Léon is Nicaragua’s second largest city, though it’s much less commercial and touristy than Granada. Despite being a city of more than 200,000 people, Léon still retains its genuine charm, mainly through its intense passion for poetry. Poetry and literature are at Léon’s core – locals honor their poet saints with monuments and vigils often held in public squares. Léon is also home to Nicaragua’s first university, which gives the city an energetic buzz that can’t be found anywhere else. It is considered the ground zero for the Sandinista movement and has memorials around town to commemorate its importance in Nicaraguan history. Léon is a fierce reminder of why we love Nicaragua so much- from volcano surfing at nearby hills to participating in political protests, Léon shows us how raw and undiluted Nicaraguans live life to the fullest!
- Sight Seeing 85%
- Culture 95%
- Activities 100%
- Nightlife 70%
Our love affair with Léon started on Valentine’s day. We arrived pretty late (as usual) and could not resist getting a first glimpse of the city after dark. We were mesmerized by the majestically exposed churches and the lively streets.
Things to do in Léon
- Walk on a cathedral’s roof
- Stroll the colorful streets and trace the tracks of Nicaraguas’s poetry
- Learn about the Revolution at Museo Historic de la Revolution
- Discover indigenous Barrio Sutiava
- Spent the evenings at Parque Central
- Try sand-boarding on Cerro Negro
- Enjoy the beaches at Poneloya & Las Penitas
- Learn about Nicaragua’s sea turtles
- Good to know
Stroll the colorful streets and trace the tracks of Nicaragua's poetry
Vibrant Léon seems to wear its heart on its sleeve. Léon’s history, passion for arts, and pulsing liveliness become visible at every corner. Murals and statues are visual reminders of the 20th century revolution. Colorful houses are often seemed by a quote. The feeling of a capital city is still traceable in Léon. It seems rougher, more authentic, and fiercer than other cities. Take the time to join the locals in the shade or for a beer at night. They have a passion for their hometown and love sharing it with you!
Learn about the Revolution at Museo Historic de la Revolution
We learned quickly that the revolution and its scares are still prominent in Léon. The Museo Historico de la Revolution gives you a blueprint of the civil conflict that ended about 40 years ago. The unimposing building on the opposite side of the cathedral also played a part in the revolution. Within its walls shattered by bullets, you’ll get to listen to the stories of the revolution by the ones who shaped it. Naturally, good knowledge of Spanish is helpful. To get Léon better, we recommend visiting the museum at the beginning of your stay
Indigenous Barrio Sutiava
Discover Léon’s indigenous side and pay a visit to Barrio Sutiava. The neighborhood is home to the Sutiava tribe, the first people who settled in Léon. Large, colorful murals tell the story of the barrio’s history, culture, past, and future.Surprisingly, the walls were painted by children about 12 years old. Barrio Sutiava is also home to León’s oldest church, San Juan Bautista Sutiava. After that, we took a bici-taxi and strolled around the barrio. Expect to pay $15 for a tour by Bici (bike) taxi.
El Convento de San Francisco
Léon’s most iconic building, the Convento de San Francisco, is a must-see. The convent was founded in 1524 and served as a center of religion and learning for centuries. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Nicaragua and the Americas. Today, the convent houses a museum with a collection of religious art and artifacts.The museum is small but very interesting. It has a lot of history behind it. The convent is located in the center of the city and is easy to find. Admission is $0.50 for foreigners and $0.25 for nationals.
Parque Morazán
After visiting the Convento de San Francisco, take a walk to Parque Morazán. The park is named after Francisco Morazán, a national hero of Nicaragua. In the center of the park, you’ll find a statue of Morazán on a horse. The park is also home to the Léon Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Central America. The cathedral is an interesting mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture. It’s worth a visit, even if you’re not religious.
