Juarez is located in mainland Mexico and is known as the home to the Mexican vaquero (cowboy) culture. During the 1990’s Juarez gained a reputation as a violent city and the perception hasn’t shifted much. So, is Juarez safe to visit in 2024? The bottom line is yes, but there are a few things you need to know.
In this article, I share my personal experience visiting Juarez during a trip I took to El Paso, my favorite things to do in Juarez, the best restaurants, and of course how to have a safe visit in Juarez.
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Juarez, (Spanish: Ciudad Juárez) is the most populous city in the Mexican state of Chihuahua and is located in the middle of the Chihuahuan Desert. Juarez borders El Paso, Texas and it’s here that the Rio Grande River separates Mexico and United States borders.
Juarez may not be one of Mexico’s popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta, but if you are visiting El Paso, it is a really fun day trip!
Juarez – El Paso History
It’s impossible to talk about the history of Juarez, Mexico without also talking about the history of El Paso, Texas. As I mentioned above, the Rio Grande River separates the Mexico–United States border and there are many facts that are very interesting about how the two cities were formed and the role this river played in forming each town:
- Four decades before the Mayflower reached Plymouth Rock, a dozen missionaries led by a Franciscan friar and a Spanish army captain set out on horseback from a Chihuahua village, determined to find the river that was said to lie to the north.
- The expedition went on to find the Rio Grande (Spanish: Rio Bravo). They also found a low pass between the sharp peaks of the Franklin Mountains and the Mexican Sierras, a natural gateway to the north. This pass was later named El Paso del Norte by the missionaries who used it on their way to colonize Juarez and what is now the southwestern United States.
- For the next 100 years, the border-defining river,the Rio Grande would meander, flood and retreat.
- What we know as El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico were once two villages that sprung from a 17th-century settlement but were not located in two countries.
- There was a border conflictoverabout 600 acres on the Mexico–United States border betweenEl Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. It was causedbya shift in theRio Grande.
- In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo made the Rio Grande the boundary between Mexico and the United States and the two parts of town suddenly found themselves villages in different countries.
- In 1850, the historic name El Paso became the sole possession of the little railroad town on the north side of the river, located at the western tip of Texas.
- On September 16, 1888, El Paso del Norte was renamed Ciudad Juárez, in honor of Benito Juarez, Mexico’s Indian Abraham Lincoln and leader of the liberal revolution.
Related Article: Where is Juarez? Details of the location and so much more!
Safety When Traveling in Juarez (or anywhere)
You should not have much to worry about as long as you follow common sense. I personally wouldn’t walk around certain parts of New York, Chicago or Detroit, or any big city for that matter at night alone.
I have to be honest. I researched Juarez before I decided to cross the border. I’ve heard the stories about the violence and admit that I was a little worried. On the flip side, I lived in San Diego for over 10 years. Tijuana, Mexico is a border town to San Diego. So, I am no stranger to living in a U.S. border city. Tijuana, like Juarez, went through some bad years, but both cities have worked hard to bring safety and tourism back to their towns.
Like most cities, the right parts of Juarez are friendly and safe. If you stay in busy areas it should be both a safe and an enjoyable visit.
A few recommendations for a safe visit to Juarez:
- Don’t travel alone. This is especially true for solo female travelers.
- Hire a local guide or book an organized tour.
- Don’t display obvious wealth (expensive jewelry for example).
- Visit during daylight hours.
- Stick to busy areas.
- If you’re traveling to out-of-the-way places in Juarez take an Uber.
- Brush up on your Spanish.
- Staying clear of any illegal activity, particularly involving drug purchase/smuggling (hopefully this one is an obvious good choice because neither American nor Mexican prisons are very enticing places to spend a vacation).
- Get good travel insurance. I like World Nomads because you can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home.
- Check with the U.S. Department of State to make sure Mexico and Juarez specifically is considered safe for U.S. citizensto travel here:travel.state.gov.
To be fair to Juarez, Mexico, most of the above are practices I would use in most major U.S. cities. If you avoid venturing out alone into suspicious areas of the town, particularly after dark, you should be safe in this quaint border town.
Prioritize safety during your trip
While the Mexican people are generally friendly, safety remains a priority. Stay vigilant, avoid flaunting valuables, and consider using pickpocket-proof garments or hidden pocket scarves for added security. I personally like the bra wallets that are out there.
What Does Wikipedia Say About Safety in Juarez?
In past years, criminal activity in Juarez, as well as the city and state of Chihuahua, in general, was extremely high and something to worry about, but not anymore.
