Are you planning to travel the Camino de Santiago or simply visit the ancient and historical city of Leon? If you have only one day in Leon Spain, the walking guide below will help you explore the best of the city.
And if you intend to spend more than one day, find also my best recommendations on where to stay.
Best Hotels in Leon:
1. Parador de Turismo de Leon (5*)
2. NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor (4*)
3. Hotel My Palace Leon (4*)
4. Palacio Real Hostel
5. Zentric Hostel
Walking Guide through the Historic Center of Leon
1. Head to Plaza Mayor or Main Square
I arrived in Leon, following the Camino Frances on my journey through the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James), which ends in Santiago de Compostela. In Leon, I began my walking tour at the Main Square.
The Main Square is the heart of this historic city, which was founded by the Romans more than 2000 years ago.
El Mirador, which you can see in the background, is a 17th-century baroque-style building from which people used to watch bullfights in the past.
Nowadays, every Easter, the citizens participate in a lottery to obtain a place on the balconies from where they can watch the traditional Catholic Good Friday Procession.
2. Visit the Cathedral, One of the Best Things to Do in Leon, Spain
I knew that visiting the Cathedral is one of the must-do things in Leon, Spain. It is a short walk from the Plaza Mayor, or Main Square. Just by observing it from the outside, I was impressed by the beauty of this Gothic building, but I was not prepared for what awaited me inside.
The interior of the cathedral showcases 125 stained glass windows. I felt overwhelmed, almost hypnotized by the beauty of the stained glass windows and the mesmerizing display of light and color they created. Visiting the Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Leon.
The admission fee to the Cathedral is €7, and it’s €5 for the Museum. Both are closed on Mondays and Sunday afternoons.
3. Explore Casa Botines (by Gaudi)
From the Basilica of San Isidoro, which is within a walking distance of 450 meters, I arrived at Casa Botines. For fans of Antonio Gaudi’s art, a visit to this building is one of the best things to do in Leon.
While it may resemble a medieval fortress from the outside, the famous Spanish architect’s design was inspired by the Gothic Cathedral of Leon. It dates back to the late 19th century.
Open times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Admission Fee is €7.
4. Plaza San Marcelo and Palacio de los Guzmanes
I continued my walk to Plaza San Marcelo, a picturesque square featuring the impressive Palacio de los Guzmanes. This 16th-century Renaissance architecture palace is located next to Casa de los Botines and serves as the seat of the government of Leon.
Unfortunately, when I arrived, it was closed for visitors. During the summer, they change the entry hours so I suggest checking the timetable in advance.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday: from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The admission fee is €5 per person.
5. Visit the Basilica of San Isidoro
Five minutes’ walk from the Cathedral, I arrived at the Basilica of San Isidoro. This is the second most important religious site in Leon after the Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century.
You can explore the museum and the Royal Pantheon, which houses the tombs of more than 20 Spanish kings and queens. This space is one of the best things to see in Leon. It’s so beautiful that it has been considered the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art.
Access to the museum costs €5, with explanatory panels and audio guides downloadable using QR codes.
6. Plaza Santo Domingo
I found this square at the junction between the Ensanche (modern expansion area) and the historic center. From here, you can choose to go either through the modern Ensanche or head towards the historic center.
7. Walk through the Ensanche or Calle Ancha
The Calle Ancha or Wide Street crosses the Old Town from the Cathedral to Santo Domingo Square. This wide pedestrian avenue has modern shops and charming boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The Calle Ancha divides two emblematic neighborhoods of the historic center: The Barrio Húmedo and the Barrio Romántico. Pilgrims will find shops all around that offer items related to the Camino de Santiago. I found several scallop shells, a symbol of the Camino, engraved on the pavement of the Ensanche (Wide Avenue).
What and Where to Eat in Leon, Spain
Go for Tapas, One of the Best Things to Do in Leon
Tapas are small appetizers or snacks traditionally served alongside drinks in taverns. They can be stuffed with Spanish cured sausage, hash, potatoes, cheese, and various other fillings, offering infinite variations.
