Fun Things to Do in Ciudad Juarez: Attractions and Tours (2024)

"Why would I vist Ciudad Juarez?" you might ask

Let's face it: Ciudad Juarez doesn't have the best of reputations, and while there's probably some truth in what you may have heard the city has changed quite a bit in the past years.

Eating real Mexican food is just one of the reasons to check out Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua is just a short walk from El Paso (for real: you can just walk across the border, like I did), and besides authentic Mexican food there are plenty of cultural and natural attractions. Locals are genuinely friendly too.

All this to say that there are many things to do in Ciudad Juarez, most of them family friendly, and can be done in a day or two.

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Where is Ciudad Juarez?

Ciudad Juarez- formerly known as El Paso del Norte (The Pass of the North)- is the most populous city in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It lies on the Rio Grande, right at the border between Mexico and United States, opposite the city of El Paso in Texas.

Together with the surrounding area, El Paso and Ciudad Juarez comprise the second largest bi-national metropolitan area on the Mexico-U.S. border with a combined population of over 2.7 million people.

Ciudad Juarez Crime

In past years violence in Ciudad Juarez was extremely high and something to worry about when planning a travel to Mexico, but not anymore. Most of the criminal activity was directly related to illegal drug trafficking, and was mainly occurring within factions of various drug cartels.

Ciudad Juarez as seen from El Paso

Since 2010 (a year later it was considered the world's most dangerous city by theUN Global Homicide Report) Ciudad Juárez has turned into a rising tourist destination and a great place to get a real taste of Mexico.

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Nightlife in Ciudad Juarez is nothing closed to what it was back in the 90s, and while it's still alive with clubs and bars to check out, they are no longer close to the border as they used to be as many areas do become dangerous.

Make sure you know where you're going and you will have a great time, but wandering off the safe zones could run you into trouble.

In present days, the city is like most others when it comes to safety, and it's one you can visit at ease as I've experienced. This said you might want to consider using anti theft travel gear (like I do) to explore the city, which you can use anywhere else in the world.

Ciudad Juarez Weather

In Juarez the summers are hot and the winters are short and cold. It’s dry and clear most of time with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year.

Considering humidity, temperatures feel very pleasant and the best time to come for outdoor activities is between April and June.

The busiest months for tourism are January, May and June.

What to Do in Ciudad Juarez?

Besides being a border crossing town, it’s an important cultural and business center, full of tourist attractions to keep you busy for at least an entire day.

If you want to keep things simple this guided walking tour of Juarez will take you to the best attractions in the city, but you can also explore Juarez on your own.

You can find everything from archaeological sites, parks and white sand dunes, to historical monuments and buildings. Read along and learn what there is to do.

The Cathedral of Ciudad Juarez & Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission

Established in 1659, our Lady of Guadalupe Mission is considered “The Queen of the Missions” for being the first of the Northern Passage.

The cathedral in Ciudad Juarez

Nowadays, is still preserved and open on special occasions. Visitors often come here to admire its beautiful adobe walls, wood beams and palm tree trunks.

In the 40’s the growth of the congregation was such that the small mission was not sufficient so a large cathedral was built next to it. With its neoclassical style, twin bell towers and high ceilings, the Cathedral is a must-see attraction when visiting Juarez.

Casa de Adobe Museum

Located in the outskirts of the city, accessible by a dirt road and sitting a few feet away from the Rio Grande lies the Casa de Adobe.

The Casa de Adobe in Juarez. The border with the US is right besides it.

Unfortunately, the original structure was destroyed on a fire, but a new house was set to educate people about the Revolution’s importance and its impact on the country.

The house holds some artifacts and is decorated with pieces from the time.

The Museum of the Revolution in the Border

This museum, also known as the former Customs Building, has been the site of several historic events. It dates back to the 19^th century and was inaugurated on September 1889 as the border checkpoint between Mexico and U.S.

The former border control building, today a museum.

It features nine thematic axes related to how Juarez lived the Mexican Revolution. Here you can discover who the players were and learn their history. The museum takes you through a chronological journey of the Revolution and includes photos and artifacts from the period.

Which are the Best Outdoor Activities in Ciudad Juarez?

Ciudad Juarez is a city, sure, but many of it's attractions are outdoors. Definitely those that are most fun if you're visiting with kids, but adults won't be left behind.

