One Of The Least-Safest Cities In Mexico Is A Popular Tourist Destination

"Citizen Kane" is Orson Welles' masterpiece, but one of his most bravura sequences comes at the beginning of "Touch of Evil." We're in Tijuana on the U.S.-Mexican border, and we see a shadowy figure stash a time bomb in the trunk of a Cadillac. For the next three suspenseful minutes, the vehicle passes our newlywed protagonists several times before it eventually explodes, narrowly sparing their lives. During the course of that fateful stroll, Welles depicts the city as an exciting and somewhat seedy place of dance clubs, strip joints, and revelers in the streets. This isn't to say you are likely to get blown up during a visit to Tijuana, but the scene highlights one fact that still holds true over 60 years later: It is a popular destination where deadly violence might be just around the corner.

Sadly, danger can befall tourists wherever they go on vacation. You have to factor in a certain level of risk if you want to travel at all. But you can also minimize the danger by avoiding places that are notorious for violence, instability, and other hazards. Tijuana, hugging the border just a 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego, is something of a paradox: Not only is it one of the most dangerous vacation spots in Mexico, but it is also the most-visited border town in the world, with around 50 million people crossing the line each year. So what makes Tijuana so threatening, what level of danger does it pose to tourists, and how can you stay safe?

Much has changed in Tijuana since Orson Welles staged his famous time-bomb sequence in "Touch of Evil," but the root cause of the danger remains the same: organized crime. The city's proximity to the border makes it a prime hub for drug-trafficking routes into the United States, resulting in deadly turf wars between rival cartels. According to the World Population Review, Tijuana's shocking homicide rate of 138 murders per 100,000 inhabitants makes it the most dangerous city in Mexico and should be avoided. That statistic also doesn't take into account other nefarious activities that can affect visitors, like kidnapping, armed robberies, trafficking of both weapons and people, and other violent crimes. Tourists aren't usually a prime target for cartel members, but there is a chance that innocent bystanders can get caught in the crossfire if something bad goes down. 

Perhaps needless to say, in a country where over a third of the population live below the subsistence level, there are some criminals who are tempted to target relatively rich tourists. It can be especially dangerous after dark, and visitors are advised to stick to well-lit areas that cater to the tourist crowd. Even in popular parts of the city, the atmosphere can feel somewhat threatening for women traveling alone or in small groups. Don't get us wrong. Tijuana is a fun city with an exuberant atmosphere and some unmissable spots, but utmost caution is strongly advised at all times.

Tijuana's crime stats may look scary, but it is worth noting that the majority of the worst offenses usually happen in sketchy neighborhoods away from touristy areas — pretty much like any major U.S. city with high crime rates that also attract plenty of visitors. Generally speaking, Tijuana has three main areas that are safe during the daytime if you keep your wits about you: Playas, Zona Rio, and Otay. Wherever you go, however, you should always stay vigilant. 

One of the most common-sense safety tips in Mexico is making sure you blend in with the locals. If there are criminals preying on visitors, they are usually looking for a reason. Therefore, don't draw attention to yourself by driving an expensive car, wearing flashy clothing or jewelry, waving valuable items around, or showing ostentatious signs of wealth. Also, don't make your own behavior a risk: Getting drunk and acting aggressively, seeking out drugs, or engaging in solicitation are three very good ways to get yourself in trouble.

You can reduce the chances of something bad happening by exercising the same kind of caution you would probably use back home, such as not walking in dark and dangerous parts of town. This is the kind of city you would never want to visit alone, and it's a good idea to take extra precautions like equipping yourself with pepper spray. While it is illegal to bring it into the country, there's nothing stopping you from picking up some once you get into Tijuana.