Leon or Granada – What City to Visit in Nicaragua?
TL;DR
Comprehensive city comparison: Should you visit Leon or Granada in Nicaragua?
You’re planning a trip to Nicaragua and wonder Leon vs. Granada – Where should I go? Don’t worry, our travel blog has got you covered!
From our own experience, we will tell you:
- What to do in Leon Nicaragua and Granada Nicaragua.
- About safety in Granada Nicaragua vs. Leon Nicaragua.
- And of course, Leon or Granada – Which city is better suited for you?
Nicaragua Leon vs. Granada – Take your Pick!
Is Leon Worth Visiting? |
Is Granada Worth Visiting? |
| Yes! | Yes! |
Why is Leon Nicaragua Popular? |
Why is Granada Nicaragua Popular? |
| Leon was the epicentre of the Nicaraguan revolution. | The finest colonial-era architecture in Nicaragua. |
How to Get to Leon |
How to Get to Granada |
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Airport near Leon: Managua International Airport (MGA)
Distance from Managua to Leon: 100 km / 60 mi |
Airport near Granada: Managua International Airport (MGA)
Distance from Managua to Granada: 50 km / 30 mi |
How Do I Get from Leon to Grenada? |
How Do I Get from Grenada to Leon? |
Bus Leon to Granada:
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Granada to Leon bus:
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Is Leon Bigger? |
Is Granada Bigger? |
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Yes.
Almost 200,000 inhabitants. Area: 820 km2 (320 sq mi). |
No.
Roughly 100,000 inhabitants. Area: 592 km2 (229 sq mi). |
Best Time to Visit Leon |
Best Time to Visit Granada |
| Dry season: November - April. | Dry season: November - April. |
Typical Weather for Leon |
Typical Weather for Granada |
Around
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Around
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Leon Hotels |
Granada Hotels |
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It’s hot! You want a swimming pool!
We stayed at Volcano Hostel and can 100% recommend. |
It’s hot! You want a swimming pool!
We recommend Selina Granada. |
How Many Days Should I Spend in Leon? |
How Many Days Should I Spend in Granada? |
| As we loved Leon, we would suggest spending at least 2 days. | This might be controversial but depending on your preferences, 1 day in Granada can be enough. You can explore the colonial city centre during the day and visit Masaya Volcano at night. Of course, you need 2 days in Granada or more if you want to go on day trips. |
Leon Vibe |
Granada Vibe |
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Beautiful colonial buildings.
A bit more rough. University city. |
Beautiful colonial buildings.
A bit more posh and touristy. |
Leon Nicaragua Attractions |
Granada Nicaragua Attractions |
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Things to Do in Leon |
Things to Do in Granada |
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Day Trips from Leon Nicaragua |
Day Trips from Granada Nicaragua |
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Beaches in Leon |
Beaches in Granada |
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30 minutes bus ride from Las Peñitas Beach.
We stayed at Mano a Mano Eco Hostal |
Walking distance from the city centre at Lake Nicaragua – wouldn’t swim there.
2 hours drive from San Juan del Sur (Sunday Funday!) |
Is Leon Safe? |
Is Granada Safe? |
| Leon felt a lot safer than Granada. We personally did not encounter any problems, also not walking around in the evening. | Granada felt a lot safer than Managua. While there were never any safety issues, there was a lot of catcalling, in fact, the most I have ever experienced in my life. Other female travellers reported similar experiences to me. |
Leon Solo Female Travel |
Granada Solo Female Travel |
| Would recommend as I personally can not report any bad incidences. |
Would not fully recommend. There was not only a crazy amount of catcalling but also some very unprofessional behaviour from a tour guide.
Also, we did not feel 100% comfortable in our accommodation and hence do not recommend it here. |
Food in Leon |
Food in Granada |
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Too many amazing backyard cafes and restaurants to count.
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Leon Nicaragua Nightlife |
Granada Nicaragua Nightlife |
More low key.
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Wilder!
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Which place is cheaper Granada or Leon |
Cost of Living in Granada |
| Our average daily budget: 35€ |
Our average daily budget: 45€
Mostly because the accommodations are a bit more expensive. |
Leon History |
Granada History |
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Established in 1524.
Liberal. Used to be the capital of Nicaragua. Rivalry → Managua new capital. |
Established in 1523.
Conservative. Used to be the capital of Nicaragua. Rivalry → Managua new capital. |
Who should pick Leon? |
Who should pick Granada? |
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Our Personal Verdict: Is Leon or Granada Better?
Personally, like always, we say if you have the time, do both.
In Granada, we loved our excursion to Masaya Volcano. You just hop off the bus and see lava. Where else in the world is that possible!? Besides the amazing Masaya Volcano, we did not fully enjoy the vibe of Granada.
With Leon on the other hand, we fell in love. We stayed for 4 days (and another 3 days in Las Penitas) and could have stayed even longer. It was so much fun exploring in the morning, chilling the hot afternoons away in the hostel pool, going for a sunset drink at El Mirador and feasting on street food on Central Square for dinner.
Although we are not crazy adventure seekers, we loved Volcano boarding at Cerro Negro.
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More Nicaragua resources:
Travel Guides
Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro – Our Review
Volcano Boarding Cerro Negro travel guide including our personal review.
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Travel Guides
Las Peñitas Travel Guide (+ Map)
Quick travel guide to Playa Las Peñitas Nicaragua including a map.
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