Samalayuca Dune Fields

This is a place where you can completely forget about the past violence in Ciudad Juarez. Hundreds of visitors come from the surroundings to appreciate the beauty of this desert landscape.

No sandboarding for me, but I did enjoy the views. Some of them are up to 40 m (around 120 ft) high!

Located just 29 miles from the city’s downtown, it is a great destination for extreme sports enthusiasts. But if that doesn’t appeal to you, simply enjoy the scenery on a guided walk tour.

Mercado Ciudad Juarez

To get a true feeling of Mexican culture you need to visit the market area in Juarez. Located around the Cathedral and Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission is the best place to get a glimpse of everyday life.

Goods may range from typical Mexican souvenirs and themed trinkets to high quality artisan-made glassware, pottery and jewelry. Merchants are friendly and most of them speak English.

There are also street musicians, zoot-suited dancers and plentiful food vendors selling everything imaginable.

Central Park Hermanos Escobar

Established in 1967, this park is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. The park is well-maintained and encompasses a lot of grassy and shaded areas. There’s even a man made lake where you can take a boat ride or spot some ducks.

Food in Ciudad Juarez

Without a doubt one of the best things to do in Ciudad Juarez is to eat authentic Mexican food at a fraction of the price of what it would cost across the border you left behind.

This is what the place looks like. Surprising, I know.

Did you know that it si generally accepted that burritos were invented in Ciudad Juarez? And of all the places in town where you can eat them insiders say that the best- which also stick to the original recipe- are those found at a car wash: Burritos Crisostomo.

Great flavors make these some of the best burritos I've had in Mexico

Kentucky Bar in Ciudad Juarez

Oh yes, I did enjoy the Margarita

There are several bars in Mexico that claim to be the birthplace of the Margarita, but only Kentucky Bar has the official certification by the Guiness Book of world records.

You'll also see photos of the man behind it, and if for a few minutes you can imagine how famous stars like John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Jack Dempsey felt when they were here.

But if you’re looking for a more refined meal visit Hacienda Flor Nogal. From fish tacos to steaks and lambs every dish is amazing and something that any foodie would enjoy. Save room for the dessert and order a few different things to share.

What are Some Fun Things to Do in Ciudad Juarez With Kids?

The dunes in Samalayuca will definitely be a big hit among kids, Casa de Adobe should be fun too, but there are also some fine museums you should definitely check out.

Trepachanga Eco-Adventure Park

This is the only extreme sports park in town and one of the best things to do in Juarez with kids. You’ll find all kind of activities to suit everyone’s desires.

Flying above the trees in Copper Canyon, and enjoying every bit of it!

The main attraction here is the thrilling 1,100 meters (!) zip line, but there are also several tracks for all type of vehicles, hanging bridges, paintball and archery fields, rock climbing routes and a botanical garden (if this is what you like I recommend you next visit Copper Canyon, also in Chihuahua).

You won’t get bored here, seriously. Fun is guaranteed for the entire family.

La Rodadora

It is one of the largest museums in Latin America and the perfect place to bring your kids to learn in a recreational way about the local culture and environment.

The museum’s facilities include several exhibitions halls, a 3D room, library and a food area.

El Chamizal

This lovely outdoor park has extensive green areas, a skating rink, jogging paths, and even a swimming area. The Archeology Museum is located here and showcases various items and paintings from the country’s pre-Hispanic cultures.

This is the perfect place to have memorable family time and learn about the region's culture.

Where to Stay in Ciudad Juarez?

I recommend Hotel Lucerna, and I can’t think of a better hotel in Juarez where to stay at. It’s just 5 minutes away from the U.S. border and has all the amenities you might want including a gym and pool. *Check Rates*

My room at Hotel Lucerna

Yet Juarez has its fair share of local and international hotels. If you’re a first time visitor you might prefer to stay in a touristy area, but if you’re a solo traveler, a local neighborhood could be more interesting.

Some areas have everything you need within walking distance, but the hotels may be more expensive.

How Do I Go from El Paso to Ciudad Juarez?

Driving into Juarez can be quite time consuming so the fastest way is to start from Downtown El Paso and then walk to the border checkpoint.

It takes about 15 minutes and the entrance fee is just $.50.