Avenida Revolucion
Avenida Revolucion
3.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Tijuana's main street, lined with little shops and American fast-food chain restaurants such as Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles875 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
288
Average
219
Poor
80
Terrible
38

G Z
73 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
Watch your wallet/purse, no dangling jewelry, buy nothing on the sidewalk...NOTHING, and NEVER take the first offer. You need to haggle down the price. These people will cheat you. Watch for knock offs and fakes. They are pushy and in your face. They will offer free tequila to help them gain an advantage. They like to offer you a lot of items and do "bulk" sales. Know how much you want to pay and offer half, when they hit your price buy, otherwise walk away(sometimes this will make them offer what you want). These are high presser sellers.
Written 26 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jsilverio4
Atlanta, GA62 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Solo
The place is very nice loved the Arc! A lot of people walking around just stay on Avenida Revolución one block over and is totally different scene. I felt save the whole time just have to be mindful of your surroundings at all time. I took public transportation from the hotel to el centro. But if Don't speak Spanish use Uber instead. Try to get pesos for use instead of dollars.
Written 28 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Hotel Spy
Columbia, SC129 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
I took the San Diego Trolly from downtown to the last stop at the border, then walked across to Mexico. I of course then walked back across to the US. Entire process was easy and pretty quick compared to all those cars waiting in the lines to cross either way.

Once I crossed, I walked around the downtown Tijuana area easily. I thought everything was very inexpensive then even more with the generous US to Pesos exchange rate.

Still be careful and always aware of your surroundings. Stick to the tourist areas.
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Beatriz V
Chula Vista, CA5 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
It's still touristy but no more of the bar loud music. I enjoyed our walk a lot of places I didnt know where there. Try the local cuisine and the new coffee bars or have a drink. They still gave the burro/zebra to take pictures.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

3.0 of 5 bubbles
The typical tourist parks on the US side of the border and walks across. After passing through a clangy metal revolving gate, you'll find yourself in the customs area. At this point, you'll need to decide whether to walk or cab it to "la revol". The cab ride is universally $5 no matter how many passengers (they will squeeze your entire party into one cab), no tip needed. Walking to "la revol" is free and should take you about 15-20 minutes, even though you'll be told it takes much longer by the cab hawkers.

Walking is safe during the daytime, but only suggested at nighttime for groups of 4 or more (males helpful). Walking is a great idea because along the way you'll pass many a vendor of the souveniers you are probably interested in--start browsing and see what prices you are offered. Believe it or not, about every third or fourth store should have a near duplicate of something you're interested in.

The best way to bargain: if you really want something, express casual interest in the item and ask how much it costs. You'll be highballed a price, or you'll be asked what you want to pay (best response here: "I'm not sure if I want to buy it"). Thank the shopkeeper and slowly walk towards the exit. 9 times out of 10, the price will decrease at this point or you will be asked "make me an offer" (use same response above). Continue (slowly) to leave the store. The process may continue a few times, up to the point where you have actually exited the store. If you are not followed up to about two stores away from the store, the last price offered is the "going rate" at this store. Now you just need to repeat the same spiel again at 2-3 more stores to get the "going rate" there, and you'll have a rough idea of what the item you're interested in might sell for that particular day. There are some department stores on the revol--if an item has a price tag on it and/or you see a cash register and can pay with credit card, then bargaining is most likely inappropriate.
Written 9 March 2002
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carelyn
NYC4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I went to Tijuana one afternoon last summer. Having been there for the first time two years prior, I could not believed how cleaned up the touristy area of Tijuana was. We had dinner at TGI Fridays, with 80's pop music in the background. Some of the seedier shops and bars also seemed to have closed down, replaced by American fast food restaurants. Far fewer people trying to lure us (two women) into upstairs bars (especially considering it was getting dark out, while our last trip was in early afternoon), and we saw many cops patroling the newly paved sidewalks. Another consequence of the Tijuana clean-up was the prices: goods generally seemed higher priced than last time (although still cheap by US standards).
Written 19 July 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

simonharris
51 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I was on a business trip to San Diego a few weeks ago and took a half day tour "down mexico way" You can take full and half day tours to Tijuana. The half day tour gives you around two hours to "explore" on your own. You are left to wonder the main street with teh shops and seedy bars and hotels. It is an experience but the two hours is long enough. Dont be surprised by the barage of people trying to get you into their shops and bars. Some may find the whole experience unsettling having crossed the boarder from the afluence of California to the poverty and mayhiem of Mexico
Written 14 March 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

redlightdistrict_mx
Tijuana, Mexico4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
For tourists accustomed to the old Tijuana (pre-2006), expecting the best of a city to be confined to one street, you will be disappointed. While Revolucion is in the process of restoration and modernization, Tijuana's economy no longer focuses primarily on tourists to sustain itself. Due to the collapse of its tourism sector from 2006-2012, the city has invested in its own people and diversified its entertainment and attractions over more of the city's geography. Therefore, don't expect to find all that is great about Tijuana all on Av Revolucion.

