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4-Day Leon Itinerary
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Updated • updatedAug 20, 2025
Leon in 4 days
If you only have 4 days to spend in Leon, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Bar El Mirador - Terraza, Restaurante Casa Vieja, and Ortíz Gurdián Foundation Art Center, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Bar El Mirador - Terraza and ViaVia León, Nicaragua so you can get the best taste of Leon while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Leon?
Visiting Leon? See our Leon Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
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Table of contents
Day 1
Most popular attractions
For day 1, we strategically grouped the most popular attraction, León, with surrounding point of interests to start your trip off with a bang. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 6 hours of your day.
1
•Promptus D — Google reviewElizabeth P — Google reviewEmilio V — Google reviewKevin M — Google reviewBernard B — Google reviewMarcos A — Google reviewMichael C — Google review
Plaza Parque Central de León, Juan José Quezada
4.5
(3136)
3.7
(3)
Park
Plaza Parque Central de León, Juan José Quezada is the heart of Leon, Nicaragua. It features the largest cathedral in Central America and serves as a focal point for the city's attractions. The area is rich in history and culture, being the former capital of the country and considered its intellectual center. Visitors can capture stunning photos of colonial Leon and explore local heritage with certified guides.
Love it. Just to go for a walk to relax. People is so friendly.
G.I P — Google review
Great park with a very nice athmosphere take a few drinks on a terrace and enjoy. Leon is Hot Hot hot
Beautiful!.
Nice people ,very touristic. The church it's big and wonderful inside . Nice weather!.
Very beautiful place that shows the colonial city of leon
The square is a great place to hang out and people watch. It has a great view of the cathedral and surrounding buildings. There are also plenty of reasonably priced stalls selling everything from hammocks to ice cream.
There was also random explosions, presumably to scare off pigeons, but they were certainly interesting... On top of that excitement there a few places to get food and drink. Definitely worth checking it out, and having a walk through the cathedral while there.
Central Park Leon. Make sure your camera battery is fully charged. Much to see and do. There are several markets nearby, plenty of shopping and small quaint homes to discover.
Nothing special. The most beautiful place is the cathedral that you go up and walk on its floor. Besides that, it is a normal stop. ☺
Very beautiful area with tremendous view from the top of the church.
C4PC+2C7, José de Marcoleta, León, Nicaragua•
1 min · 200 ft
2•I D — Google reviewCharles E — Google reviewManuel T — Google reviewJul M — Google reviewTed E — Google reviewSteve K — Google reviewBecky B — Google review
Restaurante El Sesteo
4.2
(1012)
3.9
(612)
affordable
Restaurant
Restaurante El Sesteo is a charming eatery located near the majestic Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion de Leon, offering delicious snacks and natural juices. It's renowned for its authentic Nicaraguan cuisine and cozy atmosphere, providing a unique city view from its heated terrace. Despite its prime location near Parque Central, it manages to avoid the typical tourist trap label.
It's a really nice place to try some Nicaraguan delicacies. I got the Tostones con queso (fried plantains with fried cheese) and Repocheta Frita (fried tortilla with fresh cheese) along with a Limonada. It is a little pricey and the service could be better.
Kunal B — Google review
Just arrived in León after a taxi ride from Managua. I needed a place to sit and relax AND took credit cards. It was a great time sitting outside with my dog. Central Park festivities, decent food. It suited a purpose. Good place to take in the scenery and chill.
Francisco our waiter was very good. Food was delicious. I personally found the vegetables to be a bit flavourless but overall I’d recommend if looking for something quick.
If you happen to be in León Nicaragua. This is the place to go. The food is consistently good, the service is great, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxing. Check this place out.
Place is good, has a nice view of central park/cathedral and is been in the city for so long.
We often use GuideGeek to help us find things to do and places to eat while we travel. El Sesto was the first restaurant recommended and it had good reviews. It’s not air conditioned it has three wide open areas and at least on the day we ate lunch here there was a very nice breeze. We sat at a table inside overlooking the cathedral. The service was good, and the menu is both in English and Spanish. We both had a nacatamal which is nothing like a Mexican tamale. The maza dough is soft and it comes with a sauce. I prefer the Mexican tamale, but my husband preferred the nacatamal. We also got fried bananas with cheese. This was way too much food 😂 It was a little bland, but it was probably due to what we chose. I saw a lot of people were getting breaded shrimp and seemed to like it. We spent $20 each and this included drinks. If you sit by an opening to the outside, be prepared for street vendors or beggars to stop by and pay you a visit every now and again.
Must eat place in León. Best tostones con queso, incredible caldo de pollo, tasty nictamale....Server Emer explains everything in detail. Highly recommended!!
A very nice place to eat considering that this was the most decent place to eat like a restaurant. You can try the local vendors in the plaza but it was so hot and humid and no circulation that I couldn't take it so we chose this place open and it let the breeze through. Very touristy. Three of us ordered the the 3 taco plate and one ordered nacatamale a traditional tamale made by nicas. All very delicious with not too much salt thank goodness. We had mojitos and their local beer. The walls had pictures of the historical people and places. Next door was the governors office and one of the governors was related to our family I was proud to say!
NIC-14, León, Nicaragua•
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When
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
5 min · 0.27 mi
3Nicole G — Google reviewKatherine G — Google reviewJeremy — Google reviewMartina — Google reviewAmelie L — Google reviewJillian ( — Google reviewMaegan H — Google review
Pan & Paz - French Bakery
4.5
(948)
affordable
Bakery
Breakfast restaurant
Coffee shop
Pan & Paz is a charming French bakery and restaurant in Leon, Nicaragua, run by a Frenchman and his Dutch wife. Open six days a week from 7:00 a.m., it offers delicious breakfast options and other dishes throughout the day, including vegan and vegetarian choices. The menu features brioche French toast, bacon, cheese, egg croissant sandwich, Greek yogurt, croissants, and other delectable French bakery items with a local influence.
Don’t miss this place! Great atmosphere and friendly english speaking staff. The chocolate filled almond croissant is seriously the best thing we have ever tasted. We went back for another one the following day
Dina M — Google review
Amazing breakfast and coffee. I went here everyday while in Leon for the Typical Nico breakfast and lavender coffee or flat white. They have strong coffee and WiFi. The air conditioned room tucked away is a blessing in Leon’s heat as well.
Heydi was my waitress everyday and I loved her. She was so kind and attentive. I wish I was a local and could come here everyday for the rest of my life.
Cute cafe, lots of pastry options, no air conditioning.
Got the mixed berry smoothie (145 C) and the ham & cheese croissant (65 C). Smoothie had a nice flavor but the liquid separated. The croissant was tasty and a great value.
Charming spot with cute tables and lots of plants, but definitely warm inside—something to keep in mind on a hot day.
We ordered a piece of Tres Leches, a slice of Banana Bread, and an Iced Coffee. The Tres Leches was delicious, especially compared to the terribly overrated one we had in Tegucigalpa last week. The Banana Bread was way too dry, so I suggest you pass on that. The Iced Coffee was average. The garden seating area is very nice and in the back of the garden you can watch pastry chefs putting the finishing touches on desserts! Definitely a nice place but they can do a little better.
I’ve been to this café twice in the past few days—once with my mum and again on my own—and both visits were fantastic! The first time, we shared an almond croissant and a raisin swirl alongside two iced Americanos. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
I returned today and tried the protein smoothie and the Camembert panini—both were absolutely delicious. You can really tell the ingredients are high-quality, and the attention to detail shines through in every bite.
The space itself is tranquil and welcoming, perfect for a break from the León heat. While there’s no air conditioning, the fans keep it comfortable, and the relaxed atmosphere more than makes up for it.
Highly recommended for anyone visiting León—this little café is a gem you shouldn’t miss!
I walk in and the smell of butter and coffee hits. A warm croissant with a thin crust and soft centre; I sit in the patio and time slows. Friendly staff, fair prices. The right way to start the day gently.
Lovely French bakery in León run by Dutchman. Patisseries like I have not found in León, quite elaborate.
Service was super slow due to understaffing. We waited half an hour for our patisseries and another 15 minutes before our drinks arrived. Staff were friendly but clearly run off their feet.
Went back there this week and everything ran like clockwork. My iced latte was delicious and I didn't have to wait. Staff were as courteous and friendly as ever.
I recommend this place if you're looking for a great iced coffee and patisserie on a hot day. The inside courtyard is a very pleasant sanctuary.
We enjoyed it! We went for breakfast and tried the brioche French toast, bacon, cheese, and egg croissant sandwich, and their Greek yogurt. All of it was good, but could have been better with a few tweaks. Their croissants and other French bakery items are definitely influenced by the location, so don’t expect it to be super traditional, but the flavor was still good. Don’t get the chocolate drink, but their coffee is a nice choice, and the fruit juices are also delicious. We also tried their salmon sandwich later in the day. It’s fairly basic, just wish their was capers or something to give it a bit more flavor.
una Cuadra y Media al Este, 1ra Calle NE, León, Nicaragua•
4 min · 0.2 mi
4Kevin X — Google reviewClaire L — Google reviewGenevieve D — Google reviewDesmond H — Google reviewKyle F — Google reviewJillian ( — Google reviewRamon S — Google review
Mercado Central de León
4.1
(1465)
Market
Mercado Central de León, also known as Raul Cabezas Lacayo Market, is a well-designed local market located near the Cathedral. The recently renovated market offers organized outdoor parking and a well-ventilated area with high ceilings for comfortable shopping. While smaller in size compared to other markets in Latin America, it provides a variety of fresh fruits, produce, and local Nicaraguan cuisine at affordable prices.
Lively market with all the local foods and drinks in one spot. Very friendly and lots of selection. Highly recommend trying baho from the food stands outside.
Anna — Google review
Mercado central is smaller than other markets in Latin America (ie., those gigantic fruit markets in Colombia) and has a more limited variety of fruits and vegetables.
While its food is not exactly a hotbed for fine dining, the Mercado is one of the best places to grab a cheap and filling meal of la comida tipica de Nicaragua. The market isn't exactly the cleanest or nicest smelling of places, but locals swear that its food stalls are clean and follow a high standard of sanitation. So...feast on baho, eat some asado from a fritanga, munch down on a nacatamale, and wash it down with some sopa de albóndigas de gallina (think Nicaraguan chicken meatball/Matzo soup), followed by jugo naturales.
Really neat place to see as a tourist. Strange meats and seafood... very dark and crowded, but it's all part of the charm. Definitely interesting to check out!
This market is full of frsh fruits, produce, etc...I had fun checking out the fruits and other merchandise they sell. I bought some souvenirs and I was able to haggle. The sellers are pretty nice and they'll bargain with you too...
Newly restored market, where people can find local cooking materials, fresh fruit and veggies, cooked food stalls and etc inside. Interesting place to visit.
Overall it was nice to walk through. There were a lot of different things to see and purchase. However, it was so dark and a little weird. Of course it was scorching hot.
Everything under the sun. Very reasonably priced. Helpful stall workers. I bought a pair of shoes from a stall in the SO corner and rhe women were super helpful and patient.
