We are staying in San Diego at the end of September. Is it worth going to Tijuana? I like the idea of Mexico, but some digging on the net has revealed nothing positive about it. Lucy Cosgrove, London

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: It may be just 16 miles south of San Diego, but Tijuana is a world away from the immaculate gentrification of southern California. And it is true that it's an odd place ­ a developing world city squished right up against the US border like that, it is bound to be. But still, a visit can be a lot of fun, and as it is just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, it would be a shame not to go.

Tijuana had a population of just 300 people at the turn of the century, and now it's ballooned to almost two million, so don't expect anything too petite or pretty.

The main drag is the somewhat raucous Revolution Avenue, which is all bars, "authentic" Mexican restaurants, and souvenir shops. There are always a fair few inebriated young Americans here, making the most of the more liberal liquor laws in Mexico ­ with its minimum drinking age of 18, instead of 21 in the states. This carries on a tradition, as Tijuana grew hugely during the US prohibition-era.

If you don't go expecting hacienda-style Mexico, it is a busy city, colourful, noisy, and in its way, very Mexican. Shopping is very colourful and away from the main street things are much calmer.

A good place to eat, with a great atmosphere, and very good Mexican food, is the Cien Anos (1407 Jose Maria Velasco). It's less than a mile from the border, and yet away from the mayhem of the Revolution Avenue.

To get to Tijuana, catch the trolley ­ now nicknamed the "Tijuana Trolley" - from Downtown San Diego to San Ysidro, the last stop. It's right next to the US order post. UK and EU citizens don't need a visa for Mexico, and the one-way trolley fare is £1.50.

Times recommends

• Travel advice: what to do if your flight is disrupted
• Top 10 unmissable events in 2010
• Seven spa breaks for January