10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tijuana

The lively artery that dissects Tijuana’s historic downtown, Avenida Revolución, is a prime tourist hotspot. Home to the hotel where the Caesar salad was invented and many famous cantinas, this dynamic street should be your first port of call when it comes to shopping in Tijuana.

There’s a delightful mix of things to buy. Wandering the sprawling 8 blocks that make up the long avenue, you’ll find artisan goods like leatherwork and pottery sold right next door to well-known brands and restaurants. You could spend all day here and still wouldn’t see it all. But never fear; Avenida Revolución has a network of reliable buses and licensed taxis, making it easy for visitors to come back time and time again.

If you want to combine invigorating fresh air and vibrant scenery with some retail therapy during your trip to Tijuana, visit the expansive open-air shopping centre, Galerías Hipódromo. Framed by striking Corinthian columns are several international stores, impressive eateries, an arcade and a cinema, making it an excellent destination for a family day out.

Head to Walmart for any essentials, Reina Diaz for showstopping outfits and Daniel Espinosa Jewelry to finish your look with something sparkly. When you’re in need of a break, the latest blockbusters are waiting for you at Cinépolis. If you’re driving to Galerías Hipódromo, there’s a handy underground car park.

Conveniently located on one of Tijuana’s busiest and most vibrant streets, Paseo Chapultepec is a scenic and upscale open-air plaza that’s always buzzing with life. There’s a sleek, modern feel to this compact shopping centre, and that’s reflected in the varied selection of stores.

Pampering sessions await at Skinhaus while Ben and Frank offers chic eyewear, and gorgeous wedding gowns await at the Wedding Boutique. What really sets Paseo Chapultepec apart from the rest though is its incredible collection of bars and restaurants. Lorenza always receives rave reviews for their mouthwatering seafood dishes, and queries can be made via WhatsApp for ultimate convenience.

It would be a crime to leave Tijuana without purchasing souvenirs for yourself or for loved ones back home, and the best place to find these is the Mercado Artesanias. It’s a stretch of boutiques and stalls in Tijuana’s eastern zone, and somewhat of a hidden gem compared to the bustling area of Avenida Revolución.

The scores of glittering stained glass will make your jaw drop and you’ll love the huge range of ornate pottery and tiles. You might even get the chance to see the artisans at work crafting colourful pinatas and painting romantic scenery. Prices here tend to be considerably cheaper than in the tourist areas but feel free to haggle if you’d like to.

Anchored by a Walmart and a Cinemex, the palm-tree-lined strip of Macroplaza Insurgentes is a popular destination for shopping in Tijuana. It’s conveniently located close to busy streets and boasts an expansive selection of stores. The abundance of clothing and accessory vendors will please fashionistas and sports enthusiasts should go to Innovasport for the latest gear.

The plaza with its colourful ‘Macro’ sculpture and fountains is particularly eye-catching and is a lovely spot to relax with a coffee from Starbucks while you people-watch. If you’ve brought the little ones, let them burn off some energy at the playground, found in the centre of the large and varied food court.

The Colonia Madero neighbourhood, also known as La Cacho, is found in Tijuana’s eastern zone and is considered one of the city’s finest areas. Strolling past charming cafes, locally owned shops, art galleries and neat gardens, you’ll see why.

When it comes to shopping, Blvd. Agua Caliente’s Brujo Vintage and Gigi’s Boutique on Columbia offer clothing, cosmetics and gifts, and several prestigious spas and salons like 21 Skin and The Spa provide special beauty products and services. You won’t need to go far to find food and drinks either. Whether you opt for bubble tea from the Lazy Tea Boba Shop or fine dining at the beautiful Amora restaurant, your every craving will be catered to in La Cacho.

If you’re bargain hunting for amazing deals in Tijuana, simply head to Swap Meet Siglo XXI, a unique market slightly off the beaten path. It’s a favourite with locals who come for excellently priced clothing, homeware, electronics and more. Rows upon rows of vendors are packed into this huge retail centre, so you’re sure to have an exhilarating shopping experience seeking treasures.

Tucked between the numerous clothing and shoe stalls you’ll find video games, toiletries and toys, making this market a true one-stop-shop. The snack stands and street food vendors will keep you fuelled all day long, and word on the street is the seafood tacos near the entrance are life-changing.

Pasaje Rodríguez alleyway might be less than a quarter of a kilometre in length but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of shopping experiences. The once-tourist trap has evolved into a super cool artsy enclave adorned with dozens of murals and cultural hotspots.

Found just off Revolución Avenue between 3rd Street and 4a, Pasaje Rodríguez is home to trendy cafes, food stalls, boutiques and bars that offer a taste of Tijuana’s culture. Racks of unusual clothing and shelves of books and records are packed in next to tables offering jewellery or tempting desserts. There’s a lot to look at, so take a break at La Lola’s or Aether’s for a coffee and admire the artwork while you’re here.

Renowned in Tijuana for its colourful cantinas and lively bars, Sixth Street, or Flores Magón, holds a wealth of shopping opportunities. It’s easy to reach, as it crosses the Avenida Revolución, and attracts younger crowds made up of both locals and visitors. Whether you’re in need of high-end beauty products or want to purchase the freshest seafood and produce, you’ll find it here.

Quality leather belts and accessories are yours if you delve into the shaded general stores, while the finest herbs and spices are displayed in windowfronts. A host of cantinas are waiting when you’re in need of refreshments, including locals’ favourite Dandy Del Sur and the Music Hall karaoke bar.

Right in the heart of downtown, there’s a Tijuana shopping experience like no other: Emporium, a staple on Avenida Revolución for over 50 years. It’s a gift shop that will astound you. An unassuming exterior hides a treasure trove of handicrafts from all over Mexico, each of them carefully selected by the owner to provide a staggering range of souvenirs.

Buy yourself a memento or treat loved ones back home with authentic products including fine silver jewellery, Oaxaca pottery and vivid stained glass. Prices are fair and clearly marked, and staff are all too happy to talk about their stock’s origins. You’ll find Emporium next to the famous Caesar Hotel.