Revolucion is now but a fraction of Tijuana's offering to tourists with an adventurous spirit. To find the best of the city, you will have to dig a bit.

As for Revolucion itself, it is repopulating with newer establishments every month. In addition to bars & restaurants, cliche tourist trinkets, and more street vendors selling bacon-wrapped hot dogs than street tacos, there are newer tourist treasures.

The issue is - they are not pushed on tourists because they are not aimed at tourists. They are part of Tijuana's home-grown culture, seen only by thosr who look for them. For that reason, only tourists who truly enjoy a bit of exploration will find them - things like a growing hipster population and bohemian sector tucked in secret alleyways, a busy nightlife scene with popular dance clubs that only come to Life at Night, and even a growing technology space.

The bottom line is not that Avenida Revolucion is not what it used to be, it's that Tijuana is so much more now and it's spread out over greater area. Places like Zona Rio for restaurants, shopping, and business districts with modern architecture; Gallerias Hipodromo for shopping and a remarkable view of Tijuana at night; and roundabouts featuring large city monuments, including one of US President Abraham Lincoln, which looks a bit surreal illuminated with neonish blue ground lighting.

There isn't any easy way to discover these fascinating things... and some really are fascinating. You won't find them by googling Tijuana, which often yields years-old search results which innacurately describe Tijuana. Tijuana is a place of rapid change, where the influences of its US neighbor collide with the city and influence progress at a remarkable pace.

On a final note, you can easily still find delicious street tacos within walking distance of the border, including some pretty good (although not #1) 24 hour street tacos. The difference is, in 2015, you'll want to order an Uber ride to arrive at one of the best street-style tacos in Tijuana, Tacos el Franc.

An exciting world awaits you in Tijuana. Don't be afraid, it's relatively safe now. Just exercise caution and respect your surroundings. Do some research first and look at current articles to find the best of what Tijuana has to offer.
Written 27 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MyHrtinSanFran
New York8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I recently took a very short trip to San Diego and figured I couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend a morning in Mexico. I decided to take a bus tour which turned out to work in my favor because the guide dropped us off in the middle of Avenida Revolucion, gave us some shopping and other tips and apparently crossing the border back into the US is quicker if you are part of a bus tour.

The shopkeepers are indeed very pushy, they keep an eye on you, watching what stores you do go in, so they can ask why you went into that store but can't come into into theirs? The best action is really just to smile and keep walking because saying no thanks really doesn't help and seems to be more of a conversation starter, whereas if you don't speak up at all and just keep walking, they seem to get the hint quicker. Some shopkeepers try to step in your way to try and usher you in, while others come up to you while you are waiting to cross the street with an armful of necklaces for you to look at, so it's best to be aware of what's going on around you at all times.

Despite the abrasive sales tactics, many of the local people are very polite and will trip over themselves to be nice to you when you actually are interested in buying something. I befriended a woman on the bus tour who walked around with me and she was a master at negotiating prices, which is a MUST. If you reject the first price you can usually get them to accept sometimes half or less of what they originally wanted.

There is a shop on the main strip of Avenida Revolucion called Hand Art that is really worth looking for, it showcases a lot of homemade table cloths, table runners and place mats that are out of this world. There is a group of stores along the street that are a part of Tijuana's "Outstanding Hosts" which highlights some of the best shops for tourists.

I was somewhat apprehensive about going to Mexico alone but I'm very happy I made the trip to go shopping on Revolucion. The meal I had there for lunch (at La Placita) was one of the best things I've ever eaten, not to mention the tequila shop that gives out free samples! All in all it's just a wonderful, cultural experience.
Written 17 May 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

indigo1968
Aurora, IL7 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Wow.

Outside of the floor of a stock exchange, Revolution Avenue is the most frenetic place I have ever seen. Never before have so many people tried to get my attention at the same time. More than once, my friends and I were yelled at from across the street by hawkers trying to get us into their restaurant or strip joint ("Guys! Guys! Over here!").

I almost expected them to charge across the street, and drag us over.

The poverty of Tijuana was sad, with the stray dogs seeking shade, "Tijuana Zebras" baking in the sun (all had food and water), but I don't regret the few hours I spent across the border (I stayed in Chula Vista, CA).

All in all, however, it was astounding at how different two places can be despite being just a few miles apart (i.e. San Diego and Tijuana).
Written 31 July 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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AVENIDA REVOLUCION (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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