Ciudad Juárez sits directly across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas, connected by several international bridges and functioning as one of the world's largest border communities. It is Chihuahua state's most populous city and a major manufacturing centre. The city gained a difficult international reputation in the 2000s due to cartel violence, though the security situation has improved considerably since.
For visitors from El Paso, crossing the Puente Paso del Norte puts you directly on Avenida Juárez, a half-mile of shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and music stands. The colonial churches around the Plaza Principal are genuine and unhurried: the Catedral and the Misión de Guadalupe are worth the visit. The Museo Histórico in the old Customs House building is free and covers the Mexican Revolution — fitting given that the final battle was fought on these streets in 1911 and the peace treaties were signed here. The Mercado Juárez is the best place for lunch and local crafts.