Excelent place,you can miss it in Leon
C4PF+27M, José de Marcoleta, León, Nicaragua•
2 min · 0.12 mi
5Katherine G — Google reviewSara M — Google reviewKunal B — Google reviewAndrew M — Google reviewFernando — Google reviewCristhiam M — Google reviewPedro R — Google review
Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
4.8
(3053)
Catholic cathedral
Cathedral
Catedral De Leon Nicaragua, also known as Catedral Subtiaba, is a stunning church located in the Subtiaba neighborhood about 1km west of the Leon cathedral. Visitors recommend visiting during sunset to witness magnificent colors. To access the rooftop, tickets can be purchased on the back side of the cathedral or at the entrance across from McDonald's. The ticket office has specific hours and it's advisable to inquire about time slots for sunset visits in advance.
Went to the rooftop and it was incredible. The architecture is beautiful and watching the sunset was amazing. I highly recommend going up for it.
The ticket cost 145 to go up (they recently increased the price from 110). You need to buy it before 5pm and they let the sunset group up to around 5:20 on the right side of the building. You get to stay there until 6pm.
Anna — Google review
5/21/25
Best sunset spot in León and beautiful architecture! $4 to enter. Arrived around 5:30pm and stayed for sunset, they kicked us out around 6:10pm.
Very cool experience. You need to buy a ticket and one entrance and then enter at opposite small staircase.
This is probably the most important attraction of Leon and it is so poorly managed.
1. It has random opening hours and no update on closure time or days. Luckily I had an extra day so I could visit.
2. The guard at the ticket area is super rude. I came to buy the tickets and said we are not selling tickets now, to come after 15 mins in a rude way even though I can see people coming out with tickets. The tickets have time on it so why can't they just sell with advance time.
3. I asked if I could wait inside as there was a huge space and he rudely said no even though it was scorching hot outside.
4. Even though I was waiting outside then some guys went directly in and bought tickets before even if they came 15 mins after me.
5. The ticket counter is also run by scammers. They asked me 145 Cordoba which I paid. Then when I got the ticket it's says the price is 3 USD which is 110 Cordoba. I didn't argue but this is a pure scam.
6. Lastly when you go up you have to take out shoes even though the ground is hot and will burn your feet. There should be some sort of arrangement.
7. Lastly they let the tour groups block the whole room before the roof and let them do tour explanation there. In the mean time you are stuck outside in the heat and with your feet burning.
Cathedral Roof experience
GETTING THERE?- The ticket office is located on the southeastern corner of the cathedrals outer complex down a small cobblestone corridor. When you have a ticket you then go to the south western corner of the cathedrals outer complex where there is a tiny gate entrance to give someone your ticket to then go up 2 flights of stairs to the roof.
COSTS / PAY / PRICE - Tickets for foreigners were 4USD per person, cash only. Could also pay cordoba.
WHAT TO EXPECT? Ascend 2 flights of stairs, have to remove shoes and carry them, given 25mins to explore the 2 outdoor floors of the cathedral roof with white domes and views over the city and surrounding areas.
OUR EXPERIENCE- It's a unique activity, only takes 30-45mins in total to look around and can be quite hot as it's exposed. Worth doing whilst you're in Leon.
TOP TIP: Worth wearing socks as it's pretty hot on the white roof floor. It's open 8-12 and 2-4pm but other reviews have suggested it can be sporadic and often closed so give plenty of flexibility.
Worth the visit if you are in León, just beware you have to take off your shoes once you go up. Don’t be stupid like me and arrive with shoes wearing socks. Take you socks off beforehand, that way, they have no other option to let you go on top of the roof with your shoes. Everyone who was wearing sandals was able to keep them on (smart and well prepared move). Meanwhile I was wearing thin socks and burning my feet soles. Ps: you buy the tickets to go up at the backside of the cathedral. So, not at the rooftop entrance which is located on the right side of the cathedral.
Leon’s cathedral is a great place to visit and take a 360 degrees view of the colonial city landscape. Additionally, you can’t take a look of other churches, the sunset and even your next attraction. Perhaps the “Cerro negro”, the black hill ;)
I went to the Cathedral for the Nicaraguan holiday of a “Purisima” and it was a unique experience as the towns people gathered at the Cathedral to celebrate. I would just be careful with personal belongings as the cathedral gets overly packed with people, and to bring or buy refreshments along the way.
Calle Rubén Darìo, Av. Central Nte., León, Nicaragua•
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away from Restaurante El Sesteo.
Bar El Mirador - Terraza
4.3
(1186)
4.1
(22)
affordable
Bar
Restaurant
Bar El Mirador - Terraza is an enjoyable and elevated establishment that offers a picturesque view of basketball courts. It is known for its wide range of cocktails, burgers, and refreshing cold beer, making it a perfect spot to unwind while watching the sunset. While the food may not be considered the best in Leon, their nachos are appetizing and tostones con queso are satisfying.
Great spot for a sunset drink. Very popular with both locals and tourists so come a bit early or expect to wait for a bit to get a table.
F S — Google review
5/19/25
Beautiful sunset views with a lively, social vibe.
Came here for the sunset—gorgeous setting, packed with people, and a fun atmosphere. Music was super loud, which made it hard to talk.
Cheeseburger was affordable, only 180 C. Although—fries were very plain, and the burger had too much sauce. Charged 25 C for a takeout box, which felt a bit excessive too.
Came here a few times and had a good experience. This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and have done cold beers. They have a 6 for 5 beer promo, we also tried the nachos which were pretty good. The prices are cheaper than other spots too.
Great value bar with nice views of the street art and Cathedral. Prices are excellent. Examples include bottled water at 30, a very large glass of juice for 50 and good cocktails from 75. Beers are sub 50 too. WiFi was available and reliable. Would 100% recommend. There is a food menu too 👍
Is it the best food in León? No. I mean, the nachos were tasty and the tostones con queso were good, but we're still just talking about bar food.
Are they the best drinks in León? Probably not. The Nica Libre was decent and the margarita was delicious, but I'm sure there's probably some hoity-toity cocktail bar that could make them better for 4-times the price.
But you need to come here for the staff, the guests, and the view! Great music, friendly & helpful staff, and a clientele that's there to have fun. It's a small place so make sure you get there well before sunset to get a good table. Get a bucket of beers, order some snacks, and enjoy Nature's show.
We visited in the late afternoon when it was moderately busy. Unfortunately, there was no running water in the bathroom, which was disappointing. Although cocktails were advertised, none were actually available — only beer was being served.
Service was quite slow despite there being plenty of staff on hand. It took a long time to get a second beer, and again, a long wait for the bill after requesting it.
It’s a pity there aren’t more rooftop bars in the area to choose from.
Nice place to share a bite with friends while drinking beers .
Nice place for some evening drinks and snacks. We had a fantastic table with a great view for sunset.
They offer some great beer deals for happy hour and you can find young locals there.
We had a Mojito and a Magarita with some Nachos.
Overall good experience the only difficulty was the language skills of staff therefore 4/5.
3r planta, Cancha 23 de Julio, lado norte, León 21000, Nicaragua•
ViaVia León, Nicaragua
4.4
(1139)
3.5
(156)
Restaurant
Bar
ViaVia León, Nicaragua is not your typical travelers' hostel. It's a vibrant restaurant and bar with laid-back quarters available. The hostel also operates as a tour company offering physically demanding but rewarding tours led by excellent guides. The food is delicious with vegetarian options, and the atmosphere in the bar is lively with locals and guests mingling over cold beers and live music. The rooms are clean, spacious, and located away from the bar area for a quiet stay.
We came here looking for the tour operator at this address — and we’re glad we did! We decided to stay for a drink and ended up having a great night.
There was a live band playing a mix of rock and pop, which created a great atmosphere. The bar offers a good selection of drinks, and the barman, Francesco, took excellent care of us throughout the evening.
I’d happily come back again !
Alain M — Google review
Location rating will always be good for any place in Leon as everything good is within walking distance. This place has live music on Friday nights and gets very Loud and busy. It’s mostly filled with Europeans as it is a hostel. The shrimp cocktail is literally amazing here. No idea how the hostel part is as I do not stay in them. Very Cheap beer and local Rum. It is a Younger crowd and smoking allowed as it’s outdoors. Very surprised with the food quality here it compares to the restaurants in town. Go with local dishes they are the best.
What an amazing hostel. It has a lovely bar and restaurant, garden, and the hostel is exceptional value.
Best of all, I fell in love with the staff: the lovely Carolina behind the bar; Jason, the handsome and talented and professional manager; and the wonderful Andrea, the supervisor. Excellent experience.
Really great spot has a lot of space, moderate breakfast - but plenty of cafes nearby. Loved the vibe - lots of 20's and 30's stating there. Rooms are small with no windows. Great drinks and great main side
Went for just 1 night but it was perfect. Very cheap price but perfect habitation for what you need. Clean room and bathroom. Everything is well organized and safe. Special thanks for “jeff” if I remember at the reception, who helped me very much with booking my shuttles and activities around the city of Leon!
Many vegetarian and vegan options. Our server Sandor was very prompt, attentive and friendly. Will come again for the live music and good food.
One of the few places still open late in the evening. The caesar salad was not too bad. This is also the meeting point for one of the volcano tour operators.
I stayed at ViaVia León for two nights and overall give it 4 out of 5 stars. The beds were comfortable, though the dorm lacked privacy curtains. A positive was having the bathroom inside the dorm room so you didn’t need to leave the room to use it. As a hostel guest, you only pay $2 for breakfast with good options like banana pancakes.
However, the cocktails were disappointing. I ordered a mojito and a vodka orange, both of which were very bad. The mojito was watery and lacked flavor. Despite the poor drinks, the hostel itself was comfortable and good value, especially with the cheap breakfast. The location and atmosphere were great too. I would stay again but avoid ordering cocktails.
2 Av. NE, León, Nicaragua•
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Day 2
South side of town
For day 2, we recommend exploring the south side side of town. Start the day off with Bigfoot Hostel & Volcano Boarding, then wind down and take it easy by the time you get to Kiss Me. All together, your day would be filled with about 8 hours of non-stop fun.
1Stacey A — Google reviewAlvaro R — Google reviewOllie W — Google reviewLiz H — Google reviewEdgar P — Google reviewEli F — Google reviewMegan D — Google review
Bigfoot Hostel & Volcano Boarding
4.7
(3507)
Tour operator
Bar
Hostel
Restaurant
Travel agency
Bigfoot Hostel & Volcano Boarding is a popular accommodation option in Leon, Nicaragua. The hostel offers a variety of amenities including 24/7 cleaning, individual sockets for each bed, and air conditioning to combat the city's heat. Guests highly recommend booking the shuttle service provided by the hostel as it is cost-effective and reliable. Additionally, visitors praise the professional and responsive staff who offer valuable tips for exploring the city.
Best day with Lester, started with going to the volcano boarding, super supportive hike up the Volcano! Supportive and fun breaks when needed. Super fun vibes all the time. Good instructions for getting down the volcano, making sure everyone felt confident to go. Then so fun going down and pics and videos also provided. After the volcano boarding, we had a super yummy lunch then back to the hostel. After that for this time of the year, we went to the beach soon after and I cannot tell you... this was so so special. Such a lovely place we went to and really looked after. Lovely beach and hostel we went to and swam in the sea, and played volleyball then chilled before heading back to the hostel. Lots of drinks and entertainment provided. The most perfect day. All thanks to Lester and the driver and big foot team.
T N — Google review
Hostel is a lot of fun! I stayed in the 8 bed dorm and the bed was very comfortable. No hot showers but that doesn't matter in Nicaragua. I cooked something simple the first night, there is a kitchen.
