Tijuana, a border city, has been chosen as the host for the 49th edition of Tianguis Turístico México in 2025. This presents an excellent opportunity to explore what the city has to offer—a place often referred to as the “birthplace of the nation.”
Tijuana has experienced consistent growth in international tourist arrivals, with the U.S. and Canadian markets being the primary drivers. In 2023, there was a 3.3% increase in U.S. visitors, totaling 12.08 million. Canadian tourist arrivals also surged by 45.3%, reaching two million visitors.
As the designated host, Tijuana aims to break participation records, particularly among tour operators from the U.S., Canada, Japan, China, South Korea, and Singapore. The focus will be on attracting European and South American travel agents.
Tijuana’s strategic location, excellent air connectivity, and extensive coastline in Baja California make it an attractive destination for the entire tourism value chain.
What to Do in Tijuana
Tijuana is the most visited border city globally. Its culinary, cultural, and artistic renaissance has transformed its image over the past few decades.
For any foreign tourist, experiencing Mexico through its food is essential, and nothing defines the country more than tacos.
The Taco Museum in Tijuana offers a multisensory journey through interactive and immersive exhibitions across nine thematic rooms, exploring every facet of Baja California’s taco-making process. From the “Sala del Carbón,” which unravels the secrets of a key ingredient, to the “Sala de la Tortilla,” where preparation techniques are revealed, the museum showcases a wide range of tacos. On the second floor, La Cantina complements the experience with a diverse selection of cocktails inspired by traditional Mexican flavors.
The Taco Museum is just a glimpse of what Tijuana has to offer. Located on the iconic Avenida Revolución—a historic and significant street in the city—it was even a tax-free zone until 1982.
Today, this eight-block stretch features cinemas, restaurants, bars, and casinos. The Tijuana Arch, installed in 2001, stands as a 60-meter-tall symbol welcoming those arriving from the border.
In the first block of “La Revu,” you’ll find Plaza Santa Cecilia, dedicated to the patron saint of musicians. Here, mariachi groups and northern bands gather for traditional serenades.
Further along, the Pasaje Rodríguez is a cultural space adorned with urban murals on border-related themes, decorating the walls and metal curtains of cafes, vintage shops, and art corridors.
Don’t miss the Centro Cultural Tijuana (Cecut), the city’s most important cultural center. Spend a day watching an IMAX film, exploring the Cineteca Carlos Monsiváis, and enjoying local, national, and international exhibitions at El Cubo. And while you’re at it, catch a theater performance or visit the aquarium.
Lastly, Tijuana houses the only museum in Mexico dedicated to lucha libre (Mexican professional wrestling)—the Museo de la Lucha Libre Mexicana (MULLME). With six thousand objects, including toys, masks, comics, trophies, belts, photos, and cards of legendary wrestlers, the museum even features a wrestling ring for that memorable photo.
Why Tijuana Will Host Tianguis Turístico 2025?
Tijuana, bathed by the Pacific Ocean, offers views of Coronado Island and the lights of the U.S. city of San Diego, California. Strolling along its boardwalk is a delightful experience.
The Craft Beer Mecca
The Tijuana Beer Route is a must-mention, as craft beer is the emblematic beverage here. Whether you explore it independently or with a tour operator, the route is not only about tasting various labels at different breweries but also enjoying local cuisine.
Tijuana is said to have 26 craft beer producers, although the numbers fluctuate. Across Baja California, there are approximately 100 such producers.
What to Do Near Tijuana
Beyond its strengths in business and health tourism, as well as its vibrant nightlife, Tijuana serves as a gateway to other attractive destinations in Baja California.
Just a couple of hours away lies Ensenada, a significant cruise destination that draws thousands of visitors to explore its natural beauty and wine region.
For many, Ensenada’s main draw is undoubtedly its gastronomy. Visitors can savor tacos gobernador, breaded fish tacos, ceviches, and seafood cocktails. The city also boasts internationally recognized restaurants.
One of its natural wonders is La Bufadora, a marine geyser with an 18-meter-high cone that produces impressive sounds. From December to May, it becomes an ideal spot for gray whale watching.
Within 30 minutes of Tijuana are the beaches of Rosarito, a famous Baja California destination for water activities such as diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Visitors can also charter boats to explore the Coronado Islands.
Rosarito is a favorite among national and foreign surfers. Many locals and travelers agree that it’s one of the best places to eat in all of Baja California, with a cuisine centered around fish and seafood—lobster being the standout dish.
An hour away from Tijuana lies Tecate, the only “Pueblo Mágico” (Magical Town) located on a border. This is where the famous Tecate beer was born, and visitors can also sample the region’s best sweet and savory bread.
For those seeking wellness, fun, and relaxation, Tecate offers over 50 ranches and hot springs. Rancho La Puerta, named the best spa destination for four consecutive years, is a highlight.
Keep in mind that Tecate is the starting point for the Wine Route, home to some of the state’s oldest wineries. It’s a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
Thanks to Baja’s Mediterranean climate, a wide variety of red, white, and rosé wines are produced, totaling over 262,000 hectoliters annually.
Baja California boasts seven wine valleys: Tanamá, La Grulla, San Vicente, Ojos Negros, Santo Tomás, Valle San Jacinto, and, of course, the famous Valle de Guadalupe.
In conclusion, visitors can enjoy over 150 wineries offering tastings, gastronomic experiences, cellar tours, and holistic stays in boutique hotels.
For all these reasons and more, Tijuana will be an excellent host for the 2025 edition of Tianguis Turístico, providing a pretext to discover or revisit “the place where the nation begins.”
The Baja Center, with 10,000 square meters of exhibition space, is preparing to host Tianguis Turístico 20.
The modern venue is strategically located between Tijuana and Playas de Rosarito.
Hotel Infrastructure
Baja California has 7,125 three to five-star hotel rooms across Tijuana, Ensenada, Playas de Rosarito, and Tecate. Tijuana and Rosarito alone account for 5,576 rooms, offering quality lodging options. There are also new projects underway, such as the new Marriott in Tijuana and Banyan Tree Holdings in Ensenada.
Source: El Universal