Walk on top of the cathedral
Central America’s largest cathedral was constructed in the 1700s. Léon’s white cathedral looks impressive from above but wait till you get on top of the cathedral’s roof! The architecture and views will take your breath away. You can buy tickets at the church’s back office for 2 $.The roof of the building is bright white, so you’ll have to take your shoes off before you leave the clock tower and head out. You are reminded of San Torini, Greece, as soon as you set your eyes on the shining white roof. Walking on top of the cathedral is definitely a must-do in Léon.
Spend the evenings at Parque Central
When we arrived in Léon on Valentin’s day, Parque Central was filled with love birds, street artists,and food stands. The setting in front of the beautifully lit Cathedral de Léon was just picturesque.We loved the lovely vibe. You’ll find the best Assados (barbeques) behind the cathedral. The two food stands compete for their guests’ favor. They offer the most delicious barbeque dishes! Even vegetarians will find plenty of alternatives.
Try sand-boarding at Cerro Negro
Sandboarding is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist activities in León. We were pretty tempted to surf Cerro Negro ourselves but finally decided against it for two reasons. For once, we loved every second we spent on the streets of the city, and secondly, fellow travelers reportedtold us about some pretty severe accidents. The pictures of fellow travelers looked terrific, and they loved the experience. We didn’t book a tour through Quetzaltrekkers in Léon. However, we know the nonprofit tour company from Guatemala. All profits made by volunteers go directly into projects for disadvantaged youth. We walked past them and saw that they offer volcano sand-boarding amongst other hiking tours around Léon
Enjoy Poneloya & and Las Penitas Beaches
We did not visit these two charming fishing villages just 20 km outside the city because we wanted to enjoy beach life in El Salvador. However, we met many fellow travelers and locals alike who love the beach stretches on its excellent surf, choice of bars, and restaurants. If you are looking for a party, then head to Poneloya. Las Penitas is your place for those of you who prefer a more relaxed vibe. You can also find some sound waves here for surfing.We met a lot of locals in Leon who highly recommended we check out the beaches, and we regret not doing so! Hike Up Volcán Momotombo This active volcano last erupted in 1905 and is just a 30-minute drive from Leon. Although you cannot hike to the crater, the views from the top are worth it. The ascent takes around two hours and is considered moderate to challenging.We did not have time to do this but next time for sure!
Nicaragua's sea turtles
We met Philipp at a trade fair and were touched by his commitment. Together with SOS Nicaragua, he and the team have been working for years to protect sea turtles.
To protect endangered creatures, SOS Nicaragua offers various tours. In addition to releasing young turtles, you can take a night tour with the SOS Nicaragua team and watch them lay their eggs.
SOS Nicaragua is a project of the heart, which we heartily recommend to you!
How to get around León
The best way to discover the center of the city is by bici-taxi. Going around by bike allows you to
take in the exciting city. On top of that, it’s environmentally friendly!
Best time to visit León
The tropical climate of León is warm all year round. It gets super hot in the summer. The least rainfall is expected from December to April.
Safety in León:
Nicaragua’s second-largest city is pretty safe. As almost anywhere, avoiding flashing cameras or expensive phones is advisable. Take a cab at night and avoid dark alleys.
Where to eat in León - the best street food:
Don’t miss out on the fantastic barbeque on the east side of the cathedral, close to Mercado
Central. The food is super tasty and cheap!
Léon's role in the revolution
Nicaragua’s former capital has been central to the left-wing Sandinista movement. After the assassination of President Somoza Garcia in 1956 by a poet. Decades of conflict erupted following repressiveness against the ones thought responsible. As a result, thousands lost their lives. Léon was the first to be liberated in the Nicaraguan revolution in 1979. However, years of conflict have left deep scars on Léon’s inhabitants.
Léon and poetry
Other Nicaraguans often refer to León’s inhabitants as poets. Poetry is a “national sport.” Learn more about the Nicaraguans, their culture, and poetry by joining one of the private “tertulias,” a two-century-old tradition. A tertulia is a social gathering with an artistic overtone typical in Latin America.
