10 Things to Do in Leon Nicaragua (+ Map & Travel Guide)
TL;DR
Leon Nicaragua travel guide including 10 amazing things to do in Leon and a map.
During our 6 months backpacking trip around Central America, we stayed in Leon and Las Penitas for 7 days – and could have stayed even longer. We quickly fell in love with the university city with its colonial architecture. We loved adventuring and exploring in the mornings, chilling the hot afternoons away in the hostel pool, and going out for drinks and food after sunset.
Without further ado, here are our favourite Leon Nicaragua things to do including a map and a quick travel guide.
10 Things to Do in Leon Nicaragua
1. Leon Cathedral
Leon Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Central America and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
For a small fee, you can climb the picturesque white rooftop. From here, you have amazing views across Leon and the surrounding landscape – including some volcanoes.
The best time to visit (probably also the most crowded) is around sunset.
2. Leon Free Walking Tour
We went on this free walking tour in Leon and fully recommend it. Your guide tells you about the history of Leon and Nicaragua. Additionally, you learn about the most important sights of Leon.
3. Volcano Boarding on Cerro Negro
Volcano boarding Cerro Negro was one of our highlights in Nicaragua.
Contrary to what you might think, it's not solely for thrill-seekers. While you have the option to descend the volcano at a thrilling speed of 100 km/h (60 mph), you can also opt for a more leisurely pace by using your feet to brake – like we did.
We have written a complete volcano boarding on Cerro Negro guide.
Travel Guides
Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro – Our Review
Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro travel guide including our personal review.
Carina
4. Street Art
Leon is famous for its street art. There is loads of history behind a lot of the artworks – many of them are connected to the Sandinista movement. If you have the time, we strongly recommend taking a free street art tour to learn more about the background.
5. Mercado Central de Leon
We love visiting local markets when we travel and the Mercado Central de Leon was no exception. You can shop for produce or just watch the local life.
6. Visit a Museum
If you like to visit museums, Leon is a great city for you! These are the four best museums in Leon:
- Museo de la Revolución (chronicles Nicaragua's civil war of the 1960s and 70s, depicting the revolution as it unfolded in León).
- Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián (finest contemporary art museums in all of Central America).
- Museum of Traditions & Legends (housed in a former prison, the museum functions as both an exhibition of Nicaraguan folklore and a memorial honouring the victims of human rights abuses that took place on the site).
- Museo Rubén Dario (Rubén Dario is considered to be the father of Modernismo. The museum is located in his childhood home).
7. More Churches
Leon has more churches per capita than any other area in Nicaragua. We loved finding some of them while strolling through the city. Here are some of our favourites:
- Iglesia La Recolección (built in 1786 in the Mexican baroque style).
- El Calvario - Sweet Name of Jesus Leon with its colourful neoclassical facade flanked by two bell towers.
- Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Merced (built in 1762 by Roman Catholic monks in a predominantly baroque style, combined with a neoclassical style)
8. Rooftop Drinks at Bar El Mirador
We love rooftop bars so of course, we have to recommend Bar El Mirador - Terraza for drinks with sunset views.
9. Las Penitas Beach
You can easily reach Las Peñitas Beach by bus or taxi in 30 minutes from Leon.
While it’s a nice day trip destination, we recommend you spend at least one night in the amazing Mano a Mano Eco Hostal right on the beach.
Here’s our complete Las Penitas travel guide.
Travel Guides
Las Peñitas Travel Guide (+ Map)
Quick travel guide to Playa Las Peñitas Nicaragua including a map.
Carina
10. Hike Telica Volcano
You can hike Telica Volcano where you can spot real lava from Leon.
Leon Nicaragua Travel Guide
Leon Nicaragua Map
Is Leon Nicaragua Worth Visiting?
Leon Nicaragua is absolutely worth a visit! Here’s why:
- It’s close to the beach.
- You can get great street food as well as international food.
- You can go on volcano adventures.
- There’s loads of culture and history.
It was our favourite city in Nicaragua and we personally preferred Leon to Granada.
How to Get to Leon Nicaragua
Leon is a great addition to your Nicaragua itinerary. Depending on where you’re coming from, you have several options to get to Leon.
Bus to Leon
The closest airport to Leon is Managua International Airport (MGA). To take an express bus from Managua to Leon, head to the bus terminal at UCA (Universidad Centroamericana). Look for buses with the sign “León Exprés”. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The fare is around 60 Cordoba (around 2$).
Shuttles to Leon
Leon is well connected to other backpacking destinations in Central America by shuttle:
Where We Stayed in Leon Nicaragua
We stayed at Volcano Hostel and can 100% recommend it. The location is super central and the swimming pool is nice and refreshing.
Where to Eat in Leon Nicaragua
These are our favourite places to eat in Leon:
- Street food on Central Square!
- French bakery Pan & Paz
- Italian food at Sua León Cocina Mediterránea
How Much Time Do You Need in Leon Nicaragua
As we loved Leon, we would suggest spending at least 2 days. We think you could easily spend a lot longer.
If you want to check out the beach or go on more day trips, you definitely need more time.
Is Leon Nicaragua Safe?
León is relatively safe compared to some other regions of Nicaragua. Of course, you should take security precautions (don’t flash your valuables, stay aware of your surroundings, … You know the drill).
For us, Leon felt safer than Granada. We personally did not encounter any problems, also not walking around in the evening.
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