Tijuana Arch, Tijuana

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the huge Tijuana Arch welcomes you to the tourist center of Tijuana or Zona Centro (the other main areas of Tijuana are the Zona Rio or business district and the Zona Norte or the infamous red light district). Start on First Street under the new Tijuana Arch at the bottom of Avenida Revolucion, its point closest to the United States. Straight ahead, facing south, lies the whole, long length of one of the most-shopped streets in the world. the arch signals the start of the tourist trap or rather the touristy area of Tijuana so that if you turn left at the arch and you'll be on Avenida De Revolucion, the city's main shopping and tourist street. You can see the Tijuana arch from almost anywhere in town, and it's the landmark to head back to if you get lost, or if you're ready to go home back to California hehehe.

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Turn left at the arch and you'll be on Avenida Revolucion, the city's main street. You can see the arch from almost anywhere in town, and it's the landmark to head back to if you get lost, or if you're ready to go home, so use it to your advantage.

A sign hangs from the arch and says "Bienvenidos a Tijuana" (Welcome to Tijuana)

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One of the first sights you see as you walk into Tijuana. Didn't think it was particularly amazing!, but its around this area that you start to see the difference between life in San Diego, and life in Tijuana. The difference can be quite shocking!

You must see the Tijuana Arch, not necessarily because it is a "must see," rather, because it is so tall that it can be seen all over the city. I know next to nothing about this arch and am not into steel structures--I didn't even go up the Eiffel Tower in Paris!

However, this is a great landmark for touists, on two levels. First, if lost, the Arch could be used as a guide-line for finding one's way. Second, there is a huge screen in the center of the Arch one could watch while sitting on a near by bench waiting for friends and family who want to continue shopping.

You can find this huge, made of metal arch on my picture in northern part of la Revo. It's called El Arco / Reloj Monumental and it's a representative symbol of modern Tijuana. It's well seen from the bridge (for pedastrians) over the Tijuana River and it maybe a good orientation point wherever you are in Tijuana.

Btw do you know any other such arches around the world? Where?
I saw one in Paris: La Grande Arche in de La Defense district. :-).