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.

Get in

From San Diego, cross the San Ysidro border, and walk toward the arch: The arch is located at Revolucion and First Street, officially known as '''Avenida Articulo 123'''. Keep walking west toward Constitucion, and you will find yourself in the Zona Norte. Turn right (north) on Constitucion, and the next street (not the alley to your left) will be '''Calle Coahuila''', where most of the major attractions of the neighborhood can be found.

Alternately, take a taxi, which is especially recommended if you are unfamiliar with the area or are travelling after dark.

See

The primary purpose of most visits to the Zona Norte involves adult entertainment. The three primary establishments for this are:
  • '''Adelita Bar''' - On the south side of Calle Coahuila between the streets ''Constitucion'' and ''Ninos Heroes''.
  • '''Hong Kong Bar''' - On the south side of Calle Coahuila, several doors west of Adelita Bar. Newly remodeled, and probably closest in style to an "American style" strip club in the Zona Norte.
  • '''Chicago Club''' - On the east side of Avenida Constitucion, just north of Calle Coahuila. Note that this club is generally quite "dead" until about 8-10pm.
  • All three clubs have a significant number of "available" women working there (although Chicago Club may only have a handful until the late evening) who are available for companionship and conversation if you purchase them a drink -- at approximately twice the price of a normal drink, and for which they receive a commission from the bar. It is generally not difficult to find English-speaking ladies and waiters at these clubs.

    Minor bars of note include:

  • '''Bar Tropical''', '''Las Chavelas''', '''La Tropa''', and '''New York Club''', on Calle Coahuila.
  • '''Delicias Bar''' on Avenida Constitucion.
  • '''Miami Bar''' in Callejon (alley) Coahuila.
  • Bars to avoid include:

  • '''Playboy XXX''' half a block south of Coahuila. They have staff positioned on Coahuila to lure you off the main street into their bar, with promises of the best hot young girls, but when you get there it's sorely disappointing, and they will try to rip you off.
  • These minor bars all also have "drink companions" available, but they are much less likely to speak English than those at the major bars in this neighborhood. Some waiters may not speak much English beyond what they need to take drink orders.

    With the exception of Hong Kong Bar, New York Club, and Delicias Bar, the bars also have a dance floor available (often the stage, when no exotic dance show is in progress) where the women will dance with customers for a small tip.

    Do

    Be cautious and aware while in the Zona Norte, much as you would in a not-so-nice area of any major city. Zona Norte is full of people who will take advantage of tourists who appear to be unfamiliar with the area. Often (but not always), Mexicans who speak good English in this area may be criminals or other undesireables who have been deported from the United States.

    In particular, police in Zona Norte will target tourists and accuse them of crimes in order to extort "fines" from them. Some say you should be polite but firm in insisting that they take you to see a judge, which is the only legal way they can take you to jail. Others say that it is easier to just pay the "fine" and not waste time negotiating with the police. The decision as to whether to politely refuse or simply pay the "fine" must be made individually based on each person's comfort level.

    Be careful when speaking to people in the Zona Norte, as police may accuse you of attempting to buy drugs if you are seen talking with known drug dealers, even if you simply told the person you are not interested in buying any.

  • '''WARNING''' : One area which requires special caution is the southwest corner of Calle Coahuila and Avenida Ninos Heroes, near the '''Kinkle Bar'''. This bar is a known hangout for transvestites who can be very aggressive with pedestrians, and who are notorious pickpockets. Be extremely careful to guard the contents of your pockets around here, and be very suspicious of any "women" who approach you.
  • Buy

    Zona Norte is generally not a location for shopping other than food, drink, and "companionship". One exception is Saturdays, when there is a street market stretching four blocks on Avenida Mutualismo between Avenida Articulo 123 and Avenida Internacional. This street market has stalls selling all manner of foods, household goods, CDs, movies, tools, clothing, and more.

    Eat

    Dining in Zona Norte is not generally considered high class. There are numerous small eateries along Calle Coahuila, and food carts which will serve street tacos and similar "finger food" on Calle Coahuila at the corners of Constitucion and Ninos Heroes. Be cautious when eating from the food carts; however, a reasonable rule of thumb is that a cart that is busy, especially with native consumers, is generally more safe. The locals know where the good food is.

  • '''La Perla''' (The Pearl), at the corner of Calle Coahuila and Ninos Heroes. Mainly seafood, with live music some nights.
  • Alternatively, walk a couple of blocks south from Coahuila along Constitucion, and you'll find a street market flanked by a large selection of restaurants, including McDonald's and KFC. Subway has closed down, despite the big sign.

    Drink

    There is no shortage of places to drink in the Zona Norte. Most bars have drink specials (two-for-one is typical) until the evening hours, to generate more business.

  • '''Cantina de Panchos''', south side of Calle Coahuila, just east of Constitucion. Draft Tecate and Dos Equis Amber for $2 a pint (as of July 2008), and karaoke in both Spanish and English available all day. This is perhaps the only bar in the Zona Norte that has draft beers.
  • 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.

  • '''Cascadas 2000''', which has entrances both on Calle Coahuila and Callejon Coahuila (the alley behind), both entrances near the corner with Avenida Ninos Heroes. The major hotel in the center of the Zona Norte, it has rooms that are relatively safe and clean, and many of the women who work in the Zona Norte rent rooms here by the week or by the month.
  • '''Hotel Hacienda de Santiago''', at the corner of Calle Coahuila and Avenida Revolucion. For somewhat more money (about $30-40), one could stay here. These rooms are "Holiday Inn" quality and are quite comfortable for the area, and most rooms also include kitchens as well.
  • '''Plaza de Oro Hotel,''', Revolucion Avenue, 1 block below the Arch, is safe and clean for $34 per night.
  • '''Hotel London''', between 5th and 6th Streets, for $20-25 per night.
  • In both of these two 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.

  • '''Hotel Jerez Suites''' off Coahuila on Mutualismo #450, Tel: 664-685-4951. $15-$25 a night.
  • Stay Safe

    Petty crimes such as muggings and pickpocketing can happen in Zona Norte, even during the day, so it is best if you don't walk alone. 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, although this is less likely in Zona Norte than in other, seedier parts of town. Because of the significant police presence, Zona Norte can actually be a safer part of town than others, with respect to violent crime, as long as you stay on the major thoroughfares and do not go into the alleyways north of Calle Coahuila.

    At night, however, tourists are highly discouraged from venturing off of Calle Coahuila and the Coahuila Alley to other parts of the neighborhood. Much of this area is very deserted at night, and you can be an easy target for criminals or police shakedowns.

    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.

    Always carry some ID with you (e.g. drivers license) because the police will ask you for it if they stop and search you.