Craving a real Mexican adventure, just a stone’s throw from Texas? Ciudad Juarez has your name on it. Now, hear me out before you raise an eyebrow. Juarez, sure, it’s had its rough patches. But let’s set the record straight: there are a lot of things to do in Juarez.
Just a quick walk across the border from El Paso, Juarez is exploding with vibrant culture, friendly locals, and enough sights to fill a photo album (or Instagram feed). Think authentic food that’ll blow your taste buds away, historical gems whispering tales of revolution, and natural landscapes that’ll surprise you. And most importantly, it’s doable in a day or two.
Ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy. We also use affiliate links; if you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: safety in Juarez. Yes, there are areas in Mexico to avoid, but Juarez’s recent troubles haven’t been about tourists. Think more cartel infighting, less spring break brawl. With common sense precautions – daytime trips, sticking to tourist zones, no midnight bar crawls – Juarez is as safe as many foreign cities, and even some cities in the United States.
If you want to keep things simple thisguided walking tour of Juarezwill take you to the best attractions in the city, but you can also explore Juarez on your own.
If you’re a tad jittery, here’s a pro tip: bunk in a hotel in El Paso and cross the border for a taste of Juarez.
TABLE OF CONTENTS show
The Absolute Must-Do Activities
If you can do everything on this Juarez, Mexico list, do it. But if you’re time is limited, these are my Juarez faves:
- Enjoy tacos and a Margaritaat the World Famous Kentucky Bar & Grill
- Take a guided tour of Juarez.
- Visit theMuseumof theRevolution
- Visit alocal market
Best Things to do in Juarez
Looking for ancient digs? Juarez has those. Craving white sand dunes for a desert adventure? Check. Need a dose of history through stunning buildings and monuments? You got it. We’re talking archaeological sites rubbing shoulders with modern museums, parks perfect for picnicking, and cityscapes pulsating with life.
Make sure to check out the below video I created after my trip to Juarez to give you a feel for the town!
Visit the World Famous Kentucky Bar & Grill
Juarez’s most famous bar is the Kentucky Club. Founded in 1920 the World Famous Kentucky Bar & Grill was opened two years into U.S. prohibition.
At that time, the Kentucky Club was considered one of the finest bars in town. You’ll find great memorabilia and wonderful photos including a number of celebrities including the likes of John Wayne and Steve McQueen.
Today, it’s a great spot to start or end your Juarez adventure! Stop by for a Margarita or enjoy some delicious tacos or burritos and a real Mexican co*ke (if you know, you know!)
The Kentucky Club is also one of several bars that claim to have invented the margarita. I can’t verify if this is true, but I did some research and wrote an article about the Mystery of the Margarita!
There are many stories and theories about where and when the Margarita was first made, but I’ll let you be the final judge!
Regardless, if you are looking for a peek into the past and a great margarita, the Kentucky Club is a must!
Visit Historic Downtown
In the center of Juarez’s downtown, there’s a place called Plaza de Armas. It includes a city park, the area’s first mission, and the cathedral. It’s a popular spot for people who live here, particularly on Sundays. They go to church, watch cultural shows, and buy food from local vendors.
During my visit there was a beautiful festival happening with dancers and musicians.
Mision de Guadalupe & Our Lady ofGuadalupe Cathedral
Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Mission church is the oldest surviving church between Chihuahua City and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mision de Guadalupe was the first building erected in El Paso del Norte, now known as Juarez.
In 1659, when the mission was built, it was located on the other side of the Rio Grande, which makes for some interesting conversation when chatting with the locals. Mision de Guadalupe is part of the Mission Trail and it is said that this was the first mission built on this trail and all missions on the Chihuahua trail including Las Cruces and El Paso were modeled after this.
Ciudad Juárez annually honors December 8th, when the city was founded. On that date in 1659, Fray Garcíabuilt his first mission, a modest little church, which later became the charming and beautiful Misión de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
Next door to the mission, you’ll find Our Lady ofGuadalupe Cathedral(Spanish:Catedralde Nuestra Señora deGuadalupede Ciudad Juárez).
Antigua Presidencia Municipal (Old City Hall)
Right behind the mission and cathedral, you’ll find the old City Hall. This place has a lot of history; it’s been a prison, a military garrison against Apache attacks, and, of course, the city hall.
