Tijuana Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Tijuana

The Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) opened its doors October 20, 1982, with over a million visitors a year. This touristic attraction has been the main center for the regional arts, and represents one the most important in the northwest of the country.

The complex features an OMNIMAX theatre, with a 360-degree projector that gives one the impression of being inside the movie. It has a capacity of 308 seats and is popularly known as "La Bola" (the ball) because of its spherical shape.

The center contains a big explanade that can gather up to 6,000 people and is often used for concerts, festivals, performances, and expos of different sorts. It is considered the heart of the centre since it is located exactly at the center.

There is also permanent exhibition, called "Museo de las californias" which stores over 200 pieces.

There is a scenic theatre which has a room for around a thousand visitors and it is mostly used for private concerts and plays. There are also lecture rooms, video room, café, and a bookshop. There are several spaces for temporary small exhibits.

A La Raza Monument, also known as “Scissors” due to its peculiar shape, is a huge monument located on the first traffic circle on the Paseo de los Heroes coming from the US border. The monument was created in honor of Mexicans and Latin Americans who sought national independence and fearlessly struggled to combat Spanish invasions in the 1800s.

Mercado Hidalgo is the largest market place in Tijuana. Mexican food is an integral part of local traditions and Mercado Hidalgo offers a large choice of products from regional farmers: fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, homemade food, candies, flowers and others. The market has been functioning at its present location since 1984 and features about 80 stalls. You will also find several stalls with beautiful ceramics.

Agua Caliente Tower, known as Torre de Tijuana, is a top attraction of the city, attracting lots of visitors. Agua Caliente Tower was erected in the first half of the 20th century to serve as an airport beacon. The original construction was built several miles south from its present location. Today it is located at the intersection of Agua Caliente Boulevard and Francisco Madero Avenue. The park in which it is located is a fine place for a walk and relaxation under the shade of trees.

Jai Alai Palace is a pearl of Tijuana’s architecture and a must see landmark. It is situated on the main street of the city, between 7th and 8th streets. The building’s neo-classical architectural style was inspired by Moorish architecture. The palace was erected in 1947 to house a Spanish Basque game. Today it houses a restaurant with superb cuisine and halls for live performances. There is a beautiful fountain in front of the Jai Alai Palace.

Caesar’s Salad is known in many countries of the world. The famous salad was invented in 1924 in the kitchen of the restaurant ran by the Italian Caesar Cardini. Later the restaurant was moved to the beautiful palace built in 1929. Today the building is one of the main landmarks of Tijuana and it includes a hotel. Caesar’s Palace is located on the main street of downtown Tijuana, on Revolucion Avenue.

Mercado de Artesanías is a Crafts Market that sells authentic Mexican souvenirs and gifts at bargain prices. The market was established in the 1970s and today it counts about 400 craft dealers. On numerous market stalls you will find pottery, blown glass, carved furniture, handmade clothes and clayware by local craftsmen. Mercado de Artesanías is located at Ocampo and Negrete Streets in downtown Tijuana.

The Wax Museum, located in the northern part of Zona Centro, was established in 1992 and is the only wax museum in the country. It exhibits about 100 wax copies of famous people of the past and the present. Among other interesting characters, you may recognize the legendary Dracula, Michael Jackson, Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma, John Lennon, Mahatma Gandhi and Marilyn Monroe. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Monumental Arch, also known as Millennium Arch or Monumental Clock, is a famous symbol of Tijuana, located at the beginning of Revolucion Avenue in walking distance from the Mexican and US border. Since 2000, the huge monument welcomes Tijuana visitors to Zona Centro, in the downtown area of the city. The construction of the monument in a historical zone evoked debates among residents of the city. The height of the arch makes it visible from different parts of Tijuana.

Museo de Historia de Tijuana is located in the building of a cultural center, a former City Hall on Calle Secunda. This is the newest museum in the city, inaugurated in November 2010. This museum, dedicated to the history of the city, is divided into 5 sections: natural history and geography, social life and politics, urban development, cultural and economic history. There is also a space for temporary exhibitions and a special interactive section for pint-sized visitors. Visit Museo de Historia de Tijuana and explore Tijuana’s history through old photographs, documents and artifacts.

This is the main cathedral of Tijuana and the most notable architectural construction. Catedral de Nuestra Seсora de Guadalupe is the first Catholic Church in the city. The first church was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century and the present building was finished in the 1970s. It represents colonial and neo-classical architecture. The cathedral features a clock and two towers with square columns, topped with crosses. A beautiful image of Our Lady rises above the entrance.

San Francisco De Asis Temple is one of the most beautiful edifices in the city. It is located right opposite the picturesque park, Teniente Guerrero. The church was built in the 1960s in Romanesque style with Gothic windows and a dome. The façade is tiled with pink stone brought from Yahualica. The interior features a beautiful marble altar, beautiful images of the Virgin Mary and St. Francis of Assisi and a copy of San Damiano crucifix painted at the beginning of the 12th century.

Parque Teniente Guerrero is a beautiful green space and the most popular place to stop for a rest in Tijuana. The park is located in the downtown area of the city. There are many well-groomed trees, palms and flowers. It also features a monument to a distinguished figure in Mexican history, Benito Juarez, with small ponds, a fountain and even a bandstand for performances. Parque Teniente Guerrero is an ideal place for relaxation in the shade of the trees, while taking photos and feeding pigeons.