If you're put off by it being a party hostel the night ends by 11pm.
Definitely do the volcano boarding! It was such a fun day! The bus ride, boarding then the sunset beach trip will be a highlight of my trip to Nicaragua. Our guide Lester was a lot of fun and had great energy to hype the group up.
I also went on the Titica volcano tour with Lester and Pamela. They both had great energy to make the trip fun. We had a great day!
The volcano and scenery is beautiful along with dinner at a family's farm.
I had an incredible experience on this volcano tour, and a big part of that was thanks to our amazing guide. From the very beginning, they were professional, friendly, and super knowledgeable. They made the entire journey feel safe, exciting, and informative.
What really stood out was how passionate they were about the volcano and the area’s history. They shared fascinating facts, answered all our questions with patience, and kept the energy high the whole time. They also made sure everyone felt included and comfortable, no matter their pace or level of experience.
The views were absolutely breathtaking, but the guide is what made the tour truly special. If you’re looking for a fun, safe, and memorable volcano adventure, I highly recommend this tour – and especially this guide Jared 🙌🏼
Thank you for making it such a fantastic experience!
I had such a great stay at Bigfoot! The highlight for me was the receptionist — she was not only incredibly kind and welcoming, but also super helpful with everything I needed during my time there. She spoke multiple languages so effortlessly, which made communication easy and really added to the international, friendly vibe of the hostel. Whether it was giving me tips about the area, helping with logistics, or just sharing a smile, their kindness stood out and made me feel right at home. Honestly, one of the best hostel reception experiences I’ve had while traveling. Thanks Bigfoot for such a warm welcome!
we had the BEST time on the volcano boarding experience. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone who is ready to do something unforgettable, party hard, and have the best day of your life. Jeter was the ULTIMATE guide, absolutely brought the energy, fun, and made the experience wonderful. Extra shoutout to Will & Frida for being great volunteers and bringing even more fun. Completely recommend, huge thank you to Bigfoot for everything!!
The guide and the tour was amazing. The organization was very well thought out . The guides Pricilla Lester and Danny were all amazing and they knew how to keep the party going. I never leave reviews but I 100% recommended that’s how good it was. I recommend.
I had an absolutely incredible time at Bigfoot Hostel! A huge thank you to *Paulina and Pamela*—you both are amazing, beautiful guides, and doing the volcano boarding together was unforgettable.
The experience at Bigfoot itself is just unbelievable—the place is stunning, the atmosphere and vibe are incredible, the parties are so much fun, and the people you meet make it truly special. Everything about this stay will stay in my memory forever.
Thank you again, Paolina and Pamela, for being so amazing and making this experience one I’ll never forget!!
Lester & Thaïs are amazing!! They made this experience. It was awesome on its own but they really took it to the next level. I wish I could hang out with them every day. Also the family who we had lunch with was wonderful. The food was delicious. I’m so grateful!!! I wish I could do it again… also the bus ride back was one of the most fun experiences of my life!
Del Banco Avanz, 1/2 media cuadra al sur, León 21000, Nicaragua•
4 min · 0.22 mi
2•Rob E — Google reviewCristhiam M — Google reviewHenry R — Google reviewRoger S — Google reviewPortpad T — Google reviewMauricio A — Google reviewTristan C — Google review
Calvary Church - Sweet Name of Jesus
4.6
(214)
4.3
(59)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Churches & Cathedrals
The Calvary Church, also known as the Sweet Name of Jesus Catholic Church, is a beloved religious site in Leon, distinct from the famous Cathedral. Constructed during the 18th century, this church boasts a vibrant and diverse façade that catches the eye even from a distance amidst the backdrop of volcanos. The exterior panels are adorned with biblical scenes while intricate murals can be found inside as one approaches the ornate altar.
One of the most beautiful church in the city, so many colors that can be appreciated from the main square of the city, you can see it from the Cathedral roof and it's so incredible. Definitely you must visit it, for me it's like I'm seeing an amazing big painting.
Rdyns — Google review
Closed when I visted. Stricking appearance!
Calvary Church remains as the most colourful catholic building at the end of the Leon’s city Main Street. Good spot to check the sunset. By the way, the house in the corner used to be Nicaraguan president crib by the time Leon city was the capital of the country.
It one of the most colorful church in town, so many details to see, it's quite high and you get a really nice view of the city, and the history it's super interesting
If you pass the big cathedral on the left side you see this church from fare.
A nice walk along the lively street down to the church.
The walk was even than the church itself;)
Not a particularly special church
You can see this church from Cathedral's roof. It is worth to paid a visit to the nice church
Beautiful colonial church
Iglesia, 1ra Calle NE, León, Nicaragua•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
4 min · 0.19 mi
3•Scott W — Google reviewRon F — Google reviewMrs. M — Google reviewAníbal P — Google reviewHolman C — Google review
El Museo Entomológico de León
4.0
(14)
4.0
(9)
Permanently Closed
Museum
Natural History Museums
El Museo Entomológico de León is a fascinating research facility and gallery that showcases a diverse collection of insects, including butterflies, beetles, spiders, and more. While it may appear closed at first glance, visitors can ring the bell for entry. The museum offers reasonably priced tickets and comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Leon in the future. Although temporarily closed at times, it remains an excellent destination to explore the world of entomology.
(Translated by Google) Very nice, only at first glance it seems closed. You have to ring the bell to enter and the tickets are not very expensive. Very good, I recommend visiting to everyone who visits León in the future.
(Original)
Muy bonito, solo que a la primera vista parece cerrado. Es que hay que tocar el timbre para entrar y los boletos no son muy costosos. Muy bueno, recomiendo visitar a todos los quien visite León en futuro.
Валера О — Google review
Would have loved to go to this well known museum but they never answer the door knock or door bell, during official hours.
It was not open
(Translated by Google) We had the same situation as other visitors: it was difficult to find, it seemed to be closed and after several attempts to knock on the door and bell...they didn't open it for us.
(Original)
Tuvimos la misma situación que otros visitantes: fue difícil de encontrar, parecía estar cerrado y después de varios intentos de tocar la puerta y timbre...no nos abrieron.
(Translated by Google) Excellent museum the best
(Original)
Excelente museo lo mejor
(Translated by Google) Temporarily closed
(Original)
Cerrado temporalmente
C4QG+25C, 3ra Av. NE, León, Nicaragua•
3 min · 0.17 mi
4•Debi S — Google reviewHeather S — Google reviewTed E — Google reviewWorld T — Google reviewRdyns — Google reviewKZ S — Google reviewJ J — Google review
Church of the Recollection
4.5
(639)
4.3
(47)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Church of the Recollection, also known as Iglesia de la Recoleccion, is a stunning 1786 Mexican-style baroque church located just three blocks north of the cathedral. Its lavishly decorated facade, dyed in deep yellow and adorned with cream accents, features swirling columns and bas-relief medallions depicting the life of Christ. Inside, visitors can admire slender mahogany columns and a ceiling adorned with harvest motifs.
The Church of Recollection in León, Nicaragua, built in 1786, is a stunning example of Mexican Baroque architecture with a striking deep yellow façade. It features beautifully crafted stonework and neoclassical altars that highlight its rich history and cultural significance. Located just a few blocks from the city center, the church offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and is a must-see for visitors interested in León’s colonial heritage and religious art. The church also frequently hosts cultural events, adding to its vibrant role in the community
SRS — Google review
Probably my favourite church in Leon. Striking colours and the detail in the construction is amazing. It was open when I visited but the at didn’t matter. I was smitten with the architecture. Well worth a visit.
Absolutely fantastic façade. I’ve loved visiting cathedrals and Catholic Churches ever since I visited the Sagrada Familia and the Sistine Chapel as a child. Seeing this church had me doing a double take standing in the street getting the perfect angle so that I can remember this beautiful place until I can visit Leon again someday. I was here for Wednesday evening services.
I found this church makes much nicer pictures than the central church. Built 250 years ago it’s worth the short walk from the central plaza.
Very pretty Church in a busy square. Great place to buy some hammock chairs for very cheap (in the square).
Incredible, one of my favorite churches in the city of León, that style with quite marked details I like very much, its very vibrant color plus those marks of antiquity undoubtedly highlight more beauty. It is very close to the central square and the beautiful cathedral, even from this one you can appreciate the church "La recolección", visit it that is wonderful.
Interesting facade, great for photos
The building is so stunning . Also the women here are stunning. Might get married here. Wife a woman up. Raise a family.
1, MEDIA C ABAJO 1, León 21000, Nicaragua•
2 min · 500 ft
5•Maya M — Google reviewSarah T — Google reviewJordan S — Google reviewLiza H — Google reviewJason G — Google reviewAmeer A — Google reviewGrace B — Google review
Kiss Me
4.5
(298)
4.6
(217)
Ice cream shop
Kiss Me is a trendy ice cream shop located near the famous Big Foot Hostel. The ice cream flavors are unique and delicious, served in fresh waffle cones that are crispy, buttery, and soft. The atmosphere is youthful and vibrant with different table spaces for comfort. While it may be more expensive than local street snacks, the refreshing ice cream is perfect for cooling off on hot afternoons. Visitors also recommend trying out the trivia night at ViaVia Leon hostel while in the area.
Great little ice cream shop! I highly recommend trying the tres leches cone, it’s so creamy and delicious. The oats and strawberries flavor is also a must try, super refreshing. Definitely worth stopping by if you’re in the area!
Alfonso O — Google review
SO YUMMY and such a cute vibe. The person that helped us was very kind and allowed us to try all of the flavors we asked for. My mom got the tres leches ice cream (which I tried and almost got as well) in a regular cone and I got the cheesecake de guayaba ice cream in a kid’s cone (the cone on the left for size comparison).
The cones were flakey and buttery and the ice cream was rich and delicious. The kid’s cone was not that much smaller than the regular cone but was the perfect size for me.
They have free WiFi, board games, and lots of comfy places to sit. I’d come back here and just hang out!!
This is the only place I've been so far that actually has good ice cream. A lot of reviews around Central America say good ice cream and as an Italian I 99% of the time think they are terrible. The waffle cone is better than the ice cream. Very sweet but very good!!! Happy I found this place
Super friendly staff that let me try a few flavors and practice my Spanish. I went with passion fruit. Free WiFi. Super cute place to stop and chill for a bit.
California vibes at this darling ice cream shop in downtown Leon. Quaint outdoor patio with amazing potted cacti and other plants. We ordered passion fruit, blueberry lavender, Rocky Road and brownie espresso. The handcrafted waffle cone takes it up a notch. All were scrumptious! A nice refreshing treat after a hot afternoon touring the city.
Holy Mother of ICE CREAM, I didn't know it was possible for ice cream to taste so good! El lodo de Matagalpa is my favorite, oh and the cookies are legit!!
Nice ice cream shop - staff were very friendly and they let us try the flavours - however, they were not the best - its not gelato but also not very creamy to be american ice cream - some flavours were also very icy.
Overpriced ice cream. The portion is ridiculously small, $5 for 2 small scoops and no toppings or anything. Not worthy at all. Not coming back. Unless they charge less for 2 mini scoops. You are paying for glass cups and a wood board that you’re not eating 😒 you’re paying for just presentation.
De Via Via 50 metros al Norte, León 21000, Nicaragua•
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Where to eat
Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to El Museo Entomológico de León, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.