There’s also a museum nearby, the Museo de la Antigua Presidencia Municipal. It was once the spot for government offices and where peace treaties with the Apaches were signed in the 1800s. Now, it’s a museum and art school. The building’s architecture and interior are interesting to see.
Matachines Dance in Juarez
Every Sunday at 11 am, there’s a traditional dance show at the Centro Municipal de las Artes, just behind the cathedral. When I went, they showcased the Mexican Revolution through 20 dances by the Ballet Folklorico de Ciudad Juarez. The performance included different sets and costumes.
Viva Mexico Show
Restaurante Viva México is a huge, lantern-lit space with lunch & breakfast buffets, plus evening shows of music & horse-riding.
This show runs Thursday through Saturday and includes singing, dancing, mariachi, and horses with rope tricks. The ticket also includes dinner.
Theshow is high quality and showcases music and culture from different regions of Mexico. Arrive at 7:30 for the 9:30 show and order dinner right away so you can have time to enjoy the delicious food before the lights go off and the show begins. Some of the favorites for dinner are Tampiquena de arracheraand the Flautas.
JuárezCityMarket (Mercado)
Located at Agustin Melgar Street and Avenida 16th de Septiembre, the market is a fun, traditional Mexican market geared mostly to tourists. The two-story building is loaded with an endless array of velvet paintings, plaster of Paris statues, jewelry, and other standard-issueMexicansouvenirs.
You’ll also find all kinds of odd things for sale such as the array of dolls above.
In contrast, you’ll also find nice ceramics, glassware, tin mirrors, talavera dishes, and pottery. It is the places you should go to if you plan on buying Mexican handicrafts. The people are very friendly, and many speak English.
If you have never been to a market in Mexico, know that there is a degree of hecticness. This is just part of Mexican culture and it’s like this all over Mexico.
Museumof theRevolution (Museode la Revolucion en La Frontera)
The Museum of the Revolution in the Borderland tells the story of the Mexican Revolution as it happened at the border between El Paso and Juarez from the end of 19th century to 1911 with the Battle (Toma in Spanish) of Ciudad Juárez.
This was a turbulent chapter of history not only for Juarez but all of Mexico and one that transformed Mexican society.
The museum guides visitors through pre-revolutionary Mexico, the 10-year Mexican Revolution war, and the aftermath that still affects Mexico. Most exhibits are in both Spanish and English and this was one of my favorite things in Juarez.
My favorite part of the museum was the photographer exhibit, which focused on the photographers who documented the war. This museum will be a fascinating stop for any history or photography buff.
The museum is free and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m and closed Monday. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Juan Gabriel’s Home
Juan Gabriel (Alberto Aguilera Valadez), who was raised in Juarez, was a renowned Mexican singer, songwriter, and actor. In 2015, Billboard recognized him as one of the 30 most influential Latino artists in history. He is known for reshaping romantic Latin pop music. Following his passing in 2016, his ashes were placed in his Ciudad Juárez home.
While you can’t tour the inside of the home, you can see the beautiful memorial, shrine and home from the outside.
Casa Adobe Museum
The Mexican Revolution was headquartered in CiudadJuarez, on the border between Texas, New Mexico and Chihuahua state for a portion of the war. During this time, it washeadquartered in anadobehouse, which has been reconstructed and made into the Casa Adobe Museum.
The historian/docent is at the museum from 10am-3pm (check the Facebook page because this could be subject to change). The Museum is outside of town, but well worth a visit.
Stand With One Foot in Mexico & One Foot in the United States
The Casa Adobe Museum sits on the border and you’ll also find one of the276 monuments marking the international border, as it extends from El Paso, Texas/Juárez to San Diego/ Tijuana.
I’m standing with one foot in Mexico and one foot in the United States in the below above (and yes, I wish I had worn closed toed shoes or had a pedicure)!
Visit La Equis (The X)
The X sculpture, standing at 200 feet, is a creation of Mexican sculptor Enrique Carbajal González. It’s located on the Rio Grande’s south bank in Plaza de la Mexicanidad, which features green spaces, an acoustical shell, and an open-air theater.
This sculpture symbolizes an Aztec religious icon and the intersection of the two towers in an “X” shape signifies the blend of two cultures in Mexico: the native Aztecs and the Spanish.