Most of the past violence in Juarez is directlyrelated to illegal drug trafficking. However, the city has been able to turn this around remarkably fast since 2011. Massive purges of corrupt officials took place as well as direct and decisive actions by the federal government to catch and imprison high-level criminals by bringing the Mexican army into the city. Juarez is safe. it is safer than many U.S. cities, especially for tourists.
My Personal Experience Visiting Juarez
Having lived in San Diego during college and again in the mid 2000’s, which borders Tijuana, Mexico I was very excited to see the similarities and differences to Juarez. Tijuana was founded as a city in1889, just one year after Juarez, but the cities are distinctly different.
I found that Juarez, was a more traditional Mexican town, with a center square and park. It also felt much smaller than Tijuana and less metropolitan. It is said that Juarez is the most traditional of the border towns in Mexico.
I visited Juarez in a group and with a local, which I know can make a big difference. I have to say, at no point did I feel unsafe or worried. I truly enjoyed my visit to Juarez and would visit again.
Getting There
Juarez is just across the border from El Paso, Texas. It is very simple and short walk or quick drive to cross the border and before you know it you’ll find street vendors, markets, restaurants, and bars and if you are lucky you might even run into a group of zoot-suited dancers.
Crossing by Foot:
You can Uber to the border, or park about a block away from the crossing on S. Santa Fe Street. Parking runs about $4. You can cross via a bridge on S. El Paso Street that turns into Avenido Benito Juarez after you cross into Juarez. It takes about 10 minutes to walk across.
Crossing by Car:
If you drive into Juarez, buy car insurance that covers Mexico. When you cross, you’ll be going through a Mexican checkpoint. Most likely, they will wave you through. They might stop and ask a question or two, or possibly ask you to pull over for a quick inspection to make sure you aren’t bringing anything illegal or commercial goods for sale.
On 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.
What you Need to Know:
- When you cross back to the United States, you’ll need to pay four pesos to leave Mexico.
- Bring your passport with you, or if you have one, a Global Entry card.
Things to do in Juarez
Visit Historic Downtown
This historic downtown of Juarez is Plaza de Armas and encompasses a city park, the first mission built in the El Paso-Juarez area, and their beautiful cathedral. This is the center of the city for locals, especially on Sunday when they come to church, enjoy the cultural performances and savor the delicious foods being sold by vendors.
Mision de Guadalupe & Our Lady ofGuadalupe Cathedral
The Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Mission church is the oldest between Chihuahua City and Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was the first structure in El Paso del Norte, now Juarez. Built in 1659, it originally stood across the Rio Grande.
This mission is a key part of the Mission Trail, influencing other missions in the area. Juarez celebrates its founding on December 8th, marking the day in 1659 when this mission was first built. Right next to it is the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral.
Matachines Dance in Juarez
Every Sunday at 11 am you will find a traditional dance performance at the Centro Municipal de las Artes. The building is located on the street behind the cathedral. The production during my visit focused on the Mexican Revolution and included 20 dances performed by the Ballet Folklorico de Ciudad Juarez. It was a wonderfully choreographed performance with set and costume changes.
Viva Mexico Show
The Viva Mexico Show, from Thursday to Saturday, features singing, dancing, mariachi, and horse rope tricks, with dinner included. It’s held at Restaurante Viva México and highlights music and culture from various Mexican regions. It’s best to arrive at 7:30 for the 9:30 show to order and enjoy dinner before it starts. Popular dinner choices are Tampiquena de arrachera and Flautas.
Visit the Kentucky Club
The Kentucky Club in Juarez, opened in 1920 during U.S. prohibition, is famous for its history and claim to have invented the margarita.
It was once considered one of the finest bars in town and is known for its memorabilia and photos of celebrities like John Wayne and Steve McQueen. While there are various stories about the origin of the margarita, the Kentucky Club is a notable place to visit for a glimpse of the past and a great margarita.
Museumof theRevolution (Museode la Revolucion en La Frontera)
The Museum of the Revolution in the Borderland focuses on the Mexican Revolution, particularly the events at the El Paso-Juarez border from the late 19th century to the Battle of Ciudad Juárez in 1911.
It covers the period before the revolution, the decade-long war, and its lasting impacts on Mexico. The exhibits are in both Spanish and English. A highlight is the photography exhibit, showcasing the photographers who documented the war. This museum is especially interesting for those into history or photography.
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 grew up in Juarez and was a Mexican singer, songwriter,and actor.In 2015, Billboard listed Gabriel among his list of the 30 most influential Latino artists in history, and is considered to have redefined the concept of romantic Latin pop music. After his death in 2016,his ashes were laid to rest at his home inCiudad Juárez.
