Lonely PlanetSep 20
A Guide to León, Spain
From tantalizing tapas to architectural treasures, get to know the underrated city of León in northwestern Spain.
17th-century plaza best visited in the afternoon.
25 things in this story
- Catedral de LeónPlace of worshipArrive early for natural light show through 130 stained glass windows.
- Barrio HúmedoHotelNarrow streets and plazas known for wealth of bars.
- CaminoTrailPilgrimage route passing through León since the Middle Ages.
- Semana SantaMuseumHighlight of León's year-round calendar of events.
- Three Kings DayFestivalNew year celebration with traditional Roscón de Reyes cakes.
- Fiestas de San Juan y San PedroFestivalWeek of festivities in late June with concerts and parades.
- Museo de LeónMuseumOldest museum in the region, overview of history and culture.
- Roman villa of NavatejeraSightArchaeological annex located a few kilometers from León.
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y LeónMuseumShowpiece gallery with facade of 37 shades of colored glass.
- Plaza de Santo DomingoSightCommercial hub, boundary between new and old towns.
- Plaza de San MarceloSightIdeal spot to get bearings, with a model of the old quarter.
- Panteón RealSightRoyal pantheon located in Plaza de San Isidoro.
- Calle de AnchaNeighborhoodElaborately cobbled path leading to historic pharmacy and cathedral.
- Plaza de la ReglaSightPlaza where the cathedral dazzles in Gothic splendor.
- Plaza MayorSight17th-century plaza best visited in the afternoon.
- Plaza de San MartínSightBursts into action at night among the clustered bars.
- Barrio HumidoNeighborhoodKnown for its clustered bars and lively atmosphere at night.
- Plaza de Santa María del CaminoSightRestful pause in elder-shaded plaza with pillared houses.
- Plaza del GranoSightAlso known as Plaza de Santa María del Camino.
- Parque del CidParkGreen, shady haven with Roman aqueduct remains and city walls.
- Parador de LeónHotelHistoric building conceived as a hospital for pilgrims.
- Real Basílica de San IsidoroSightStunning Romanesque basilica with finest Romanesque frescoes.
- Museo de San IsidoroMuseumHouses the Panteón Real with royal sarcophagi and saint's relics.
- Hotel Real Colegiata San IsidoroHotelAnnex to the Real Colegiata with contemporary rooms.
- Casa BotinesMuseumGaudí building resembling a dragon, one of three outside Catalonia.