A thriving city that peculiarly blends its authentic Mexican character with its booming industrial scene, León is certainly one of the most important commercial hubs in the Bajío region. Located in the western part of Guanajuato state, and just one hour drive from both the homonymous capital city and the romantic town of Irapuato, León has a lot to offer to any kind of traveler. This intriguing colonial city boasts a rich cultural past, which is attested by the stunning architecture of its historic center and is renowned for the artisanal and industrial production of steel and leather goods- we recommend you pay a visit to the “Zona Piel” for a unique shopping experience. Home to several cultural, music, and culinary events, León will surprise you with its varied array of attractions; discover with us how to make the most of your stay in the "Pearl of the Bajío".
León's Historic Center
The best way to explore León and its attractions is with a stroll through its centro histórico; while admiring the numerous cultural and architectural landmarks, make sure you check out the beautiful Plaza Mártires del 2 de Enero.
As often happens when visiting a new city, the best way to start getting acquainted with León is with a walk across its historic center. We suggest you start your exploration from the central Plaza Fundadores, whose quarry stone giant fountain is one of the most iconic city's landmarks. The Fountain IV Centenario, best known as the Fountain of Lions, was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of León and symbolizes the city’s history. Plaza Fundadores is ideal for a relaxing stop, browsing the leather goods stands at the local market, or discovering the many affordable typical restaurants. Not too far from Plaza Fundadores, you will come across León’s main square: formerly known as Constitution Square- or Plaza de la Constitucion-, Plaza Mártires del 2 de Enero, was renamed in tribute to the citizens killed while protesting against the election results on January 2nd, 1946. The square hosts an elegantly manicured garden surrounded by Neoclassical arcades and buildings, among which León’s City Hall. While exploring León’s centro, make sure you head to the famous nearby Zona Piel. The so-called Leather Area is the quarter where most of the leather manufacturing industries are situated, and the ideal shopping location to find the perfect souvenir or gift among a wide array of shoes, belts, jackets, purses, and many other items.
Arco Triunfal de la Calzada de los Héroes- León's Triumph Arch
León’s imposing triumph arch, the Arco Triunfal de la Calzada de los Héroes, was built to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Mexico’s independence and is among the city’s most emblematic landmarks.
From León’s Old Town you will easily reach the main avenue Calzada de Los Héroes, hosting the iconic Arco Triunfal. The majestic Triumphal Arch is León’s most emblematic monument. Similarly to the Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City, the Arco was built to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of Mexico’s Independence and is topped by the bronze statue of a lion that symbolizes the city. The Calzada de Los Héroes also hosts eight bronze sculptures and fountains, and the Museum of Art and History of Guanajuato.
Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
Situated in León’s old town, the Expiatory Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a neoclassical architectural masterpiece and, due to its majestic facade and spires, is sometimes nicknamed “the Mexican Notre Dame”.
Among all the monuments and buildings in León, the magnificent Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stands out for its peculiar look that seems almost out of place. While most of the city’s architecture dates back to the colonial period and reflects the influence of the Baroque and Neoclassical styles, the Templo Expiatorio was built in a French Neo-gothic style- although the building, whose construction was stopped by the Cristero War, is still partially incomplete. Nonetheless, the church is one of the most beautiful in Mexico, featuring a sumptuous Gothic facade composed of arched partitions and a tripartite central portal with brass doors and a rose window above. The majestic and bright interior houses beautiful sacred artworks and, below the main altar, a crypt and catacomb built during the Cristero War.
León's Cathedral-Basílica Catedral de la Madre Santísima de la Luz
The neoclassical Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Light is an architectural gem and among León’s most iconic buildings.
Right in the heart of León historic center, you will find one of the city's invaluable treasures: the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Luz, also known as León’s Cathedral. An architectural masterpiece combining Baroque and Neoclassical styles, the cathedral dates to the 18th century and is considered the most important work of architecture in Guanajuato. León’s Cathedral boasts stunning interiors that attest to the Neoclassical period and include a marble altar topped with an imposing sculpture of the Holy Trinity, two chapels off the high altar, four lateral chapels, and the Museo de Arte Sacro de León.
León's Metropolitan Park
Each year in November, León’s Metropolitan Park hosts one of the 3 largest hot-air balloon festivals in the world and is regularly home to several cultural events and workshops.
León Metropolitan Park is one of the city’s most remarkable sites if you like nature and the outdoors. This protected natural área is ideal for hiking, horse riding, kayaking, cycling, or simply relaxing surrounded by green. The Parque Metropolitano regularly hosts events and festivals, among which is the annual International Balloon Festival of Ballooning, the world’s largest hot-air balloon fair. Each year in November, you can join a unique event and watch hundreds of colorful balloons fly over the park. The Metropolitan Park also houses a children’s playground area, several food areas, and even a submerged farm that you can see from above while enjoying a boat ride.
León's museums
León boasts a rich cultural and historic past; while exploring the city, make sure you pay a visit to the Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato, the Museo de Arte Sacro and the Casa de la Cultura Diego Rivera.
