Top 15 Things to Do and See in León

With its rich architectural and historical heritage, things to see and do in León are abundant. This capital city of the Castile and León region offers a walkable historic center, making it easy to discover its key landmarks in just a few hours. Moreover, for food enthusiasts, León presents itself as an irresistible destination.

Curious about what awaits you in this monumental city? Let’s dive in!

Exploring the Majestic Cathedral of León

Our walking tour through León's historic center begins at the stunning Cathedral of Santa María de Regla. Constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries in gothic style, it stands as one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. What sets it apart are its more than 100 colorful medieval stained glass windows, earning it the nickname "House of Light." Locals affectionately refer to it as the “Pulchra Leonina” (the Beautiful Leonese).

The entrance fee is €6, with an additional €5 for access to the museum and cloister. For a deeper understanding of its history, consider joining a guided tour, which you can find here.

Visit the Historic Plaza Mayor

Just 400 meters away, another must-visit spot is the Plaza Mayor. With its porticos and historic buildings, it evokes memories of Madrid's main square. Once a central meeting point during the Middle Ages, this plaza hosted not just gatherings but also celebrations and executions.

Today, the plaza is a vibrant hub, hosting a local products market every Wednesday and Saturday, alongside numerous bars and restaurants, making it a lively spot for nightlife.

Admire the Architecture of Casa Botines

The main artery of the historic center, Calle Ancha, connects the cathedral to another significant square, Plaza de San Marcelo. Here, the buildings seem to compete for attention, but none stands out quite like Casa Botines.

This neo-Gothic gem, designed by the renowned Antonio Gaudí, features a striking entrance adorned with a statue of Saint George and the Dragon. Inside, it houses a museum dedicated to Gaudí’s life and work.

Fun fact: The statue of Saint George is a replica; the original was too deteriorated to remain. Interestingly, during restoration, original blueprints of the palace, signed by Gaudí, were discovered and can be viewed at the Historical Archive of the Foundation.

Explore the Palacio de los Guzmanes

Directly opposite Casa Botines stands the Palacio de los Guzmanes, which belonged to one of León's most influential families. This impressive Renaissance building now houses the Provincial Government and can be toured for just €3.

Uncover the Roman Walls of León

Did you know León has its own ancient walls? These Roman relics, while not as grand as those in Ávila, hold significant historical value. Various segments can be found throughout the historic center, particularly along the Park of Cid or surrounding the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro. The most notable feature is the Arco de la Cárcel, the last preserved entry point to the city, which gets its name from a former jail nearby.

Additionally, the arch is topped with a statue of King Don Pelayo. In the adjacent Plaza Puerta Castillo, you'll find three more intriguing modern sculptures, including a giant fly, a crane holding a 700 kg unicorn, and the head of the god Aeolus.

Discover the León Roman Interpretation Center

To delve deeper into León’s origins, visit the Centro de Interpretación del León Romano, located right across from the Arco. Featuring well-curated exhibitions, a panoramic terrace, and even ruins of ancient Roman structures, it’s a beautiful building with free entrance!

Marvel at the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro

Not far from the Arco de la Cárcel lies another highlight: the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro, also known as the Basilica of San Isidoro. This architectural ensemble boasts significant Romanesque style, particularly notable for the Pantheon of Kings, where many royals and illustrious figures from the Kingdom of León are interred, including the daring Queen Urraca.

The artistic value of this site is immense, with its six-vaulted crypt adorned with exquisite paintings and frescoes, earning it the title of "The Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art." Admission is €5.

Explore the Museo de San Isidoro

But the surprises don’t end there... If you’re a fan of Cuarto Milenio, you might be intrigued by the Chalice of Doña Urraca, surrounded by numerous legends, including claims that it is the Holy Grail.

This unique artifact is housed in the Museo de San Isidoro, alongside other royal treasures like a 1,000-year-old ivory chest and collections of Arabian and Viking items, the latter being the only one of its kind in Spain. For more information, visit here. Notably, the collegiate church also operates as a hotel.