Cerro Negro Taproom
4.7
(689)
4.9
(40)
Temporarily Closed
Restaurant
Bar
Espresso bar
Beers & Pallets is a remarkable establishment in Leon, Nicaragua that offers an exceptional selection of craft beers and delectable food options. The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to assisting patrons in choosing the perfect beer to suit their preferences. The owner, who possesses extensive expertise in both business and beer selection, ensures that every customer receives top-notch service.
Great cozy place near the center of the city. Friendly staff. We spent some time talking to somebody we thought was another happy patron, but turned out to be the owner. Quite a pleasant surprise that was. We will definitely return.
Joseph A — Google review
Fantastic local brewery! They have so many brews on tap, including cider. If you like craft brews, plants, and supporting local businesses, be sure to come to Cerro Negro Taproom!
If you are in Nicaragua you MUST go to Leon and visit Beers and Pallets! I promise you will have an unforgettable experience.
Everything there is delicious, the beers are a great pleasure for your palate, the food is prepared with you in mind and the atmosphere is super nice. Whenever I visit them I NEVER want to leave.
All the staff and mainly its owner Ariel make your visit enjoyable and personalized.
May God Bless this place and its staff ♥️🫶🏻
Very pleasant atmosphere, the attention is very personalized and the waiters really know what to recommend. The food is very well prepared and the craft beers are 1,000/10. It is a must try. I personally recomend the "Tula Cuecho" and the "Honey moon"
Awesome craft micro brewery, excellent selection of beers & super tasty food. Would highly recommend the plantain baskets (veg / vegan) and beef tacos. Golden Ale, Belgian & New England IPA all spot on 👌 Owner & host Ariel is a gent too. 10/10
I will try to be honest on the whole experience and start by the good point :
Beers were really good
Now the bad point :
I paid by card and when i received transaction on my side on my phone i took back the card. The waiter asked me to pay a second time. I show him that payment was made on my side and ask him for a proof of transaction failure on his side.
He tries to trick me with a ticket of previous day to show me there was no transaction.
Then he locked me in the bar threatening to call the police. I asked again to see a failure receipt, he refused, then he wanted to take my id card or credit card in picture, and i obviously said no because he already tried to rob me once.
Finally i asked him to show me the transactions of the current day after minutes being hostage, and he canceled my transaction. I directly had a notification on my bank so i redid it, and got free.
He tried to rob me, but failed.
It is a tourist trap, dont go there.
This is a very good spit for nice beers. It is authentic but also brings the Nicaraguan spirit. We had a few beers and the Carintas tacos. The food is not too much, so a little sharing before is advised. We would come back here
Why all 2's and 3's? Well, if you have to wait almost 1 hour for food, you know something is wrong. Music extra loud, so hard to have a conversation. We were here from 630 to 810pm on Friday.
Pulled pork dish was sub-par, luke warm and tasteless, cold French fries, and small handful.
The only good part was the IPA's good selection, well priced.
Maybe stop trying to take social media picture and concentrate on service and food delivery.
2da Av. NE, León, Nicaragua•
Restaurante Pizza el Roma
4.1
(143)
affordable
Restaurant
Nestled just a short stroll from the iconic Cathedral of Leon, Nicaragua, Restaurante Pizza el Roma is a delightful spot for those craving authentic Mediterranean flavors. This charming eatery boasts a cozy ambiance that makes it an inviting place to unwind with friends or family. Known for its generous portions, particularly the impressive mediano pizza that can easily feed you over multiple meals, El Roma offers great value without compromising on taste.
A great restaurant in Central Leon. What a gem. They have a great affordable menu with basic Italian fair. But everything on the menu seems delicious. We opted for spaghetti and meatballs because that is the reason that we went to an Italian restaurant and it did not disappoint.I will definitely come here to try some of the other offerings on their menu. Just a note that prices have increased slightly, but not significant to make it any different than it was before.
Tom I — Google review
Absolutely the worst pizza I’ve ever had, well if you’d call it pizza. It felt like I was eating a big dry sweet cookie with sweet sauce and a lot of flavourless cheese. Even another guy that was eating in the restaurant came up to us to ask what we thought about the pizza. The service was bad as well, it took more than 70 minutes before our food was at the table and the waiter really did not seem to have a good time as well. Definitely not recommending…
This is literally the only place where they charged me 1$ (if not more) for putting a different ingredient ( I can live with that) but they also charged me (1$) with NOT putting one. I just said I want X in a place of Y and they charged me twice for not putting X and putting Y. The pizza was just okay, I got some soses but I had to wait a bit and the place was full of dogs. They are lovely but I don't think a food-making place is a good spot for them.
The pizza was mediocre at best. We paid in USD and got ripped off with the exchange rate (25 C/USD).
Great prices and the mediano pizza is Humongous!! I ate pizza for 2 days after that so I would say it's good value! Excellent service but I went when there wasn't many people! I really enjoyed the food!
I arrived here searching for an Italian in the heart of Leon. To any restaurant 12 hungry people would be a challenge, however this was obviously too hard a task. The pizza, once it arrived after an hour and a half of waiting, was the worst I’ve ever had.The base reminded me of something you’d find underneath a desert, or most similar to a shortbread. Caked on with cheese and other below par ingredients. I was promised by a kind lady outside that this was the best pizza in Leon. If she was correct then Leon is in serious need of edible pizza.
This is ther version of pizza, not a good one...close to frozen to the oven. The place is nice and clean, the staff cordial and friendly.
Delicious food, cheap prices and friendly staff. Highly recommended!
C4QC+8JC, León, Nicaragua•
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Day 3
Proximity is everything
For day 3, we bundled attractions like Coco Calala and Batidos Pitaya León and other places within a close range, so that the time it takes to travel between all of them is less than one hour. Combined with the average time people spend there, your day should take about 8 hours.
1•Felix B — Google reviewLibby N — Google reviewNicole N — Google reviewZach B — Google reviewAb — Google reviewSara M — Google reviewRosie M — Google review
Coco Calala
4.6
(559)
4.8
(144)
affordable
Vegetarian restaurant
Swimming pool
Coco Calala in Leon is a popular spot known for its slightly more expensive but delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes. The restaurant offers a poolside dining experience, and customers can also opt for a day pass to use the pool for an additional fee. Visitors praise the incredible food, good prices, generous portion sizes, and friendly staff. The breakfast menu is highly recommended, with options available until 11 am. Despite this time limit, the accommodating staff sometimes allow orders after 11 am.
Sweet little spot. Room is very basic, but clean. Great food and drink at restaurant, which brings in quite a few people, but rooms are still very private and quiet at night. Pool is very nice and a great place to hang out during heat of the afternoon.
Our bus was two hours late and Enrique waited up for us until 11:30 pm to get us into our room. All staff were very friendly and accommodating. Highly recommend.
Ritch S — Google review
We had a wonderful time at Cola Calala in León! The food was really tasty and fresh, and it was such a nice change to sit in their beautiful garden area, away from the busy streets of the city. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. What makes it extra special is the swimming pool, perfect for cooling off and unwinding after a hot day exploring León. Definitely a place worth visiting if you’re in the city!
Huge portions, very tasty, and really nice setting in a gardens. Reasonably priced also for a western style menu that's mostly vegan.
Menu is 90% vegan, (there can be cheese on a few things), but everything is veganisable, with cashew or other alternatives as options as well for no extra charge etc.
There's also a swimming pool you can use for c100 which is clean and looks inviting.
Loved it here!!!
So far I have eaten at this restaurant twice since being here in Leon, Nicaragua!! The service is always good and the food has been great so far. Make sure to try the tortilla soup or the red lentil bolognese. The chocolate cheesecake was good too, but it was a little to frozen for my liking
Graciously hosted us in the pouring rain. Creative, tasty and filling house made ingredients. Really just grateful this place exists. They put in the effort and serve a great purpose. Not stingy on the drinks either. (Photo only edited to remove an elbow)
Food and drinks were very good! It is a vegan restaurant, but we didn’t even miss the meat.
Come prepared with bathing suit to enjoy the pool. It’s a beautiful oasis; perfect to cool off from the heat! $150 NIO to use pool facilities with no food or $100 NIO to use pool facilities if you order food.
Great value!
Growing up one of my favorite meals was yuka fries and these were the best yuka fries I’ve ever had.
Fair price and huge variety! Even some asain dishes. Our non vegetarian friends also approved and were enthusiastic about this place :)
Such a cute spot for breakfast for vegetarians and vegans! We had the burritos and pancakes which were fab - great portion sizes too. They had oat and soya milk for coffee. Lots of shade and a cute location to chill.
7 min · 0.35 mi
2•Carlos — Google reviewKatherine G — Google reviewLaura — Google reviewJL K — Google reviewCarol H — Google reviewLaura W — Google reviewAylin G — Google review
Batidos Pitaya León
4.7
(562)
4.8
(284)
cheap
Restaurant
Batidos Pitaya León is a popular smoothie bar and health cafe located in the scenic Plaza Central. It offers a variety of refreshing smoothies, fruit-filled bowls, chocolate waffles, yogurt parfaits, and other delicious dishes. The cafe is praised for its tasty offerings and provides a great option for health-conscious travelers or anyone looking to cool off with tropical frozen fruits on a hot day.
LOVED the smoothies here! We grabbed some protein smoothies before going volcano boarding and they were fantastic.
Adventuring S — Google review
Unfortunately they don’t have the smoothie balls, so I went for the healthy oat meal waffles. It was not delicious and very dry, the taste was far from close to any waffle I ever had. Strawberries are frozen ones and too soft. The juice was good!!! Don’t put the cutlery on the waffles, when it’s covered with honey.
5/21/25
Affordable, lots of options, no A/C
I got the El Tianu, with mango instead of pineapple & without sugar. Sadly it was pretty bland and seemed like it was mainly ice. I thought they had forgot the mango so the staff added more to it. Still not the best, but I appreciated how helpful the staff was.
Smoothiebowl was good, but a bit too liquid. Also waited 80 minutes (!) for my smoothiebowl.
Ate there, but got food and drink in plastic. Very bad for environment.
I had the smoothie bowl two days and it’s really good!
Nice smoothie bowl. But like everyone eles said please stop using plastic bowl/spoon for dining in
We had a detox juice and a detox special juice, that we both really liked! Excellent taste, good price and friendly staff.
The bowls tasted ok but were not very lovingly prepared. Juices without sugar are good. Staff were not terribly friendly either so only 3 of 5 stars.
Catedral de Leon 75vrs al Norte, Frente a Pollo Estrella, León, Nicaragua•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
4 min · 0.23 mi
3
León
León, located in western Nicaragua, is a city rich in history and culture. The impressive León Cathedral showcases a blend of baroque and neoclassical architecture, while the Centro de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián houses an exceptional collection of Latin American and European contemporary art. Nearby lies the ruins of the medieval city of León Viejo near the base of Momotombo Volcano, with other volcanoes like Cerro Negro also dotting the area.
4 min · 0.23 mi
4Lieselot D — Google reviewRebecca A — Google reviewNina L — Google reviewRobin N — Google reviewLinnea L — Google reviewEva R — Google reviewMrs X — Google review
Poco a Poco Hostel
4.7
(309)
Hostel
Poco a Poco Hostel in Leon offers simple dorms and rooms, making it a great choice for all types of travelers. Digital nomads will especially appreciate the fast and unlimited WiFi provided. The hostel stands out with its rooftop terrace adorned with numerous hammocks, offering a dreamy setting for relaxation. Guests can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and make use of the common areas, such as the courtyard where they can socialize or participate in events like movie nights and trivia.
