You wish to go to the border of Mexico and the United States and want to learn about the most dangerous neighborhoods in Tijuana and areas to avoid.

Indeed, just as for Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Cabos ou Acapulco, Tijuana has a reputation for being a dangerous city. That's why it's essential to take precautions and be aware of dangerous neighborhoods in Tijuana to travel safely.

In this article, we'll explore the city's most dangerous neighborhoods, areas to avoid, and the safest places to stay.

I wrote this guide to the neighborhoods of Tijuana based on information from reliable sources (press articles, forums, statistics and rankings). This article is therefore factual and does not contain any judgment or discriminatory statement.

Tijuana is the most dangerous city in Mexico and in the world

Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico, has gained a reputation for being dangerous due to its very high crime rate. However, it is important to note that crime rates can fluctuate over time and vary by neighborhood in the city. As of 2024, Tijuana's specific crime rate is not yet available, but one can rely on the latest crime rankings and statistics.

However, on the majority of web rankings (worldpopulationreview.com, statista.com, sciencefocus.com, populationu.com), Tijuana ranks first among the most dangerous cities in the world.

What crime in Tijuana in 2024?

Tijuana has long had problems with violence and crime related to cartels and their drug trafficking due to its proximity to the US-Mexico border.

And in 2024, although efforts have been made to combat criminal activity (increased police presence and anti-corruption measures), Tijuana still experiences a significant level of crime. Drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime remain common issues that contribute to Tijuana's high crime rate.

Indeed, according to the 2024 world ranking of Numbeo.com, Tijuana has a crime index of 71.79 which is very high.

And when we compare on this site, we see that Tijuana is more criminal than Lima, Sao Paulo, Bogota, Saint Louis ou Catania in Sicily.

Is it safe to go to Tijuana in 2024?

No, in 2024 drug-related violence, with rival cartels fighting for control of drug trafficking routes, often results in shootings that pose a risk to visitors. Additionally, kidnapping and extortion are also common crimes that tourists can be targeted.

See the recommendations of the French government on France Diplomacy which mentions Tijuana among the strictly discouraged areas of Mexico.

However, although the crime rate is very high in Tijuana, you should know that some areas of Tijuana are safer or less dangerous than others (see list and details below).

Map of Tijuana neighborhoods

To help you identify areas to avoid and dangerous neighborhoods in Tijuana listed below: Map of main neighborhoods

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Tijuana

According to figures from the Fiscalía General de Baja California (FGE), the 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Tijuana (those with the highest crime rates) are:

• The Centro area
• The Rio area
• green path
• Sanchez Taboada
• The North area
• the flowery
• Valley Terraces
• Urbivilla Del Prado 2
• Mariano Matamoros Sur
• October three

In addition to the most dangerous areas of Tijuana listed above, here are two other areas that tourists and visitors should avoid for their safety:

• Liberty Colony : This neighborhood has seen an increase in drug violence and gang activity in recent years. It is known for its high rate of homicides and robberies. The streets of Colonia Libertad are often controlled by rival gangs, leading to frequent clashes and shootings.
• Table is also another area of ​​Tijuana that should be avoided. This area has seen an increase in violent crime, including robberies, assaults and carjackings. The narrow streets and alleys of La Mesa create an ideal environment for criminals to conduct their illicit activities without being easily detected.

Red light district in Tijuana

One of Tijuana's best-known neighborhoods is the North Zone, also known as the “Red Light District of Tijuana” or “Hong Kong District”.

The streets of Tijuana's Red Light District in the Zona Norte are lined with clubs, brothels and bars where illegal trafficking takes place. This area is popular with both locals and tourists looking for illicit activities, making it a dangerous place that tourists should avoid.

Least dangerous areas to stay in Tijuana

According to travel forums, blogs, and real estate agencies, the safest areas to stay in Tijuana are:

• Hot water
• Chapultepec
• Log
• Area Otay
• Burocrate Hipodrom
• Aviation

If you are looking for a nice hotel out of the avoid areas and most dangerous areas of Tijuana, then I recommend the Grand Hotel Tijuana.

Indeed, this hotel is located in a quiet area (colonia Aviacion) very close to a shopping centre, a golf course and the Estadio Caliente.