro. It includes Revolucion Avenue, which is the main tourist drag.
[edit] Understand
For about 8 blocks, Revolucion is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants, many aimed at tourists. This is what most day-trippers to Tijuana experience, and it should go without saying that Revolucion is not representative of Tijuana and certainly not of Mexico.
Do not give money to the tiny Indian Women with lots of kids. THEY ARE PROFESSIONALS! They come to the city in packs, when anyone asks you for money it is best to just ignore them or give a curt "NO" If their children hand your children a bobble-head turtle or such, just give it back, if they let it hit the ground and try to tell you you owe them. Tell Them !Quitate!' pronounced kee -tah -tay that is Spanish for 'get away.' If you start handing out money you will regret it!
Constitucion Avenue, one block west of Revolucion, is a busy downtown street but with none of the touristy nonsense. It is probably worth walking along here just to get a more authentic picture of Tijuana. Visitors should be careful (or aware) in walking too far north on this street, best not to go below Juarez (Segunda) as it will abruptly lead you into the “red light” district.
[edit] Get in
From San Diego, cross the San Ysidro border, and to your right hand side, walk toward the arch all along the pedestrian street: The arch is located at Avenida Revolución and Calle Primera (First Street). It takes less than 15 minutes. There are enough signs to direct you: You can’t miss it! At the ach, go to your left, southbound, and enjoy your walk along the Avenue.
Alternatively you can take a taxi:
Option 1) The traditional Yellow Cabs. Located just across the border, on their own commuter spot. Many cab drivers wearing a yellow & black uniform will be hosting you. Most of them speak English and take US Dollars. Make sure to negotiate the fare before starting the ride. 5-6 US Dollars will be expected to “Avenida Revolución, Zona Centro”. You can arrange the same cab picks you up later with no extra charge.
Option 2) Street Cabs. Located outside the commuter spot. These are white cars with a red stripe and labeled as “Libre” (Cab). They usually park in line along the street and some of them have a dispatcher who has written rates. Usually their rates are almost half of the yellow cabs´ and take US Dollars as well. Make sure to confirm the fare before starting the ride and to have the exact amount. They don´t carry change.
Or, Before entering Mexico, In San Ysidro, catch a red couch known as “Mexicoach”. It will take you to their bus station in the Zona Centro. Located in the middle of the the Avenida Revolución, the heart of the Zona Centro Distiect.
If you park in a lot, do NOT lose your ticket- or you will pay for ALL DAY!
[edit][add listing] See
[edit][add listing] Do
Take an afternoon walk to the park! Parque Guerrero is only 1/2 a mile from Revolucion. (follow Carillo Puerto -3'ra) several blocks past Constiticion. Lovely clean park with friendly food vendors. On Sundays there are often entertainers.
[edit][add listing] Buy
There are some good shops along Revolucion but mostly they are little more than cheesy souvenir shops. There are a few "fixed price" shops as you walk south on Revolucion. "Precios fijos" no games. And the people are nice. The ladies in colorful native clothing with the little stands often have awesone painted ceramics. Just remember to haggle. The same ceramics on the "Avenida" in shops will cost at least twice as much.
[edit][add listing] Eat
Restaurants vary in quality. Tourist traps are usually easy to spot. These will be overpriced, but may serve good food.
- La Costa
- Caesar's Restaurant
- Chiki Jai
- El Cafe Especial
- El Torito
[edit][add listing] Drink
The bars on Revolucion are often packed with Americans. The drinking age in Tijuana is 18, compared to 21 in the US, so many young people visit Tijuana to party. Revolucion is also lined with strips bars, and it is not always obvious from the outside if it is a regular bar or a strip bar, so enter with caution.
If 2 for 1 is advertised, you may NOT split it with your friend. Even if the waiter plays dumb and only brings 2 drinks, as soon as you take the first sip, here he comes with the other 2 and happily says "2 for 1!!!!"
If someone grabs you and starts pouring tequila down your throat. That is not free either.
- Las Pulgas, (between 7th and 8th street on Revolucion). One of the few Zona Centro dance bars that caters mainly to locals.
[edit][add listing] Sleep
[edit] Contact
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