I loved that hostel. It has a really beautiful inner courtyard/ patio with plants and a small pool. The compared rooms with a/c are good, they have enough place and every bed has its own light, plug and curtains. It's a really social hostel with optional program every night and always someone to talk to or go out with in the evening/ night. The volunteers and stuff were really mindful, I really liked it. They also help you with planing what to do! :)
I would definitely go there again, 100%! :).
Yona — Google review
Had a lovely stay at poco a poco but for me this was just a regular hostel - expected a bit more because of the high reviews. Would already been sooo much better if they have curtains at the beds (it’s a cheap improvement ☺️). They have cheap breakfast ($2-3) and have an activity every day. For me the hostel was a bit too big: it was harder to socialize than the smaller ones I stayed at in central Amerika.
Amazing hostel. Beautiful, nice rooms, nice kitchen. Super nice and friendly staff. Comfy places to sit and relax. My only complaint is they should update the pots and pans and have some spatulas. Other than that, was an almost perfect stay!
Pros:
Great hostel in a good location (close to the center) with very nice staff. They strive to keep it very clean and the beds in the dorms are comfy. I stayed in both: Poco a Poco & Poco a Poco Junior. The first one has a pool and is more sociable. The second one is a bit more quiet. But you are allowed to head over and use the pool at the original Poco a Poco and socialize there im case you decide to stay at Junior. Breakfast is good and cheap!
Cons:
The kitchens in both hostels - as usual in Nicaragua - are not the best when it comes to equipment or a functioning stove. What I found tho be downright rude is that I stayed for almost 2 weeks and they would charge me for a towel and then charge me again whenever I wanted it replaced for a fresh one.
Well run hostel. Great, honest staff.
Just a quick anecdote. I was visiting to play trivia (Sundays 8:00-9:00). I dropped some money from my shorts as I was leaving. I was well down the street, when I heard Oswaldo, the night security calling me. He asked if I dropped money. I checked and I did. US $80. He returned it and was very apprehensive to take a small propina. Buen Hombre. Gracias.
This is the best hostel in Leon! It’s so clean and the atmosphere is so nice! It’s one of those places that is nicer irl than the photos and the staff is so nice! They will help you so much, I literally had the security staff waiting with my suitcase outside the hostel at 3am!! So safe and highly recommend to other solo travelers!
My room was quite hot and the AC was not that strong but it did help with the heat. Absolutely book a room with AC because Leon is red hot.
Lovely hostel with lovely staff. It's very chill and relaxing but with a good social vibe too.
Really nice chilled hostel in the middle of Leon with a cute pool! Wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. We had a room with an AC and the breakfast here is really good as well! Highly recommend if you don’t want to be in a party hostel!
2da calle NO. Iglesia Bautista, media cuadra arriba, 21000, Nicaragua•
10 min · 0.54 mi
5Jessika — Google reviewEmma H — Google reviewCasey W — Google reviewDairo U — Google reviewNicolas 3 — Google reviewMiri A — Google reviewJessica K — Google review
Casa Lula León Hostal
4.6
(126)
Hostel
Casa Lula León Hostal is a centrally located accommodation in Leon, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. The hostel offers a tranquil and friendly atmosphere with a beautiful garden featuring a large pool. While the rooms do not have air conditioning, they are clean and cozy. Guests can enjoy well-maintained shared spaces including a fully equipped kitchen, pool table, library, and an honor bar. Additionally, secure parking is available on-site.
A fantastic hostel in a great location. Brilliant Kitchen and very clean. We loved our stay and the hosts make you feel very welcome.
Stephen T — Google review
This room was the worst I had stayed in within my whole 5 months of travelling south and Central America - The room was painfully HOT with no ventilation (does have a ceiling fan however did nothing) we had to open the large window which opens up to the entire kitchen and you hear every single noise and felt exposing.
The bedding itself was really hot to sleep on.
There was heaps of mosquitoes and we had to set up this weird mosquito tent around the bed. Would have made more sense to just install a nice permanent mosquito net.
After having the worst sleep someone at 6am was walking around at property zapping insects which was reeeeeeally loud.
Pros - female owner and cleaning staff they were really friendly and the kitchen is large and clean &
Cute cat 💙🐈⬛
Unfortunately would not recommend this particular room, maybe other rooms have aircon or better ventilation
We had the best time staying at this hostel. Roger and Selena were very friendly and hospitable hosts; they were accommodating and went the extra mile by hanging up some of our motorcycle gear that got drenched on our ride into the city. The rooms are clean and cosy and the shared spaces are well maintained and comfortable. Pool table, library, and honour bar are nice touches. There is also some secure parking which was great for our motorcycle.
Great place to stay. Very close walking distance to the city center. Lots of restraunts nearby. Nice shared kitchen so you can make your own meals and have a fridge to stash some foodstuffs. Lovely hosts who are committed to making your stay a pleasant one. I bring my family there every time we go to Leon. I don't even remember how many times we stayed but we were never disappointed.
Great place to stay in Leon, very well maintained property, clean and comfortable rooms, lots of amenities ( hammocks, pool table board games, kitchen) Perfect location everything within walking distance. The owners Roger and Selena are super friendly and helpful, after a 2 night stay we decided to stay 2 extra nights.
Thank you Roger and Selena, hope to see you soon.
Love the hosts!! Expat and Nicaraguan wife. So friendly, chatty, helpful and honest. Just nice to have gotten to know them!
Rooms 4/5 because AC is an option. Keeps prices low but that just makes a small difference between 4 and 5 stars :)
Can recommend to anyway!
Very clean (not usual for Central America - no offense !! :) )
Great place!
Very clean and comfortable room and bathroom. The shared kitchen is fully equipped, and the garden is peaceful and very nice to sit in (hammocks, large table, box games, pool table, option to buy some cold drinks from them).
We also got tours and Antigua shuttle through them and it was organized and very good.
Selina and Roger were so kind and helpful! Thank you!
Roberto the owner is so so helpful. The place is gorgeous. Right in the centre of Leon. Perfect for any traveller looking for a clean, quiet place downtown in the city. There is cold water, ginger tea and coffee included in the stay. Beautiful big hammocks. A nice garden and a big clean kitchen if you want to cook! Will defiantly be back. This is a gem.
5 min · 0.26 mi
6•Kunal B — Google reviewFelix B — Google reviewIan N — Google reviewLolwhathefishh — Google reviewQ G — Google reviewHassan C — Google reviewStijn F — Google review
Museo de la Revolución
4.1
(146)
4.2
(333)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museo de la Revolución in León, Nicaragua offers a deep dive into the country's history of fighting and uprising. Housed in the former Communication Headquarters for Somoza, it provides first-hand accounts of the events that unfolded both inside the museum and on the surrounding streets. The tours, led by former revolutionaries, offer a unique perspective on the city's past. While the museum building may not be visually stunning, guides bring its history to life.
If you are into learning about revolutions in Central America this is the place to visit. I had a great time learning about how the FSLN came to be and how it impacted other movements in other countries. You get a guide who provides all the information for just 100 cordovas. The organizers also were part of the movement. They are super insightful. Highly recommend.
Keirin L — Google review
For the price they charge there is practically nothing inside to see except for two rooms with some prints. My favorite part was the rooftop view which has nothing to do with the museum.
We arrived without really knowing what to expect. We paid the entrance fee of 100C per person and were put in a group with an English speaking guide. There are two main rooms with pictures and some text, the guide explained the whole political history using these pictures. In our opinion, it all moved a bit slowly, and the guide wasn't very audible, making it difficult to follow. Aside from some historical photos, there's really nothing to see in the museum.
Interesting tour with guide for 100 Cordoba. It's mostly pictures on walls but brought alive and well explained by our guide. If you've ever wondered about Nicaragua's turbulent past, this helps explain alot.
A great Tour for anyone who is interested in the History of Nicaragua. The Tour includes the history of the National Hero Augusto César Sandino, and the fight against the Somosa dictatorship. In the museum there are many pictures of the Persons or events, with text, and the guide there also explains everything, even in english, for everyone who can't read spanish. At the End you also get a great view from the Top of the Building, and can see nice paintings on the wall. Over all a great Expierience that i can recommend to anyone visiting Leon.
The Museo de la Revolución in León, Nicaragua, leaves much to be desired. The entrance fee is 100 córdobas, and instead of being managed transparently, the money goes directly into the attendant's wallet without any receipt. The place is in a deplorable state: dirty, neglected, and with facilities that reflect abandonment.
The tour, led by someone who clearly professes an ideological fervor, offers a one-sided view of history, lacking even a minimal capacity for self-criticism or balance. The guide's approach is more that of an indoctrinator than a historian, which distorts the true function of a museum.
Although the first part, which covers Sandino's struggle, has some interest, the content becomes increasingly problematic. As the tour progresses, the museum transforms into a sort of shrine for figures like Che Guevara, who is revered despite his history of violence and repression. Portraying an individual with such a tainted past, responsible for summary executions and human rights abuses, as a hero is not only inappropriate but offensive to anyone who values human dignity.
This museum, rather than educating about Nicaragua's history, seems more like a propaganda center that glorifies questionable figures and presents a manipulated version of the facts.
Was really interested in learning about Nicaraguan history. 100 Cardoba entry fee includes guide. Unfortunately, I felt the guide was like a machine talking…too fast. Not much to see but a few pictures. The roof seemed dangerous - can invest a few dollars and install plywood. Glad to help the local economy.
One of the weirdest 'museum' visits ever. I honestly feel a bit bad giving this review, but we need to be objective here. The tour started with a rooftop walk across broken/rusted iron sheets. We were assured it was perfectly safe, but I don't think any of us felt safe. The purpose of the rooftop walk was unclear to me. Our guide pointed out the different larger buildings across the city (nothing about the revolution). I feel a bit bad for the guide since she clearly wasn't in her comfort zone and a bit nervous. She was also not an ex-revolutionary herself (I guess she was the only English speaking guide available). The explanation given was not much more than reading what was on the photos and newspaper articles on the walls. Detailed questions remained largely unanswered. Only real positive is that the upstairs building is inviting for photographers. Again I feel a bit sorry for writing this, I'm sure with a better guide the experience can be improved. I hope it's taken as constructive feedback and used to insert a bit more 'professionalism' in what is clearly an interesting part of the county's history.
C4MC+R68, León, Nicaragua•
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Where to eat
Under a 1-minute walk from León, here are a few close by recommendations for when you get hungry exploring around.
Comedor Uepa
3.7
(138)
cheap
Cafeteria
Restaurant
Comedor Uepa, a cafeteria located in close proximity, offers highly affordable prices and boasts an exceptional culinary experience. This eatery provides a wide selection of dishes at very reasonable rates. Customers can enjoy diverse options without straining their wallets, with a complete meal available for as low as 40 Cordobas. Patrons find themselves drawn back to this establishment time and again due to its accessible pricing and delectable food offerings.
Very accesible prices and great food taste! I keep returning when ever close by!
Federico M — Google review
A good place to get a quick meal and very cheap. Open from 6am for breakfast.
Pre-cooked buffet food offering a good selection. The typical breakfast of gallo pinto, huevos y plátano was tasted good and fresh. I would be cautious of the other items later in the day which may have been sitting around a while.