When it comes to exploring tapas or dining, there are two neighborhoods, or barrios, that you shouldn’t miss. These are Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico. To go for tapas in any of these barrios is one of the best things to do in Leon.
Go for Tapas in the Barrio Húmedo
The neighborhood’s name, Barrio Húmedo, meaning “Wet District,” refers to its significant concentration of pubs, bars, and taverns throughout.
Recommended places include bars located in Calle Platerias, Plaza de San Martin, in the heart of the Old Town between Calle Ancha (Ensanche) and Calle de la Rua.
The average price for drinks accompanied by a tapa ranges between 2 and 3 €.
Go for Tapas in the Barrio Romántico
When it comes to tapas in the Barrio Romántico, head to Calle Cervantes. The average price for a drink accompanied by a tapa is around 2 or 3 €.
My Recommended Restaurants in Leon, Spain
Mama Tere, located in Plaza Mayor, 26, offers delicious traditional food. Don’t miss the baby squids with pilaf rice and black garlic mayonnaise, smoked cod and Italian artichoke salad, and other regional delicacies.
La Cachoperia, situated in Calle Platerias, 1, specializes in cachopos. Cachopo is a traditional dish consisting of a double breaded veal fillet stuffed with ingredients like Serrano ham, sheep cheese, York ham, mushrooms, peppers, and more.
For Vegetarians
El Colibrin: Looking for a vegetarian place I found El Colibrin in Plaza Santo Martino. I recommend their tapas and dishes such as chickpeas with spinach, humus, cuscus, nachos and more.
It was in this restaurant where I was introduced for the first time to a dish called salmorejo, although in its vegetarian version, and I loved it. Later, I was told that salmorejo is actually a dish originating from southern Spain. It’s a kind of cold soup similar to the well-known gazpacho. The main ingredient in both dishes is tomato.
Do not Forget to Try Churros in Leon, Spain
Churros are a typical Spanish treat made with wheat flour, salt, and water. The renowned churreria in Leon is La Antigua Churreria, located in Plaza La Inmaculada. While churros are well-known abroad, I encountered a different type of thick churro called porra for the first time.
Where to Stay in Leon, Spain
The historical center is indeed the best place to stay in Leon. Being in this area eliminates the need to worry about transportation, as most of the attractions are within walking distance.
Parador de Turismo de Leon (5*) is located in the splendid 16th century Convent of San Marcos, a remarkable jewel of the Spanish Renaissance architecture. It’s just a ten-minute walk from the Cathedral of Leon. The hotel rooms are situated in the original building, adding to the charm and authenticity of the stay. Additionally, the restaurant at the Parador offers excellent cuisine with a focus on traditional dishes.
Book your stay at Parador de Turismo de Leon here
NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor (4*) is a highly recommended hotel within a historic building in the Plaza Mayor. The hotel is located in a pedestrianized zone, providing a peaceful atmosphere, and also offers convenient access to the lively Barrio Húmedo district. This neighborhood is abundant with a variety of restaurants and tapas bars, making it a fantastic choice for food lovers.
Book your stay at the NH Collection Leon Plaza Mayor here
Hotel My Palace León offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathrooms. It features a fitness center and a bar. Private parking is available on-site. Guests can enjoy a buffet or continental breakfast. It features a fitness center, a spa, facilities for disabled guests, room service, private parking, and in-room tea/coffee makers. An excellent breakfast is also available.
Book your stay at Hotel My Palace Leon here
Budget Stays
Palacio Real Hostel is conveniently located just 500 meters away from the Cathedral. The hostel offers a variety of room options including 4, 6, and 8-bed dormitories as well as double private rooms. It is worth noting that the hostel also provides a designated area for storing bikes, making it suitable for cyclists or bike enthusiasts. The rates are affordable, with shared rooms priced at €20 and double rooms available for €57.
Book your stay at Palacio Real Hostel here
Zentric Hostel is only 492 feet from Casa de Botines. This historic bed and breakfast offers rooms with free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. The rooms have shared bathrooms, with bed linen and towels provided. Some rooms offer city views. Guests can use the shared kitchen, lounge, tour desk, and luggage storage facilities, all with city views.