Tap water
After a personal experience with some parasites, Tap water in Nicaragua is not good to drink! Bring a self-cleaning water bottle or filter to get clean and cool drinking water.
Biggest challenge for the responsible traveler
Trash: Often, you’ll find food vendors selling typical Nicaraguan dishes on the go. It’s not just delicious but cheap. To avoid plastic wrapping, choose to buy your food at the bus stations and have them put it in your collapsible container. Bring your water ourifier to avoid having to buy bottled water.
Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!
Practical travel tips for León, Nicaragua
What is the best time to visit León?
The tropical climate of León is warm all year round. It gets super hot in the summer. The least rainfall is expected from December to April.
Is León safe for travelers?
Nicaragua's second-largest city is pretty safe. As almost anywhere, avoiding flashing cameras or expensive phones is advisable. Take a cab at night and avoid dark alleys.
How to get to the León?
You can get to León easily and comfortably by bus from Managua or Granada.
It will take about:
Granada to León's (2,5 hours, $4)
Managua - León ( 1,5 hrs, $2.75)
León - Masaya ( 2,5 hrs, $3)
León - Chinandega (1,5 hrs, $1).
What is León famous for?
Nicaragua's former capital has been central to the left-wing Sandinista movement. After the assassination of President Somoza Garcia in 1956 by a poet. Decades of conflict erupted following repressiveness against the ones thought responsible. As a result, thousands lost their lives. Léon was the first to be liberated in the Nicaraguan revolution in 1979. However, years of conflict have left deep scars on Léon's inhabitants.
What is the "national sport" in Léon?
Other Nicaraguans often refer to León's inhabitants as poets. Poetry is a "national sport." Learn more about the Nicaraguans, their culture, and poetry by joining one of the private "tertulias," a two-century-old tradition. A tertulia is a social gathering with an artistic overtone typical in Latin America.
Can I drink tap water in Nicaragua?
After a personal experience with some parasites, Tap water in Nicaragua is not good to drink! Bring a self-cleaning water bottle or filter to get clean and cool drinking water.
What's the biggest challenge for the conscious traveler?
Trash: Often, you'll find food vendors selling typical Nicaraguan dishes on the go. It's not just delicious but cheap. To avoid plastic wrapping, choose to buy your food at the bus stations and have them put it in your collapsible container. Bring your water ourifier to avoid having to buy bottled water.
Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!
Packing List Nicaragua
Nicaragua is super diverse and offers plenty of things to do. Check out our packing list, and get ready for an incredible adventure!
Find everything from eco-friendly toiletries to the only travel shoes you’ll ever want to exciting travel gadgets!
Places to visit in Nicaragua
Often overlooked, Nicaragua is home to friendly people, dramatic landscapes and rich culture!
Golfo de Fonseca | The most unique border crossing
Golfo de Fonseca, an archipelago shared by Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador, a former playground for pirates, afforded us with the most stunning and relaxing border crossing experience in our backpacking history.
Copan | A pleasant if not surprising stop in Honduras
We traveled to Central America a couple of times and had the chance to see several Maya sites along the way. Each impressive in its own way. Contrary to other Maya ruins across Central America. You’ll often have Copan to yourself. The mysterious archaeological site boasts remarkable hieroglyphics and sculptures. On top of that, the town of Copan itself is drop-dead charming.
Granada | Nicaragua’s colonial beauty
G-R-A-N-A-D-A, we almost want to color every letter when we think about this stunning colonial city. As always we arrived in the dark and only got a glimpse of the city after sunset. As we were looking for our Airbnb we passed grand churches and Calle la Calzada, a street lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, buzzing with locals and tourists alike. The vibrant, elegant and lively city was screaming to be explored. We weren’t able to resist Granda’s charm and ventured out for a little walk after we arrived. Granada, one of the oldest cities in the Americas is frolicking with colorful buildings and delightful alleys.