With its historical and colonial past, it is no surprise that León offers a rich cultural scene. The city is home to several museums, among which is Guanajuato’s most important art and history museum: the Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato. Inaugurated in 2008, the Museum of Art and History of the Guanajuato Cultural Forum offers a unique perspective to learning and understanding the culture and essence of the city. The museum entrance hosts a sculpture by the Mexican artist Ricardo Motilla representing the Roman martyr San Sebastian, patron of the city of León, whereas inside you can appreciate permanent and temporary exhibition spaces. The permanent art collection is among the most extensive in Latin America and houses a fine selection of works by Mexican and local artists. If you are an art enthusiast, we suggest you visit the Museum of Sacred Art, also known as Museo de Arte Sacro de León. Hosted in the annexed building of the Catedral Basílica de Nuestra Madre Santísima de la Luz, the museum displays an extensive collection of sacred art pieces that include paintings, sculptures, and ítems. To understand more about the cultural and artistic essence of León, check out the city’s most important hub, the Casa de la Cultura Diego Rivera- León cultural institute. Named after the famous Mexican painter, whose house and dedicated museum can be found in Mexico City, the House of Culture of León currently hosts over 120 workshops of literature, languages, theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.
Sierra de Santa Rosa de Lima
A 45 minutes drive from León, the intriguing Sierra de Santa Rosa de Lima is an ideal destination for outdoors and sports enthusiasts and offers unlimited opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, climbing, rappelling, biking and horse riding.
Ecotourism lovers visiting León cannot miss a day trip to the nearby Sierra de Santa Rosa de Lima. Located only 45 minutes away by car from León, this amazing área hosts the Parque Ecológico Xumu, a nature preserve ideal for all outdoor sports and nature lovers. Among the other activities, in the park, you can enjoy adventure tourism within the ecological reserve of the Sierra de Santa Rosa with its 70 hectares of forest. Hiking between mountains and rivers, bird watching, rappelling, climbing, cycling, horse riding, and camping are only some of the options the Sierra offers. The Xumu Ecological Park, named after the purépecha word for mist, is the ideal spot to enjoy nature and learn about the life and preservation of the endemic flora and fauna species.
Dolores Hidalgo
Less than two hours from León, you will find the charming colonial town of Dolores Hidalgo, one of the historic places where the Mexican Revolution started.
If you are staying in León with no time limitation, the fascinating heritage town of Dolores Hidalgo is a fantastic option for a day excursion. This quaint Pueblo Mágico had a central role in Mexico’s fight for independence and in shaping the country as we know it today; Dolores Hidalgo is around two hours away from León and is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts. The pueblo, whose full name is Dolores Hidalgo Cuna de la Independencia Nacional (Dolores Hidalgo Cradle of National Independence), is the place where the Mexican Revolution started. Every venue in town tells the stories of Father Miguel Hidalgo, the revolutionary hero who, by speaking the famous cry for independence "El Grito de Dolores", incited the Mexicans to rise up and fight for their freedom. Among the most remarkable sites in Dolores Hidalgo, we recommend the renowned Iglesia de Dolores, Hidalgo's House and Museum, and the Museo de la Independencia. Here you can visit seven separate spaces representing the crucial moments of Mexico’s struggle for independence.
San Miguel de Allende
An excellent destination for a day trip from León, San Miguel de Allende boasts impressive baroque buildings and cathedrals, a thriving cultural scene and lively nightlife.
The beautiful town of San Miguel de Allende is another exceptional destination for a trip from León. Located in the eastern part of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende is famous for its perfectly preserved colonial and Spanish Baroque architecture and the romantic allure of its venues, which earned the city the designation of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The most notable building in town is the Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Archangel, whose pink limestone facade was inspired by European Gothic cathedrals. While walking along its charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, you cannot help but fall for this exceptional town. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the many bistros and rooftop restaurants, browse the picturesque boutiques and shops in the old town, or lose yourself among the stands of the local municipal market, the Mercado Ignacio Ramirez. San Miguel de Allende is around a two hours drive from León.
Food tour in León
Do not leave León before trying some of the local specialties: make sure you taste at least once the traditional guacamaya, a torta filled with varied ingredients including tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and hot pepper.
You will fully understand León’s culture only after trying some of the typical local dishes. You cannot leave town without tasting the traditional guacamaya, an exquisite savory torta invented in León. It consists of a bolillo roll filled with crispy chicharrón pork rinds, avocado, spicy pico de gallo salsa, lime juice, and salt. All over León, you will come across guacamaya carts- tricycles equipped with a glass case containing all the ingredients needed to assemble these spicy sandwiches. Besides Guacamayas, in León, you can enjoy other local and regional gastronomic delights such as the popular gorditas de carnitas- thick, savory pockets of corn dough filled with shredded pork, and varied ingredients such as refried beans, cheese, and sauces-, countless sorts of tacos and sandwiches, and the traditional cinnamon dessert chongos zamoranos.