How to spend one day in León, from the best places to eat to the most beautiful things to see.
Located in the Northwest part of Nicaragua, the vibrant university city of León is a gem in the generally under-appreciated Central American country. Although not as aesthetically stunning as other regional cities (e.g., Antigua, Granada), León packs a cultural punch and a beauty that lies under the surface. This gritty, cathartic city, a window into authentic Central American urban life, is a must-visit on your next trip through the region.
Ideally, 3 or 4 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in León if you want to soak up all that it has to offer and take a day trip to see the stunning natural surroundings (Las Peñitas, Cerro Negro, etc.) I spent a month in León and still was discovering hidden gems during my last few days. If you only have a day, here is a great itinerary to experience the diversity of León in just 24 hours!
One day in León? ¡Vámanos!
Quick Facts about León
Before we get into the itinerary, let's go over some quick facts and figures about this beautiful colonial city.
Population: ~213,000 people. Although it is Nicaragua’s second largest city (behind Managua), practically all of the tourist attractions are concentrated in the area surrounding the central plaza in the historic center. It is very flat and walable (watch out for rogue bikes and taxi drivers!) and all of the sights are within walking distance from each other.
Language: Spanish. I recommend brushing up on basic Spanish before you come as many Leones do not speak English with confidence. Locals are extremely welcoming and patient when you try to speak to them in spanish.
Money: Nicaragua's currency is the Nicaraguan Córdoba. As of today, 1 USD = 36.60 NIO (Check current exchange rate here). Some businesses accept USD and almost all ATM's (cajero) give out both USD and NIO. Look for BAC Credomatic ATMs for the best exchange rate.
Climate: León is extremely hot. In March and April, temperatures reach over 104F (40C) and the humidity is high throughout the year. The rainy season is July-October (almost daily rains in September and October), while the dry season occurs between January-June. Bring a good sun hat and sunscreen or you will regret it, the heat here is not something to be taken lightly.
Transport to and from León: If you are flying into Nicaragua, León is a two hour ride from the international airport in Managua. Reach out to your accommodation for shuttle options. If you are traveling between destinations by land, there are several transport options:
Shared tourist shuttles (preferred option for most travelers) travel between cities and other destinations daily. Check hostels for the best information and pricing.
Chicken buses: Public buses, known as “chicken buses” throughout Central America, are the cheapest and most authentic way to travel between destinations. Hot, overpacked, and slow, this option is an unforgettable one that is an adventure all by itself. Ask around for timetables and pricing as it is not readily available and changes. Note: I have traveled via chicken bus in various Central American countries and never once felt unsafe. However, I avoided taking them in and around Managua as they are known to be unsafe for tourists.
Safety: León is generally regarded as the safest city in Nicaragua. As a university city, it is filled with young people and the atmosphere is always lively. In a month living there, I walked at night multiple times by myself and did not feel uncomfortable once. (Disclaimer: I am a well-built young male so I can only speak from that experience.) As in any place in Central America, do not be overly obvious with expensive jewelry or technology and avoid poorly lit streets at night. It is important to avoid any political demonstration that may be going on in the city. León is known as a revolutionary city and there might be protests or demonstrations going on at any given time. Avoid them and do not take any videos or photos.
WHERE TO EAT IN LEÓN, NICARAGUA
The food of León is diverse, flavorful, and some of the best in Central America. Famous dishes from Nicaragua include nacatamales, caldo de baho, and the iconic gallo pinto. As León is a large city, you can find cuisine from all over the world if you know where to look. Here are my favorite spots for one day of eating!
Breakfast: Pan y Paz
Is it the most traditional spot in León? No. Does it have a great atmosphere and incredible food? Yes. The high quality of the ingredients is evident, the pastries are artisanally made, and the breakfast menu has a great selection. I recommend the Nica breakfast with your choice of pastry and coffee. Plus, the location is unbeatable, less than a block from the Cathedral and surrounded by other shops and restaurants.
Lunch: Comedor Doña Estela
Amazing traditional eatery just a few blocks north of the historic center. Everything on the menu is tasty but the fried chicken is especially renowned. There’s a reason why it’s always one of the top rated restaurants in the city.
Dinner: El Mirador
This classic dinner and bar is perfect for mixing with locals and watching the sunset. Located on the second floor of a building within the pedestrianized center, the menu has a wide selection and the drinks are cheap. Originally recommended to me by local friends and definitely worth the visit.
Nightlife: Bigfoot Hostel
My recommendation for nightlife would be to visit Bigfoot Hostel, if you are not already staying there. It is the premier destination for anything backpacker or traveler-related; they organize pub crawls and other events, and it is generally a great place to meet other travelers. When I went out to bars with local friends, we always stuck to the bars in between the cathedral and the Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián.
Street Food: La comida callejera is fairly ubiquitous around León; every plaza offers something new to try. It is generally advised to stay away from meat that has been left out without proper refrigeration, but if you stick to vegetarian and dessert plates you will have no worries. Aside from the plazas, the main area for street food is the first street north of the main cathedral. Disclaimer: I tried a burrito de carne from Al rinconcito mexicano and it was absolutely incredible - although I didn’t feel too good a couple hours later.
