León… Hmm, what does this name mean? Well if you have taken any basic Spanish, you might know that it means lion. Why might I be asking you about the Spanish word for lion? Am I suggesting that we have seen lions in our travels? The answer is, unfortunately, no. Yet, we have seen León before because that is what we will be writing about today… No, silly, not the animal. I am talking about León, Mexico’s 4th largest city and the largest city in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. And before you ask, there are no wild lions in this city unless you go to the zoo… Just kidding, I just Googled it (as I do not support going to zoos) – you won’t find any lions in Leon. However, we did go to a bar called Fiera Verde, which did have a picture of a lion painted on the wall. So, go there and you can say that you saw a lion in Leon!
Well, enough about the lion talk… Let’s dive into what there is to do in the beautiful central Mexican city of Leon! We spent a whole weekend exploring the quaint center and ventured out to hillside barrios (neighborhoods) for some pretty epic views. We are glad that we went and will certainly be back!
TRAVEL TIP
If you are flying into the airport Baijío International Airport (Airport Code:BJX), be mindful that it isn’t actually in Leon, rather in the city of Silao which is about a 40 minute ride to the center of Leon. We were told not to hang around Silao because of potential cartel activity. While we never felt once uneasy in Leon, we did heed this warning regarding Silao. We recommend taking an Uber which is easy to hail from BJX and costs about $25. It is much easier to do this than getting scammed by taxis. This is a rule of thumb we have taken for all taxis in Mexico….just use Uber…it’s there for a reason and you know exactly how much the far is before getting in the taxi.
León, Mexico, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern charm. From fascinating landmarks to authentic culinary experiences, here’s a guide to the top things to do, see, and eat in León:
What to Do and See
- Cathedral Basilica of León:
- A stunning neo-Gothic cathedral located in the heart of the city. This grand building is a must-see for its beautiful stained-glass windows and towering spires. Whether you’re religious or just interested in architecture, this spot is captivating.
- Arco de la Calzada:
- The Arco Triunfal, or the Arch of León, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It dates back to 1893 and is crowned by a bronze lion sculpture, symbolizing strength. Take a stroll along Calzada de los Héroes and snap photos by this beautiful archway.
- Plaza Mayor:
- The bustling central square offers a lively ambiance with street vendors, performers, and plenty of shopping opportunities. It’s an excellent place for people-watching and soaking in local culture.
- Tanners’ District (Barrio de los Curtidores):
- León is known for its leather industry, and a visit to the Tanners’ District offers insight into this important part of the city’s history. You can also purchase high-quality leather goods like shoes, belts, and bags.
- Museum of Art and History of Guanajuato:
- Explore the city’s cultural side at this museum, which houses a diverse collection of Mexican art, archeological finds, and contemporary exhibits. The sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions make it an enriching stop for art lovers.
What to Eat
- Guacamayas
- A León specialty, guacamayas are sandwiches made with crispy pork skin (chicharrón), avocado, and salsa on a bolillo roll. They’re cheap, delicious, and a favorite street food snack.
- Where to try: Visit Guacamayas El Chivito for one of the best renditions in town.
- Caldo de Oso
- A traditional León dish, this is a refreshing snack made from ground pork rinds, salsa, and lime juice. Perfect for a quick bite while exploring the city.
- Enchiladas Mineras
- Originating from nearby Guanajuato, these enchiladas are stuffed with cheese or chicken, drenched in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with potatoes and carrots.
- Where to eat: Restaurante La Vaka offers great regional Mexican food, including this dish.
- Tacos al Pastor
- León’s taco scene is vibrant, and tacos al pastor, with marinated pork and pineapple, are a must. Head to Tacos La Madero (our fave spot) for some truly scrumptious tacos! Affordable and non-touristic- it’s a must and right off the main square!
- Cebadina
- A refreshing local drink, cebadina is made from fermented pineapple, jamaica (hibiscus), and tamarind, mixed with baking soda for a fizzy twist. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Our recommended day trip from León
- Guanajuato City: Just an hour away, this UNESCO World Heritage city is renowned for its colorful houses, winding alleys, and cultural history. It’s a perfect day trip for history buffs and photographers alike. Check our blog post about Guanajuato!
León is a dynamic city where history, modernity, and culinary traditions merge to create an unforgettable Mexican experience. Whether you’re strolling its plazas or diving into its street food scene, León offers something for every traveler!