We were sick the next day after having dinner here. Like someone else already wrote, Diarrhea and vomiting.
Super
Great variaty and really cheap. 40 Cordobas for a full meal
If you like to sit on the toilet with diarrhea and puke then might be right joyce!
(Translated by Google) 90 córdobas with soft drink! The food is delicious, there is a lot of variety of things to choose from. But the place is a bit dirty in the garden, there are too many cats. Better to eat inside 👍🏻
(Original)
De 90 córdobas con refresco! La comida es rica, tiene mucha variedad de cosas para elegir. Pero el lugar es un poco sucio en el jardín, hay demasiados gatos. Mejor comer adentro 👍🏻
(Translated by Google) It's a nice place, they serve good food and at a good price.
(Original)
Es un lugar agradable, sirven buena comida y a buen precio.
Restaurante Mediterraneo Terraza
3.8
(484)
3.5
(195)
affordable
Mediterranean restaurant
Instead of having dinner, we opted to enjoy a beverage at Restaurante Mediterraneo Terraza. The location, once a traditional old Leon residence, exudes a pleasant atmosphere. The waitstaff don adorable formal uniforms and provide attentive and amiable service. While the order took longer than expected and they were unfortunately out of tres leches dessert, it's worth noting that this eatery offers a distinctive menu not commonly found elsewhere.
My friends and I stopped by for a drink and a quick bite and were very impressed with the quality of the service. It looks like the girl who everyone is complaining about is no longer there! Our server was very attentive and provided us a ton of tips!
Angelika Y — Google review
Don’t do it! Worst food in Nicaragua and so expensive… pasta and burrito were both made with frozen Walmart vegetables!!! No fresh ingredients, poor service… very disappointed! 😥 should’ve had street tacos!!!
Definitely worth a visit because they do have menu items that are not the same thing as everywhere you go and Leon. They have several things to choose from that have Mediterranean flare in them like eggplant. Try finding eggplant anywhere else in the city because I haven’t been able to find it on the menu only here. They have numerous pizzas and some of them look absolutely delicious. The place is definitely worth a visit But don’t expect too much because it’s not really a Mediterranean restaurant. However, as I said before it is a departure from the everyday fair that you get in the city so absolutely worth a visit and I will come here again. I am writing it less than five stars mainly due to service, which is the usual case anywhere in Nicaragua.
The ambiance, food, and service were impeccable. The venue leaves a bit to be desired, but maybe that is part of the charm.
If the food hadn’t taken a whole 2 hours to arrive at our table then it would be a great place. I had a table of 6 and we were the only people at the restaurant. There was no reason for the food to take 2 hours to arrive.
We are not eating dinner here but having a drink. Nice atmosphere located in what was once a typical old Leòn home. The waiters have cute little formal uniforms and are very attentive and friendly. Not particularly quick service after the order, and they were out of tres leches, the dessert I ordered. Wish I could review the food but wanted to give these guys a shout out since they are an option for different food than served elsewhere - and in a quiet neighborhood at decent prices.
This place is terrible. Ordered penne pasta w veggies. Received veggies and cheese after I ordered no cheese. I'm vegan. Then I get charged for it and waited 40 minutes. I went to Restaurante La Mexicana instead.
The pizza was so bad, thin like paper and not tasty at all. Wouldn’t recommend anyone going there for pizza and its not a Mediterranean restaurant😅😅 it’s more like trying to be Italian
Del Parque de Los Poetas 2 cuadras y media al Norte, 2da Av. NO, León, Nicaragua•
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2
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2
Dulcemente Ice cream shop
4.5
(118)
5.0
(1)
Permanently Closed
affordable
Sundae restaurant
Dulcemente Ice cream shop in Leon is highly acclaimed for its delectable ice cream, offered at an affordable price. The unique technique of making rolled ice cream adds to the overall charm of this establishment. Patrons can relish the delightful flavors that this ice cream has to offer. Moreover, it serves as a refreshing option for those seeking respite from the scorching heat in this bustling city.
Loved this icecream the most in Leon, and also for a fair price! Kind of really cool how they make the rolls, and the icecream tastes really nice!
Tanja S — Google review
Worst ice cream we ever ate. Hoooorible taste!! We tried strawberry and coconut. It’s just milk with a little bit of artificial sirup added and they call this “ice cream of the season”. It was absolutely not a fresh seasonal ice cream. And the taste of this sirup milk mixture is even worse than all the other artificial ice cream flavours I’ve tried in my life. Don’t come here!!!
Best Icecream in Nicaragua! Only minus one star coz the icecream galletta isn't topped as it is pretended by their photos hanging in the shop! :)
Good option to taste something cold in this hot city.
Delicious, nice service, centrical.
Delicious
(Translated by Google) A simple place in its decoration but great in flavor, the ice cream is prepared when ordered and is delicious. We tried the mango one and compared it to the gelato from Rome, exquisite, I recommend it without a doubt. The smoothies are excellent as they taste a lot like the fruit they represent. Fast and friendly service.
(Original)
Un lugar sencillo en su decoración pero grande en sabor, el helado es preparado al momento que se ordena y es delicioso probamos el de mango y lo comparó con el gelato de Roma, exquisito, lo recomiendo sin dudas. Los batidos excelentes ya que saben mucho a la fruta que representa. Servicio rápido y amable.
Parque Rubén Darío, Costado norte del, León 21000, Nicaragua•
Al Carbon Steak and Coffee House
4.4
(219)
Permanently Closed
Restaurant
Nestled within a charming colonial building, Al Carbon Steak and Coffee House is a delightful dining destination that boasts an inviting interior courtyard. This restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring delectable beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, complemented by a full international bar. While the prices may be on the higher side for Nicaragua—around $20 USD per meal—the quality of food makes it worthwhile. Diners can expect friendly service; however, those who don't speak Spanish might find communication challenging at times.
Very nice atmosphere and service. The food is very good too, I am attaching the menu
Paco S — Google review
The place is quite interesting with a loads of choice on the menu. The place has no parking and we literally had to stop traffic while getting out of our ride. The food is reasonable and price is quite right for what you get. The steak was a little under cooked but it wasn't too bad. Overall service is good if you speak Spanish if you don't it might be a challenge trying to get a message across. I barely managed with my Spanglish...
First time there. Great service! 👏 From our appetizers to our entrees, everything was delicious!
Great service and awesome food. As a bonus there is great house coffee and ambiance.
Beautiful restaurant. Friendly staff. I ordered the Cowboy Steak and it was cooked perfectly. Bit expensive compared to other restaurants around Leon but for that same meal back home would be three times the price so really it was still fantastically cheap.
This place used to be very good. I'm 100% positive last night they ran down to McDonald's and served me a burger from there. It was tiny and cost $12. My friend got a $13 fish he sent back it was so small. We were all very disappointed.
Amazing and delicious food. Excellent customer service and fast serving. The waitress take care of your needs. Great place to spent time with your family and friends
Meat overcooked, very unpersonal and uninterested service, table turned out to be dirty when we wiped it dry. Place doesnt meet up to its standard,s if meat is your specialty, and the restaurant is pricey, it should be good, and it wasnt. Personell wasnt interested if we enjoyed the meal, so apparantly they dont get feedback from costumers.
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Day 4
Keep it simple
For day 4, these 5 places should be enough to fill your day with something exciting to do in Leon. Start the day with Museum of Traditions and Legends and make your way through the city to get to Las Peñitas. This should take about 7 hours of your day.
1•Charle-Edward C — Google reviewGrethel ( — Google reviewCharles M — Google reviewEric P — Google reviewOchre A — Google reviewLisa M — Google reviewDesmond H — Google review
Museum of Traditions and Legends
4.0
(537)
3.8
(252)
Museum
History Museums
Housed in a former prison, the Museum of Traditions and Legends in Nicaragua offers an intriguing exploration of Nicaraguan folklore through puppet displays. The museum showcases exhibits on the country's fairytales, myths, and legends alongside a historical portrayal of the torture interrogations that took place within its walls during its time as a jail. Additionally, it hosts religious celebrations during Holy Week and December, featuring traditional events like the Stations of the Cross and Judea theater plays.
Very interesting museum, lots of information about the local culture, famous people and popular myths. Most of the signs are written in both spanish and english.
Even though the museum is about the traditions and legends of the country, I wish there was more information about the actual prison itself. Definitely worth the 50c or so entry fee, if you’re in León I recommend giving this place a visit.
Traixvii — Google review
Maybe it was great 3 years ago, but now it is all ruined.
The tank is not here anymore, most of the puppets are highly damaged and finally many contextual sheets are missing.
But to be honest; 50 cordo for reading legends was worth it, just dont put your expectations high as i did.
Great experience! Good place to learn about Nicaragua's history and have a taste of the traditions and culture. I recommend to ask for a tour guide, it's more interesting. For those who knows what Gigantona is, here you can find the biggest one in Nic.
The enthusiasm and professionalism of our two young guides was inspirational. They brought to life the tired exhibits, most of which are decrepit and in dire need of restoration. Well worth the time to visit, especially the opportunity to learn about the local folklore and myths.
Knowledgeable guide and interesting exhibits in the former prison turned local musem of history and legends. The displays are quite dusty amateutish and are in varying stages of disrepair. The catwalk around the prison feels great. Apart from seeing the surrounding areas and the museum, you can also see the dirty laundy (litetally) of the neighboring residents.
Me and my friend absolutely loved this museum, and what can say, what an experience. An unexpected gem that really brightened our day. There is so much to learn about all the quirky myths and legends of the area and the models and figurines are brilliant (somewhat a little scary haha). It's set in an old prison and you get to walk around the high perimeter like the guards once did. Wilbur who runs the museum is brilliant, friendly and so helpful. What a great and funny day out for such a small price of 50 Cordobas. Would happily return. See it for yourself and enjoy!
Very charming museum about local folklore. Inexpensive and doesn’t take too long to see everything.
Converted from an old prison. Paid C$50 for the entrance. An English speaking guide explained this museum about its sad and cruel history. On the other hand, the museum had many figures telling some legendary stories of the country.
2nd Callejon Sur, León, Nicaragua•
7 min · 0.35 mi
2•Lewis C — Google reviewWilhelm W — Google reviewKeren Y — Google reviewDave B — Google reviewMichael K — Google reviewKristen B — Google reviewMaddi P — Google review
Ortíz Gurdián Foundation Art Center
4.7
(518)
4.6
(461)
Art museum
Museums
Specialty Museums
The Ortíz Gurdián Foundation Art Center is a vibrant museum housed in four restored colonial buildings, showcasing a remarkable collection of contemporary art. The museum's lush courtyards and majestic interiors add to its appeal, making it a must-visit for culture enthusiasts. With works by renowned artists like Picasso, Chagall, and Miro, as well as pieces by notable Nicaraguan artists, the center offers a rich cultural experience.
This is the most complete and amazing collection of Central American Art imaginable.
The entry is 3,50USD and worth every penny.
Bring some time to indulge yourself in this incredible museum.
Constantin — Google review
This was truly one of the most impressive art exhibits I have seen in quite some time. Every room revealed something unexpected, vibrant, thought provoking, and beautifully curated. I found myself wishing their gift shop offered more postcards or reproductions of some of the standout pieces to take home and share. Still, we picked up a few locally stamped prints that captured the spirit of the collection, and they were both affordable and authentic.