Unravel Mysteries at the Palacio del Conde Luna

For those with a taste for the mysterious, the Palacio del Conde Luna offers its own share of intrigue. This Gothic-Renaissance building, constructed by the Luna family in the 14th century, once served as the Inquisition's headquarters.

Legend has it that the ghost of Bishop Vergara, who was murdered within its walls, still roams the halls. If you’re lucky enough to visit during an exhibition, you might have the chance to encounter some of this city's ghostly lore.

Learn more about León's myths and legends with this tour.

Appreciate Contemporary Art at MUSAC

If contemporary art is more your style, make sure to visit the MUSAC, the vibrant Museum of Contemporary Art in Castile and León. Admission is just €5, providing access to a range of thought-provoking exhibitions.

Embark on a Tapas Route

Feeling tired? Recharge at one of the more than 600 bars in León. Yes, you read that right—this city is a paradise for tapas lovers! Enjoy a drink accompanied by delicious, complimentary tapas—who could resist that? León's culinary scene is divided into two areas: the Húmedo neighborhood and the Romántico neighborhood. Here are some recommendations:

Húmedo Neighborhood:

• La Bicha: known for its morcilla tapa
• El Rebote: famous for its croquette tapa
• La Competencia: offers a delightful pizza tapa
• Rincón del Gaucho: known for its garlic soup tapa

Romántico Neighborhood:

• La Tizona: serves delicious squid sandwich tapa
• Camarote Madrid: offers a paella tapa
• La Trébede: known for potatoes with minced meat tapa
• La Ribera: famous for its mussel tapa
• El Patio
• Entrecalles

Our favorite places for tapas are the Plaza de San Martín and the Plaza Don Gutierre.

→ For more details on restaurants and bars in León, check this out.

Indulge in Cocido Maragato

If you’re in the mood for a culinary feast, don’t miss trying the cocido maragato. This traditional dish is unique in that it’s served in reverse order—starting with the meats, followed by the chickpeas and vegetables, and finishing with the broth. Renowned restaurants like Restaurante Castrillo, La Casa del Cocido, and Restaurante Sorrento are famous for their mouthwatering preparations. Alternatively, consider joining this gastronomic tour to explore even more Leonese delights.

Visit the Four Lions Brewery

If you enjoy craft beer, head over to Four Lions Brewery for a refreshing pint. They offer a variety of brews, from IPAs to Coffee Stouts. Located at Calle Sierra Pambley, 6, in the city center, they also serve food like hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizzas if you want to grab a bite.

Stroll through the Beautiful Plaza del Grano

The Plaza del Grano (or Santa María del Camino) is another must-see in León, exuding medieval charm and always bustling with activity. Once the site of an ancient market, its cobblestone pavement, alongside the Church of Our Lady of the Market (one of the city's oldest), serves as a living testament to another era. For many, it's one of the most beautiful spots in León.

Discover the Convento de San Marcos

Another essential site in León is the historic Convento de San Marcos, a grand Plateresque style building located by the banks of the Bernesca River. This architectural treasure is not only significant to León but also considered one of Spain's great Renaissance structures.

Its history is varied; post-dissolution, it served as a prison (where Quevedo spent four long years), and later as a concentration camp for Republican prisoners. Today, it operates as a Parador de Turismo offering visitors a unique hospitality experience.

Excursions from León

If you have time to spare, consider taking some excursions from León. Thanks to its strategic location, there are several natural and architectural wonders nearby worth exploring:

• Las Médulas and Ponferrada
• Cueva de Valporquero
• Astorga
• Riaño and its "León Fjords"
• Monastery of San Miguel de Escalada

A Map of Must-See Attractions and Activities in León

While we may not have covered every single thing to see and do in León, these 15 highlights offer an excellent introduction to the city and will surely leave you wanting to return. 🌟 For more attractions around the region, check out the best things to see and do in Castile and León.

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