Visit La Equis (The X)
The X sculpture is a 200-foot-tall art installation designed by Mexican sculptor Enrique Carbajal González. The sculpture sits on the south bank of the Rio Grande in the Plaza de la Mexicanidad, a public square that includes grassy areas, an acoustical shell, and an outdoor theater.
The Sculpture is an Aztec religious symbol and the two towers intersect in an “X” shape representing the merging of two cultures in Mexico: the indigenous Aztecs and the Spanish.
JuárezCityMarket (Spanish: 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.
Casa Adobe Museum
The Mexican Revolution had its headquarters in an adobe house in Ciudad Juarez, now the Casa Adobe Museum. This museum is located on the border, near one of the 276 monuments marking the border from El Paso/Juárez to San Diego/Tijuana.
It’s possible to stand with one foot in Mexico and one in the United States here.
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.
Where to eat in Juarez
Flor de 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.
Oscar Herrera, head chef, and owner is creating delicious food with an ever-changing menu based on his farm’s ingredients.The quality of the service is exceptional, but of course, it’s always ultimately about the food.
Chef Herrera makes homemade bread that is cooked in a woodfire oven and served with homemade butter, pesto basil with pecans from his farm, and sea salt from Baja California. This is what you’ll experience before you have the chance to order from the small, but seasonal menu.
Entrees include fresh fish of the day, rack of lamb, and twists on some Mexican favorites.
It takes a little bit of a drive to find the hacienda, as it’s outside of the main historic district, so you’d need to drive or take an Uber. But, it is well worth the excursion and a dinner you will long remember!
More Food Options
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 the best Mexican beans in North America. They also make handmade corn tortillas in the restaurant.
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.
Street Food
With most border towns I have visited in Mexico, I have not had any issues with street food. This being said, always ask if the water is purified. Eat from street vendors that have long lines (that are popular). You can always ask a local for recommendations as well.
It’s worth the effort, because like so many countries around the world, street food can be the most delicious!
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.
Learn About Juarez’s Part in the Mexican Revolution
The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910, ended dictatorship in Mexico and established aconstitutionalrepublic. A number of groups, led by revolutionaries including Francisco Madero, Pascual Orozco, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata, participated in the long conflict. The revolution gave rise to Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata as revolutionary heroes of the poor.
The Mexican Revolution started and ended in Juarez.Major battles of theMexican Revolutionwere plotted inEl Pasoand fought inJuárez. When warfare broke out in the streets of Juarez in 1911 it is documented that bleachers were set up in El Paso, where people watched the fighting.
The armed struggle, which lasted from 1910 to 1920, transformed Mexican society and sparked a massive migration of Mexicans to the United States that remade the demographics of cities in the American Southwest.
The war also spurred new movements in art, literature, journalism, photography and radical notions of land reform that spread across Latin America.resulted in a boom in journalism, with reporters covering the violence and political unrest of the day. It also led to photojournalists, like British-born Jimmy Hare, coming to Mexico to experiment with the latest camera technology to capture scenes of war.
Learn More About theMexican Revolution
WHEN TO VISIT JUAREZ
Average temperatures in Juarez vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very nice much of the year, but hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year.The busiest month for tourism in Juarez, Mexico is June, followed by May and January.
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Day Trips from Juarez & Top Tours
I love to do a combination of exploring on my own as well as a few organized tours when I travel. I love to learn about the history and culture in a new location and tours with local experts is a great way to do this.
I recommend Get Your Guide because you can cancel most bookings for free up to 24 hours before they start and their customer service is available 24/7 in multiple languages.
In conclusion, while Juarez has faced challenges related to violent crime in the past, the Mexican government has implemented significant measures to enhance safety, particularly in tourist areas.
For U.S. citizens, especially those considering a visit from the Texas border, it’s essential to stay informed about the current situation and choose the safest places for an enjoyable experience.
By making well-informed decisions and heeding official recommendations, visiting Juarez can be a rewarding experience, and opting for the best safety practices remains the best option for American citizens exploring this Mexico border town.
What to Bring for a Trip to Juarez
- Get theDK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Mexico
- Juarez can be very hot, so make sure to bring Neutrogena Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum Spf 45
- A great cross body travel bag. Cross body bags prevent theft and are much easier to access.
. Cross body bags prevent theft and are much easier to access.Looking for more about Juarez? Check out fellow blogger, Gary House’s article Visiting Juárez Mexico for a Great Day of Food, Fun and History
This trip was hosted by Juarez Tourism and I was a guest at many of the above locations,but as always, all opinions are my own!
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Recommended Mexico Travel Resources
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads.
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