Admission was included with our stay at Hotel Convento, which made the experience even more accessible. The grounds themselves are stunning, with lush courtyards filled with tropical foliage, wandering turtles, and quiet corners that invite you to linger. We ended up spending about an hour and a half taking it all in, and I could have easily stayed longer. It is the kind of place that stays with you.
Absolutely fantastic place. Tins of art in a unique setting. Very friendly and helpful staff. Be careful, the place is si big you can easily get lost in.
A must visit during a stay in Leon. The museum is quite large with the collection spread out across both sides of the street with the first being the smaller set of galleries. The buildings in and of themselves with stunning!
A nice museum, bigger than I thought it would be. Has real paintings, lithographs, icons, and bronze sculptures. It surprised me that the Picasso's were lithographs, that was interesting. A mix of old through modern art.
I would recommend this museum if you like art, but don't expect it to be on par with a large museum. It was very hot inside, bring water. There are seats in some areas to rest.
If you have any interest in Art at all, this is one of the best museums. I’ve seen in central America. Rooms and rooms full of Latin American artists followed by early Christian and a plethora of 20th century artists from around the world. It ends with some very thought-provoking central American contemporary pieces.
One of the best art galleries I’ve been to! This was such a pleasant surprise on our trip - the variety of the art (contemporary and traditional, local and international) and the courtyards were amazing. Absolutely worth a stop while in Leon!
Nice museum. A lot bigger and fancier than I expected! The staff turns the lights on/off based on which rooms people are in. They have turtles in 2 of the courtyards! Entry was free for Sandino's birthday May 18.
I read they have Picasso paintings, but didn't see any. I saw other paintings that gave me similar disgusted reactions as his works normally do (with few exceptions like the stick figures on a street in Barcelona wasn't bad). But when I checked the information for those, they were by Latin American artists. So if there are still Picasso paintings here, they weren't any of the disfigured people (monsters) or other ones that make me nauseous. If they were easier-to-look-at ones, then they didn't grab my attention enough to read the info and find out or take photos.
Avenida 3 Poniente, León, Nicaragua•
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
2 min · 0.11 mi
3•Jaimi G — Google reviewCarlos F — Google reviewHenry R — Google reviewLila H — Google reviewBilly C — Google reviewAlondra A — Google reviewNorm C — Google review
Museo Archivo Rubén Darío
4.5
(419)
4.0
(136)
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Ruben Dario Registry Museum in Nicaragua is a must-visit for those interested in the life and work of the country's most famous poet. This museum is located in the house where Dario lived for the first 14 years of his life, and it offers a glimpse into his early years and literary beginnings. Visitors can explore personal artifacts, including his diplomatic attire, as well as his bedroom preserved as it was on the day he died.
This is a place full of history, the tour guides are very knowledgeable and take their time to answer all questions. This museum is in honor of Ruben Dario, considered the father of modernism.
Garay M — Google review
You can request a guide (voluntary tip) who tells you all about Dario. It was wonderful to learn about this time period in his home. Highly recommended.
It was a really nice experience with a lot of good information about the life and the great literary movement about Ruben Dario. I love the phrase from the poet si pequeña es la patria, uno grande la sueña.
It's a amazing place where you can find Rubén Darío work art and at the same time is museum and library, there a lot of stories about Darío and many interested book about him and others poets, it's a magic place extremely recommended
What a beautiful dedication to the most amazing poet. Definitely worth a visit. You cannot take pictures of the main rooms as it is prohibited but understandable.
Learned about the life of Rubin Dario, his home and hometown. I read his poem ," Margarita". It was great. Rubin Dario is held in the highest honor by people in Nicaragua and many places in central and south America. The home by today's standards is pretty basic. However in days gone by it was a beautiful home.
If you have the chance to visit this museum, ask for the tourist guide. He gave us a wonderful lecture about Rubén Darío's life related with the historical objects in the museum.
Give him a good tip 👌
It is very nice it has many personal artifacts, including his diplomatic dress attire. The museum is located in Rubén Dario's house where he lived and died. It has his bedroom as it appeared on the day he died.
C4M8+WVJ, NIC-14, León, Nicaragua•
3 min · 1.1 mi
4Federico C — Google reviewJillian ( — Google reviewAres T — Google reviewCalixto T — Google reviewJosé P — Google reviewJunieth A — Google reviewHenry M — Google review
Mercadito De Sutiava
3.9
(507)
Market
Mercadito De Sutiava is a bustling market located just behind the cathedral, offering a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at good prices. It's a great place to shop for local produce and interact with friendly locals. Additionally, it serves as a convenient spot to grab a drink or snack while waiting for buses heading towards Las Penitas, Poneloya, and Las Pepitas.
(Translated by Google) Large selection of fruit and vegetables, very nice people. You can do some shopping, buy something to drink or a snack while waiting for the bus towards Las Penitas. Safely.
(Original)
Duży wybór owoców i warzyw, bardzo sympatyczni ludzie. Można zrobić zakupy, kupić coś do picia lub przekąskę w oczekiwaniu na odjazd autobusu w kierunku Las Penitas. Bezpiecznie.
PIOTR S — Google review
Go to get bus to beach and shop on way back..super handy!!
Exciting market just behind cathedral. You can find absolutely everything here.
You can find the most fresh and cheap fruits
Nice place for every foreign
Terror
Okay.
(Translated by Google) Excellent place to do your shopping and soon in another location
(Original)
Excelente lugar para hacer sus compras y ya pronto en otra ubicación
C4M3+WC6, León, Nicaragua•
19 min · 11.5 mi
5•Andrea Y — Google reviewArnold S — Google reviewMarcos A — Google reviewShiva N — Google reviewArnaud B — Google reviewMark S — Google reviewNatalie H — Google review
Las Peñitas
4.7
(218)
4.2
(524)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Las Peñitas is a popular beach destination located just 11 miles from Leon, Nicaragua. It consists of two adjacent beaches, Poneloya and Las Peñitas, both offering access to beautiful sandy shores with fairly rough surf and outstanding waves for surfing. Poneloya has more of a town vibe with accommodations featuring hot water and air conditioning, along with a mix of local and international restaurants.
Lovely long beach, had it almost to myself on weekday morning, a few people, pets and independent beach puppies otherwise.
Inga K — Google review
Spent the afternoon at this beach and wasn't impressed. The beach itself is pretty great (what's not to love about surf, sand and waves) but there was a lot of trash and litter everywhere.
My initial first impression was not enough to want to explore the area further.
There are far better beaches in Nicaragua.
very nice and chilled beach!!! Place to stay a while!
My first time in the passigic Ocean. Amazing beach, perfect to surf, I would say because waves are very strong. We went in the low season (September), so a few people and a lot of good photos.
Great beach! Good for swimming and beginner surfing!
Lovely and relaxing ... Hope it will remain as is, unspoiled by big fat tourists their quads and their diet Coke
Delightful spot. Litter is a big issue for me. Pity there is no clean up crew.
Such a wonderful place, the sea is amazing. Nice place to swim and surf :)
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Where to eat
When you need a food break from visiting all the attractions today, these fan favorite restaurants are about a 2-minute walk away from Museum of Traditions and Legends.
Casa de Los Berrios
4.3
(126)
Hotel
Casa de Los Berrios is a charming accommodation located in a quiet area, offering a humble and loving environment. The friendly owner goes above and beyond to assist guests, even helping with early morning shuttle arrangements. While there's no kitchen access and hot water may be limited, the rooms are comfortable and come with the essentials. Additionally, air conditioning is available for an extra fee. The property also features pleasant garden sitting areas and parking facilities.
We stayed here during the Griteria of august 14th. Great choice if you are looking for “bueno, bonito y barato” with parking! We really had a great stay and very friendly owners and staff. The rooms are simple but more than enough for a short stay. And the green and trees kept the place relatively cool in the morning (as cool as León can get).
Fernando — Google review
Hi guys, the old lady that helped me was very rude and asked me to many personal questions. I got there with a motorcycle and she didn't even offer me to put the motorcycle away. I gave her a 50 dollar bill to pay and she didn't have change so I had to dig deep in my bag to find change to pay for the room. I felt like I was staying in a boot camp place. What a bad attitude. The oldan was very nice. I don't know how these other people said that she was nice because she's nothing nice. The girl I was staying with was standing on the front desk and she rudely told her to move alway from the light. I won't ever stay in this place again. Last thing this place was very hot and will only can use the fan and the AC was there just for show... I gave her a 4 star because I feel bad for her maybe something wrong is going on in her life.
Stayed for two nights, the lady running the place is super helpful and accommodating. It is indeed very hot ans the AC did not work, however, we got a second fan provided and there was free water all day. The location is great, super central with a supermarket just around the corner.
Won’t be staying here again. The front desk lady is really rude & doesn’t let you speak. Or you will speak to her and she wont answer you. We speak perfect Spanish. There are other reviews here mentioning her rudeness. So it’s not just us. She said one price and then charged us more the next day. She’s in the wrong business. If you don't like people, why do u run a hotel? When we got there she told us to turn the A/C off if we were going to go out and leave the room. We got ready and left the room 15 mins later. As we were walking out, she asked if we had turned the A/C off. Seriously???? We are adults. Theres wifi and street parking. No hot water. The only thing colder than the water is the front desk staff. Good luck having them refill the coffee machine outside in the morning. 10am check out. The old man is nice though. The gate closes at 10pm. You will have to call her to let u in. It’ll be a great experience, if you miss boot camp. or summer camp. She should be a corrections officer or a drill sergeant. They should change the business name to Camp Berrios. Id say the only positive thing is the location. A couple blocks away from the night life. Also, she told us we had to move our car at 7am because the hotel only allows 3 cars parked next to each other in there garage. So we woke up early to move it, yet no other cars needed leave that early.
Nice spot in a good location 2 streets away from the main square. Friendly hosts and nice courtyard area to relax in. Room & bathroom were clean. The room was very hot .. the fan provided does an OK job but it was a very sweaty night
The parking is a hassle we told the night before that we had to move the vehicle out at 7am becuase another vehicle had to be out at that time, the vehicle she said had to be out did not leave till 10am, the lady is very rude and misleading on perpose she raised the prices on checkout and forced us to pay more, we had the worse experience, don’t stay here
Good location! Dated rooms. AC separately charged!
Lady is very rude and prices are misleading after you try to checkout she will raise the price, the lady was being deceptive on perpose
Centro de León Nicaragua Costado sur oeste parque central 2 y media cuadra al sur, León, Nicaragua•
Sua León Cocina Mediterránea
4.5
(544)
4.3
(41)
affordable
Restaurant
The dining experience at Sua León Cocina Mediterránea was exceptional, with some of the finest cuisine I have had in a long time. The paella was exquisite, accompanied by their homemade bread which surpasses that of the renowned French bakery in Leon. The appetizers were delectable, including a delightful hummus served with vegetable sticks and a rolled pita filled with an incredibly flavorful stuffing. Additionally, the homemade dips accompanying the fries were absolutely incredible.
Wanted to make a post as we nearly didnt go do to reviews but realised very rarely do people review when good. The food is lovely! Pizza thin, but tasty, maybe different to how people are used to it but it was lovely base and huge! The meatballs weren't in a tomato sauce but so delicious and the croquettes were yummy also. Lovely vibe not busy but inside outside dining. First time away we had decent sangria it was sooo good. Thanks for a lovely meal
Sacha L — Google review
WHAT TO EXPECT? Italian restaurant 5 mins walk from Leon main square with mixture of outdoor and indoor air-conditioned seating.