Club 15
Club 15, located on Avenue Benito Juarez, is a small, well-known dive bar with a cult-like following. Its walls and ceiling are uniquely decorated with faded Playboy posters, girls in bikini’s and movie star and pin-ups a touch added by a previous owner.
Opening in the 1950s, Club 15, alongside the Kentucky Club, is one of the few downtown bars that withstood the violence from 2008 to 2011, which led to the shutdown of the neighborhood.
The bar is renowned for its intimate ambiance, cast in dim, purple light, and primarily consists of a bar area designed to seat just 15 people, which inspired its name. When visiting, be sure to try the Chihuahua’s beer of choice, Carta Blanca, often likened to the Mexican version of Bud Light.
Try the Street Food
When exploring Juarez, indulging in the local street food is an absolute must. The city’s streets are a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a range of flavors that are both authentic and mouth-watering. Aside from the classic elotes – grilled corn on the cob smothered in a creamy mayo sauce, sprinkled with chili powder, cheese, and a squeeze of lime – there’s a world of other street eats to discover.
Tamales, a staple in Mexican cuisine, are another must-try. These are made with masa (a dough made from corn), filled with meats, cheeses, or fruits, and then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves, steamed to perfection. Each bite offers a taste of traditional Mexican home cooking.
But the street food scene in Juarez isn’t just about the eats; the drinks are equally tantalizing. Horchata, a refreshing milky beverage made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla, is a popular choice to cool down on a hot day. Agua frescas, another favorite, are refreshing beverages mostly made from fruits with sugar and water.
Exploring Juarez’s street food scene is not just about eating; it’s an experience that immerses you in the local culture, allowing you to connect with the city’s vibrant culinary heritage. Each stall and vendor has their own unique story and flavors, making the adventure of trying different foods as enriching as it is delicious.
Tip: In your culinary adventure through Juarez, it’s important to “go with your gut” when choosing where to eat. A good rule of thumb is to look for street carts that appear clean and well-maintained.
Another useful tip is to observe where the locals go. Street food stalls with a line of customers, especially those frequented by residents, are often the best picks. Locals have a keen sense of where to find the tastiest and most authentic dishes, so a busy cart is usually a sign of delicious, trustworthy food.
Take an Organized Tour
Meet a guide at the border of El Paso and Juarez so you can start exploring Mexico and its culture on a 4 hour tour. I recommend booking with Jose at Get Your Guide.
José has been a guide for over 10 years and worked to develop and promote El Paso and Juaréz. This tour can be a combination of both El Paso and Juarez, or you can focus on Juaréz only. You can feel assured he will take you to safe placesand have the best experience.
More Things to do in Juarez
Here are a few things I didn’t have time for, but were on my list. So, on my next trip to Juarez, here are a few things I’d love to do and you should know about if you plan to visit.
Samalayuca Dune Fields
Escape to the Samalayuca Dune Fields to experience the outdoor adventure side of Ciudad Juarez. Situated about 50 kilometers south of Juarez, these expansive dunes stretch across the desert towards the south, southwest, and southeast of the city.
The most impressive part of the dunes is near the village of Samalayuca, where the winds have sculpted the sands into high, dramatic profiles against the backdrop of Cerro de Samalayuca.
This area attracts hundreds of visitors, drawn by the breathtaking desert scenery. Here, you can engage in activities like sandboarding, desert biking, or explore the dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, making it a perfect spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Parque Extremo Trepachanga Eco Park
At Parque Extremo Trepachanga, adventure awaits with a variety of activities to enjoy. This park features numerous hanging bridges, four fields designed for paintball, archery ranges, rock climbing areas, rappelling spots, and a serene botanical garden.
One of the highlights is the exhilarating 1,100-meter zip line. Additionally, the park offers various tracks suitable for all kinds of vehicles, more hanging bridges to explore, diverse paintball and archery fields, multiple rock climbing routes, and the tranquility of a botanical garden, making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Visit Parque Central Hermanos Escobar
Parque Central Hermanos Escobar, established in 1967, is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the city. Located at the intersection of Avenida de la Tecnológico and Avenida Teófilo Borunda, it’s well-known for its expansive grassy and shaded areas, making it an ideal spot for picnics and family outings.
The park features a man-made lake where visitors can enjoy boat rides or watch ducks. Notably, the park even has a giraffe, adding to its unique charm. This well-maintained park is a popular destination for both relaxation and recreation.