WHAT TO SEE IN LEÓN, NICARAGUA
Tourist attractions in León are closely packed together, giving travelers the opportunity to explore them quickly. Here are some of my favorite places to visit while in León.
Considered by some to be the largest cathedral in Central America, this brilliant white building is the focal point of any visit to Leon. It is the heart of the city and urban life revolves and spreads itself out from its four corners. The real highlight is climbing to the roof, where views stretch to the Pacific Ocean on one side and massive volcanoes on the other. It only costs about 3$ to explore the roof on your own, although be aware that you have to remove your shoes before entering. I recommend going in the morning to beat the heat and the glaring heat that reflects sharply off of the white exterior.
Other churches: León is known for its vast number of churches, seemingly on every street corner. If you enjoy exploring the religious side of this colonial city, here are five of my other favorite churches around León.
Iglesia de San Francisco https://maps.app.goo.gl/8FLqFzYcau6LJkJB8
Iglesia de la Merced https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZSVPT1ssVrF8Hp8f6
Iglesia de la Recolección https://maps.app.goo.gl/tpLCuXeH2BmCrE6U7
Iglesia de Sutiava https://maps.app.goo.gl/rDatz1AoqDzkPCmDA
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBHCJFPLF7SV2jZk6
This was far and away the best museum in the city, and one of the best collections of contemporary art in Central America. Rooms are spread out in open-air courtyards, seamlessly blending inside and out, and generally divided into sections based on era and region. Alongside well-known masters such as Diego Rivera, Pablo Picasso, and Juan Miró, make sure to visit the rooms dedicated to Nicaraguan artists as well. Admission is only 3$-5$.
If you are only here for one day, you might only have time for one of these museums. For the more politically-minded traveler, the Museum of the Revolution gives viewers an intimate look into León’s involvement in the Sandinista Revolution, often guided by a former member of the FSLN. The Museum of Traditions and Legends, set inside an old Somoza-era prison, is a unique exhibit that displays how myths and storytelling have evolved throughout the centuries. Definitely the more off-the-beaten trail option.
Enjoy the Historic Center
Possibly the best activity to experience authentic life in León is to spend time in and around Parque Central. Highlighted by the Cathedral of Leon, the central plaza is filled with delicious food stands, souvenirs, and sometimes thousands of pigeons. Walk the pedestrian-only streets surrounding the cathedral, from the splendid Mercado Central (the best place for fruit, clothes, and everything in between!), to the murals and monuments commemorating the Sandinista movement. I recommend the elote at any of the stands selling it, as well as trying exotic fruits at the market. (Note: at the market and souvenir stands, haggling is crucial in getting a more fair price.)
Not sure how to get this done in one day? You're about to find out!
SAMPLE 1-DAY ITINERARY: LEÓN, NICARAGUA
Wake up early and hit the streets of León as early as possible to beat the incoming heat. My first stop would be the rooftop tour of the cathedral, as the sun is less intense and the views are usually more expansive. This will be your first of many sightings of the central plaza. After the tour, explore the inside of the cathedral and begin walking the streets. The areas around the cathedral are always lively, gritty, and with a unique energy that I have felt in few other places. On your morning stroll, you will likely pass many cathedrals - try and count how many you can spot!
Stop in for breakfast at Pan y Paz and enjoy the cool (thank you, air conditioning) environment and great food. If you are still hungry after, Batidos Pitaya right next door serves great smoothies and açai bowls.
Take a peek in the Mercado Central to snag local art, food, or fake Jordans. This is a great time to practice your spanish! Once you have walked through the maze-like interior of the market, head west towards the Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián, passing the beautiful Iglesia de Merced and Iglesia de San Francisco. There is a lot to see in the museum so block out a couple hours in your itinerary to enjoy it fully. For another museum right next door, check out the Ruben Darío Registry Museum, exhibiting the poet's work in his former home.
For lunch, head up north to Comedor Doña Estela to enjoy the most authentic Nicaraguan cuisine. Stop by the Iglesia de la Recolección or Parque San Juan on the way. The heat and humidity will likely be intense so a refresco or cerveza might be a necessary side for the meal. After lunch, walk back towards the center to take in another piece of culture through a museum. Here, you might have to choose between the Museum of Traditions and Legends and the Museum of the Revolution. If you are ambitious, you can squeeze them both in! Relaxing on a bench and “people watching” is another great option at this time.
As dusk draws closer (the sun sets fairly consistently around 6 pm through the year here), make your way to El Mirador to enjoy the sunset, a cold beer, and a great atmosphere. After dinner, walk to Bigfoot Hostel where the party will just be getting started. Or, if that’s not your thing, grab an ice cream from a vendor and enjoy the views of the cathedral at night before heading back to your accommodation.
FINAL WORDS
León is a must-visit city during your travels to Nicaragua. From rich cultural history, a buzzing contemporary art scene, and mouthwatering food, León has enough to keep any traveler entertained. If you only have one day, this itinerary will let you see the best of what this city has to offer. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
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