PAY / PRICE / COST- Cash only, can pay USD or Cordoba (36.5 conversion). Main meals approx 340-450. Drinks 100-250. We had a starter, beer, cocktail and 2 pasta mains for 40USD total. Tip optional, not automatically added.
POSITIVES- Smart setting, nice ambience. Extensive menu offering meat, fish, pasta and pizza dishes. Good selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Friendly attentive staff.
NEGATIVES- The food service was almost too quick it felt we were rushing between finishing starters and being presented with mains. Our Swiss cheese chicken pasta and gongonzola gnocchi dishes were more like soup with our pasta drowning in under seasoned cheese sauces. Needed better ratio of pasta to sauce and more flavour.
OVERALL- setting, menu and staff were nice. Food was a little disappointing but fine.
We arrived with high hopes because of all the positive reviews, but these were not fulfilled. I ordered the pasta with cream sauce and champignons and bacon. The sauce was pretty tasteless, I also asked for spaghetti bit got rigatoni instead. The one good thing was the scenery. The inside garden offers a really nice place to eat.
Ordered the marisco marinana, quite disappointing. Not enough sauce, top half of the dish was basically bare. Not very flavorful, had about 3 pieces of shrimp and calamari. Price completely unjustified. Although my friends ordered the pesto chicken pasta and they enjoyed that. So seems like a hit or miss depending on what you order.
Sit along the inner courtyard where the light is softer and you can feel the breeze. The tzatziki, hummus, and htipiti with garlic herb flatbread (not pita but v good) is terrific!
The food is exquisite, the service is excellent, and the prices are reasonable. I don't believe it's expensive; however, I would advise bringing cash if you plan to visit.
Visited for the second time and again it was great again! The whole atmosphere is so nice amd the waiters are super friendly and bilingual! We had the hashbrown as a starter and a pizza and the pasta pollo and pesto. Delish
Cozy place, decent food, good beer. The staff is helpful and friendly. Nice ambiance. The bolognese pasta was the best thing we ordered. Also, just a heads-up that this place is cash only. No credit cards.
Del Parque de los Poetas, 1 cuadra al Sur, 20 vos abajo, Nicaragua•
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Restaurante Casa Vieja
4.7
(146)
4.6
(39)
Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of León, Nicaragua, Restaurante Casa Vieja has been a beloved culinary gem for over thirty years. What began as a humble café has blossomed into a cherished gathering spot where locals and visitors alike can savor authentic Nicaraguan cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly popular among the Leoneses, who appreciate its friendly service and rich history.
We were suggested this restaurant by our guide and it didn't disappoint, we shared a mixed platter and the food was delicious. They also stayed open later for us, very nice family.b
Nathan B — Google review
Family-run restaurant with lovely interior design and good food. I had the chicken salad which was exactly to my taste and my friend almost drowned in their ceviche how delicious it was. The service is fast and attentive and you can pay by card.
Delicious food, great prices and lovely staff! Visited twice. Chilaquiles were especially great.
Our friend and tour guide Leo from Mono Loco Adventures referred us to Restaurante Casa Vieja and recommended the Chile con carne, which was fabulous! The lemonade with ginger and peppino was also excellent. Carlos and his father Jose add a warm personal touch to this fabulous family run restaurant.
Everything was great -- service, atmosphere, food -- but the chili con carne is fantastic. Highly recommend!
Fabulous place. Great food and wonderful service.
Fantastic food and service. Had the chile con carne and it did not disappoint
Good food, great service, and ambiance. Highly recommend!
Hotel El Convento, 20 varas abajo Primera avenida Este, León, Nicaragua•
AL SOLE HOTEL
4.6
(197)
Hotel
Al Sole Guesthouse is located in Barrio Zaragoza, a 15-minute walk from the center of Leon, Nicaragua. The colonial property has been newly refurbished to maintain its traditional style. It offers 6 en-suite rooms and 3 independent large apartments over 2 floors. Guests have praised the helpful staff and immaculately clean rooms with comfortable bedding. The beautiful pool and well-equipped kitchen add to the overall positive experience.
Stayed 3 nights in January. Great location and wonderful staff. Very clean rooms/property.
Would stay again if in León. Easy to walk to many sights and secure parking if requested for less than $3 a night.
Nathan L — Google review
We really loved staying here for a few days whilst in Leon. Nicely maintained, comfortable rooms, and very lovely staff. The pool is perfect for cooling down, and there is a kitchen for preparing food. The garden is tranquil with lots of birds. Drinks available at reasonable prices. A separate fridge for guests would be helpful. It is a little out of the centre but they have bikes to borrow, and taxis are super cheap.
Nice hotel, comfortable size and a great location. We booked through Expedia, but at check-in there was an issue with the room category. The lady at reception was extremely friendly and helpful; unfortunately, the owner needed several attempts before we could finally check in, blaming the problem on Expedia—and he only offered us the room we had actually reserved if we agreed to pay an extra fee. In the end we got the room we booked and paid for but the whole process took about 30 minutes, which we spent with our luggage in a very warm lobby. Check-in should have been smoother, as the room type we reserved on Expedia was clearly described and defined. Management really needs to update its listings on Expedia—guests shouldn’t have to suffer for inaccurate information. Very frustrating, and therefore I can’t recommend the hotel.
Breakfast is delicious here! Nice selection of pancakes, traditional breakfast or omelette. Pool is also nice (although we didn’t use it) and the room and private bathroom were clean! No aircon in the room and it did get quite hot so we had both fans on and had to leave the windows open (there were mosquito nets).
Location wise it’s about a 15 mins pleasant walk to the centre! It was a nice stroll and felt very safe.
Overall a very nice place. Parking for motorcycles inside, breakfast was ok. But since there is a lot of plants around (which is nice) there are lots of mosquitos in the rooms. The pool was out of service during our visit. Paying by card meant additional charge.
It was a very nice stay. The breakfast is good in the morning. The location is a little far from the main stuff in town (18-20 minute walk), but it’s doable. When I arrived the window had been open so there were a ton of bugs in the room. However after the first day I kept the window closed, and they seemed to go away. Very cute garden and nice pool, and friendly staff.
Hostel Al Sole impresses with its familial atmosphere and beautiful ambiance, making you feel at home instantly. The exceptionally friendly staff is particularly commendable. When my luggage, containing important medication, was lost by the airline, I received immediate and extensive assistance from the staff. The only minor drawback is its location, being about a ten-minute walk from the city center. Despite this, the hostel is highly recommended.
I stayed here for a couple nights and really enjoyed the experience. The room was clean, the bed was very comfortable and the garden/pool area is a delightful oasis for relaxing and reading. The staff was very kind.
I also really appreciated the management as I had to change my initial reservation at the last minute. They were very understanding about it (I would recommend reserving directly with the property if possible as Booking .com created some problems with the changed reservation).
I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again!
Zaragoza Church, 2 blocks and 10mts west, León 21000, Nicaragua•
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Best-of categories in Leon
Restaurants
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What's the weather like in Leon?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Leon for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Leon in January
- Weather in Leon in February
- Weather in Leon in March
- Weather in Leon in April
- Weather in Leon in May
- Weather in Leon in June
- Weather in Leon in July
- Weather in Leon in August
- Weather in Leon in September
- Weather in Leon in October
- Weather in Leon in November
- Weather in Leon in December
All road trips from Leon
- Leon to Playa del Carmen drive
- Leon to Mexico City drive
- Leon to Arenal Volcano National Park drive
- Leon to Panama City drive
- Leon to Granada drive
- Leon to Cancun drive
- Leon to Tulum drive
- Leon to San Jose drive
- Leon to Manuel Antonio drive
- Leon to Chichen Itza drive
- Leon to Antigua drive
- Leon to Tamarindo drive
- Leon to La Fortuna de San Carlos drive
- Leon to Oaxaca drive
- Leon to Merida drive
- Leon to San Salvador drive
- Leon to San Juan del Sur drive
- Leon to Puebla drive
- Leon to Palenque drive
- Leon to Playa Samara drive
- Leon to Guadalajara drive
- Leon to Guanajuato drive
- Leon to Cahuita drive
- Leon to Copan Ruinas drive
- Leon to Tortuguero drive
- Leon to Coba drive
- Leon to Tegucigalpa drive
- Leon to San Miguel de Allende drive
- Leon to Huatulco drive
- Leon to San Cristobal de las Casas drive
Explore nearby places
- Leon
- Managua
- Masaya
- La Laguna de Apoyo
- Granada
- Matagalpa
- Moyogalpa
- San Juan del Sur
- Tegucigalpa
- La Cruz
- Area de Conservacion Guanacaste
- Playa Matapalo
- Playa Hermosa
- Artola
- Rincon de La Vieja
- Playa Conchal
- Liberia
- Playa Grande
- Tamarindo
- Playa Avellanas
- Santa Cruz
- Tenorio Volcano National Park
- San Salvador
- La Libertad
- Nicoya
- Nuevo Arenal
- Nosara
- Playa Samara
- El Castillo
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Santa Elena
All related maps of Leon
- Map of Leon
- Map of Managua
- Map of Masaya
- Map of La Laguna de Apoyo
- Map of Granada
- Map of Matagalpa
- Map of Moyogalpa
- Map of San Juan del Sur
- Map of Tegucigalpa
- Map of La Cruz
- Map of Area de Conservacion Guanacaste
- Map of Playa Matapalo
- Map of Playa Hermosa
- Map of Artola
- Map of Rincon de La Vieja
- Map of Playa Conchal
- Map of Liberia
- Map of Playa Grande
- Map of Tamarindo
- Map of Playa Avellanas
- Map of Santa Cruz
- Map of Tenorio Volcano National Park
- Map of San Salvador
- Map of La Libertad
- Map of Nicoya
- Map of Nuevo Arenal
- Map of Nosara
- Map of Playa Samara
- Map of El Castillo
- Map of Arenal Volcano National Park
- Map of Santa Elena
Leon throughout the year
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Leon?
Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:
Day itineraries for nearby cities
- 4-Day Tamarindo Itinerary
- 4-Day Arenal Volcano National Park Itinerary
- 4-Day Granada Itinerary
- 4-Day Liberia Itinerary
- 4-Day San Juan del Sur Itinerary
- 4-Day San Salvador Itinerary
- 4-Day Nosara Itinerary
- 4-Day Managua Itinerary
- 4-Day Playa Samara Itinerary
- 4-Day Tegucigalpa Itinerary
- 4-Day Santa Elena Itinerary
- 4-Day Area de Conservacion Guanacaste Itinerary
- 4-Day Playa Hermosa Itinerary
- 4-Day Matagalpa Itinerary
- 4-Day Playa Conchal Itinerary
- 4-Day Masaya Itinerary
- 4-Day Santa Cruz Itinerary
- 4-Day Playa Grande Itinerary
- 4-Day La Libertad Itinerary
- 4-Day Nicoya Itinerary
- 4-Day Rincon de La Vieja Itinerary
- 4-Day Playa Matapalo Itinerary
- 4-Day Moyogalpa Itinerary
- 4-Day Playa Avellanas Itinerary
- 4-Day La Laguna de Apoyo Itinerary
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