From Wikitravel

Tijuana's Zona Norte is adjacent to the tourist zone in the Zona Centro, to the north, and just south of the border. This zone is primarily residential and also includes the local red light district. Prostitution is legal in this zone and very visible.

A police station in the middle of the red light district and the presence of numerous police on foot make the area reasonably safe, though if you wander into one of the many secluded pedestrian alleys you might never wander out again. Acting touristy in this zone will attract predators.

[edit] Get in

From San Diego, cross the San Ysidro border, and walk toward the arch: The arch is located in Revolution and First st. Keep walking toward Constitucion, and you will find yourself in the Zona Norte.

[edit][add listing] See

Any trip to the Zona Norte should include the Adelita Bar. The Chicago Bar is also a good place to visit, and the Tacos "El Primo" close to the Chicago Bar are excellent.

[edit][add listing] Do

More like what not to do-- If you walk the streets at night, be ready for the cops to stop you, frisk you, and either take your money outright or plant drugs on you and threaten to take you to jail if you don't pay them off.

[edit][add listing] Buy

IMPORTANT! Leave your fancy watch and cell phone and fat wallet in the US. Do not carry more than 1 or 2 bank cards. Keep money in different locations. Watch out for pickpockets (often elderly ladies) they act confused or like they are trying to get ahead of you in line. Save your big grin for the US. Mexican people are more reserved in their demeanor, and looking goofy is going to cost you in this red light district. Zona Norte is not a good neighborhood, and not a place for foreign women.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Eat at Tacos el Primo, in Constitucion, or in the Taco Choncho at the Callejon Coahuila. Try the burritos sold by a vendor next to Adelita's. He gets there about 11 pm . The burritos art home-made,safe, and delicious.

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are many very cheap hotels in the Zona Norte, with rooms for $15-$20 a night not unheard of, though these places are as seedy as you would expect. Do not assume anything left in your room will be there when you return. Bringing your own bedsheets is probably a wise move.

[edit] Contact

On Revolucion Avenue, Plaza de Oro Hotel, 1 block below the Arch, is safe and clean for $34 per night. However, I switched to Hotel London, between 5th and 6th Streets, for $20-25 per night. In both places, the Staff are trustworthy, and you can leave your things behind the counter when you check out, and pick them up hours later when ready to return to the border.

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I found a good place off Coahuila on Mutualismo #450 Hotel Jerez Suites $25 a night. Tele 664-685-4951 Tell them Jim recomended you.

[edit] Stay Safe

Zona Norte can be a very dangerous neighborhood, even during the day, so it is best if you don't walk alone. Muggings and kidnappings are common. And while drug violence is often not targeted at tourist, it is best to be alert. You may unknowingly walk into the cross-fire of rival drug cartels. One good rule of thumb is, if you are a guy, try to avoid direct eye contact with a local tough guy or young man. By "letting" him stare you down by averting your gaze you are less likely to bring about some macho confrontation, especially if the other fellow is drunk. If you are there to have fun, focus on the fun, and don't get too stirred up about proving your manhood to some local.