León is called the student city of Nicaragua; the first university of Central America was founded here. Next to this, León is the birthplace of the famous poet Rubén Dario, which name and statue you see all over Nicaragua. The original city and formal capital of León was located near the volcano Momotombo, when in 1610 the volcano erupted and earthquakes hit the city, it was moved to the current location. León has always been part of revolutions in the county, which you can still see in the political murals and memorials throughout the city. I stayed three nights and two full days in hot León, which was enough for me.

How to travel to León?

I found the traveling in Nicaragua amazingly easy. I booked most of my shuttles online via Gekkotrails. Of course you can go cheaper via local buses but for me, where time is more valuable than the money, the shuttles are perfect. The shuttle dropped me off at my hotel in León at 3 PM, after a long day from Isla de Ometepe. The shuttle picked me up at the port of San Jorge at 10:15 AM, which had a good connection with my ferry which left Moyogalpa at 9:00 AM. The shuttle went via Rivas, Granada, and Managua, to pick up and drop off other passengers, this was time consuming. If you are with more people, it is faster and cheaper to share a taxi and go directly, but when you are traveling alone the tourist shuttles are a perfect alternative to the local chicken busses.

6 things to do in León?

 León has a lot to offer for everybody; culture, action, food, history, and chilling. See below my tips for two days in this lively city.

1. Volcano boarding

Most of the people that come to León are going to sandboard of the Cerro Negro volcano. I prefer to hit the snowy slopes and in this heat climbing a black volcano was not tempting me. Also the hype around it and the stories of drinking and partying during the trip, decided me not to go. Maybe an age thing too haha, my volcano experience will come later at volcano Masaya. You can book the Cerro Negro volcano tour everywhere in town and at the hostel Bigfoot.

2. Climb the “White Church”

I am not religious but when I am on holidays, I always visit churches. The wonderful thing about this Cathedral de León or Basilica de la Asunción (the largest in Central America); you can climb on the roof. Buy your ticket at the eastern side or at the entrance at the south side of the church. You must take off your shoes and then you can walk on the roof! The church has white paint all over, so this gives perfect photo shots with the blue sky and smoking volcanos in the back. I loved this activity for only 3$, with a maximum of 20-30 minutes on the roof.

Bring your sunglasses (which I forgot….), the white paint of the church is reflecting heavily and avoid mid-day for the heat. 

3. Free walking tour León

I do a free walking tour now and then; León is the perfect city for it! The rich history with revolutions but also the birthplace of the famous poet Rubén Dario, the academic basis, and a lot more are food for an interesting walking tour around the city. The political street arts are explained and in the market, we tasted the local fruits and sweets. I am not going to spoil everything of the tour, Leo the tour guide could do that much better, only I can tell you to book the tour via Guruwalk and just go!! You can visit the tour in the morning or afternoon, in more languages. Of course the tour is not for free, just give what you find it is worth; so give generously!

4. Visit Mercado Central

Before I did the Free walking tour, I already visited León’s market in the morning by myself. I love local markets! Looking at the exotic fruits and vegetables, drink a local drink, eat local dishes,  search for souvenirs, and make contact with the local people. The market is found next to the white church in the center.

5. Stroll the City of León

I just love to wander around in the city. León is not too big but has more beautiful churches; like Iglesia de la Recolección and Iglesia El Calvario, but also museums to visit. Do your strolls in the morning or afternoon, it could get really hot in town, so good to avoid the hottest time of the day walking in the sun.

6. Chill at the Pool or Beach

During the hottest part of the day I will recommend you to chill at the pool at your hotel or take the bus to the beach Las Peñitas. At this beach you can surf as well and if you have time enough you can even book an accommodation here. I was only two days in León, and my next destination had sufficient beach time (Little Corn Island), so I skipped the beach here.

 Where to Stay and Eat in León?

 Be prepared, it is super-hot in León, in the beginning of February when I visited the city it was in the low forties (Celsius), the hottest temperature during my entire Nicaragua trip. I was glad I booked an accommodation with a pool (see picture above). I loved the styling of my room which was part of the popular restaurant Coco Calala. The Airbnb has only two rooms, so I was lucky I could stay here. The room had air conditioning which is necessary in this town. The price was 55 USD per night and the location is perfect just outside the center. The attached restaurant is known for the great vegan and vegetarian meals, with great service. Good pick again!

Book an accommodation with access to a pool, so you can cool off during the day

For breakfast I have two suggestions Mañana Mañana Café and Pan Y Paz. Both nice places with tasty food, great vibe, and good coffee. Pan Y Paz have their own bakery in the back. I bought some cookies for my trip to Little Corn Island, which was a great idea!

The smoothy bowl from Batidos Pitaya on Av. Central Norte is also a perfect start of the day.

For lunch you should go to Coco Calala. The food is amazing and healthy next to that you can chill a bit at the pool and enjoy the shades of the garden. Highly recommended!

For dinner, the city tour guide told me, to eat at the local Restaurante Casa Vieja. The name already said it, old house, very traditional restaurant with traditional, local food.

I liked the tacos at El Bodegón more, Mexican food is always good, and the atmosphere is really nice in this restaurant.

There are many restaurant options to choose from in León, all depending on what you like and budget. The street food stands next to the white church and market, looked great too.

León was a perfect stop for a couple of days after Isla de Ometepe and before my island life at Little Corn Island. I stayed here two full days and for me that was enough, I you add a beach day that would be a nice ad on to the trip.

Where are you heading next? Granada, Isla de Ometepe or Little Corn Island like me.