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.
Houses the Panteón Real with royal sarcophagi and saint's relics.
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.