La Rodadora
Located within Parque Central Hermanos Escobar, La Rodadora (The Tumbleweed) is a must-visit interactive museum, especially if you’re traveling with children. This museum offers a variety of hands-on activities designed to engage and educate kids. From participating in small plays to taking part in cooking classes, there’s a wide range of interactive experiences that cater to young learners’ curiosity and creativity.
Foods to Try / More Places to Eat
Eat at Juarez’s Best Restaurant: Hacienda Flor Nogal.
Flor de Nogal is Juarez’s first farm-to-table restaurant and is rated as one of the top 120 best restaurants in Mexicoand is the #1 rated Trip Advisor restaurant in Juarez.
For the best burritos in town, you’ll want to head to Burritos el Centenario. For agreat plate of tacos, you’ll want to visit The Kentucky Club.
El Tragaderois very family-friendly and another great option fortacos as well as juicy steaks and many say the best Mexican beans in North America. They also make handmade corn tortillas in the restaurant.
Tortas el Chino is where to head for a great Mexican sandwich served on a roll or bun filled with a wide variety of ingredients including different types of meats and cheeses with beans, avocado, peppers, etc.
The Beer Garden is the place to go forimported, handmade, and regional beer. Toscanna has the best pizza in town and for the best ice cream in town head to La Michoacana.
Note: many of the restaurants don’t have websites, so look on Trip Advisor or search for them on Facebook for hours and reviews.
Where to Stay in Juarez
The Holiday Inn Express inJuarez is just a 5 minutedrivefrom the border and a 10-minute walk from the US consulate. This is a great option if you plan to do an overnight in Juarez.
Do I Need a Passport to Visit Juarez?
Mexico doesn’t check the passports of U.S. citizens when crossing into Juárez by foot. But if you plan to travel by car beyond the city limits, you’ll need a passport to apply for a tourist visa and a vehicle permit.
U.S. citizens can technically return to the U.S. with a U.S. driver’s license or a birth certificate. However, traveling with a passport book or passport card will make crossing faster for both you and everyone in the line behind you.
Plus, rules can change at any time. So, my advise is to bring your passport if you plan to visit Juarez.
How Do I Go from El Paso to Ciudad Juarez?
Getting from El Paso to Juarez is easy, whether on foot, by car, or through an organized tour.
By Foot: You can Uber or park near the border crossing on S. Santa Fe Street for about $4. From there, a bridge on S. El Paso Street leads into Juarez, turning into Avenido Benito Juarez. The walk takes roughly 10 minutes, leading you quickly to local vendors, markets, and more.
By Car: Ensure you have car insurance covering Mexico. The drive involves a Mexican checkpoint, where you may be waved through or briefly stopped for inspection.
On a Tour: For a guided experience, consider a tour with a local guide like José from Get Your Guide. José, with over 10 years of experience, offers tours of both El Paso and Juarez, focusing on safe and culturally rich experiences. These tours last about 4 hours and are a great way to explore the area’s culture and sights.
Check out our guide to the exact location of Juarez!
Is Juarez Safe?
Heard whispers about Juarez being “dangerous”? Let’s talk facts. Yes, the US State Department does caution about certain areas. Mainly, the “Valley of Juarez” and venturing out at night. But here’s the thing: most of the violence has been tied to drug cartels and focused on locals, not tourists.
So, is Juarez safe to visit? My answer from my experience is yes, with a side of common sense. Think about it: you wouldn’t wear flashy jewelry in Rome, right? Same principle applies here. Keep it casual, stick to the bustling city center, avoid late-night bar crawls, and don’t be a walking ATM. It’s basic travel safety 101.
Need extra peace of mind? Hire a local guide or join a tour. A quick internet search or even asking Juarez tourism can hook you up. They’re eager to showcase their city’s charms.
Bottom line: if you’re in El Paso, consider a Juarez day trip. This vibrant city is more than just headlines. It’s delicious tacos, pulsing music, and history etched in every corner. Just pack your common sense, ditch the anxiety, and get ready to be surprised by Juarez. You won’t regret it.
Recommended Mexico Travel Resources
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads.
- Best Sites to Research Flight Prices: CheapOAir and Skyscanner
- Research the Best Hotels in Mexcio (Reviews):Hotels.com and TripAdvisor
- Brush up on your Spanish with a Free lesson with Babbel
- Cheap Flights to Mexico with Volaris Airlines
