León

Travel Guide
Leon
Leon today is much more than an industrial city and transportation hub. It’s a lively, historic destination with an exciting arts scene and striking architecture.

Leon is one of the most important cities in the state of Guanajuato, as it is a focal point of the region’s bus routes and a hub for regional industries. Visit the city to experience authentic Mexican life and discover historic churches and sleek, modern neighborhoods.

Amble around the Historic Center of Leon to appreciate the city’s atmosphere. The region was first inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Toltecs and the Chichimecas, before Spanish settlers founded a city here in 1576. Pause for a break in the formal gardens of the Martyrs Plaza or beneath the columns of the Heroes' Causeway Arch (Triumphal Arch of Leon).

One of the Old Town’s most impressive sights is the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, a neo-Gothic church in pastel shades of pink and blue. Step inside to see stunning stained-glass windows and explore the vast catacombs beneath the church.

East of the Old Town is a more modern section of Leon that offers art venues and museums. Watch a touring opera company or local ballet in the Bicentennial Theatre. The 21st-century building is distinctive for its geometric design and spacious layout.

Explore the Museum of Art and History, which features spacious galleries dedicated to topics such as Mexican sculpture and regional culture. Visit regularly to see touring exhibitions hosted in the multifaceted venue.

Leon is a main hub for buses in the state of Guanajuato, so reaching the city is simple on public transportation. Board a coach traveling through the country and stop in Leon to experience the unique character of the city. Alternatively, fly to Guanajuato International Airport, which is located 17 miles (28 kilometers) southeast of the city center.

Guanajuato remains mild and dry throughout the whole year. Visit Leon in any season to enjoy its impressive landmarks and stylish arts venues. Many of the attractions in Leon are close to one another, which makes it easy to explore this city on foot.

Where to stay in León

Leon Cathedral

León Centro

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

León Centro is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cathedral of León and Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

León Centro
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El Castillo

El Castillo might not have many top sights, but Leon Zoo and Leon Metropolitan Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

El Castillo
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Chapalita

When in Chapalita, you can plan a visit to Templo expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and Cathedral of León, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Chapalita
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Barranca

While Barranca might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cathedral of León and Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Barranca
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Jardin Delta

Jardin Delta might not have many top sights, but Aquarium Bajio and Altacia Shopping Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Jardin Delta
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La Fragua

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in La Fragua and surrounding area, you can visit Plaza Mayor and Cathedral of León.

La Fragua
Hotel San Francisco Leon
Hotel San Francisco Leon
3 out of 5
Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos 2715, León, GTO
The price is NT$867 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
NT$867
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,014 reviews)
"Great hotel, clean, safe, great staff"

Reviewed on 2024/3/12

Hotel San Francisco Leon
City Express Junior by Marriott León Centro De Convenciones
City Express Junior by Marriott León Centro De Convenciones
3 out of 5
Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Col. Bugambilias, León, GTO
The price is NT$1,539 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
NT$1,539
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in León. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (764 reviews)
Very clean hotel!
"I have stayed here several times and this hotel doesn't disappoint. The hotel is in a great location close to the stadium and right across from the fair grounds. It is always super clean, a reasonable price and has great air conditioning. They also include a small breakfast in the mornings. The front ..."

Reviewed on 2024/3/18

City Express Junior by Marriott León Centro De Convenciones
Real de Minas Poliforum
Real de Minas Poliforum
3 out of 5
Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos No. 2211, Col. Las Bugambilias Ote, León, GTO
The price is NT$1,934 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
NT$1,934
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Centrico
"Muy buena localizacion Especial si vaz al Pliforum, Estadio de futboll, centro zapatero y a la feria de Leon"

Reviewed on 2024/3/15

Real de Minas Poliforum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Australia Suites Ejecutivas
Australia Suites Ejecutivas
2.5 out of 5
Blvd. Adolfo Lopez Mateos No.1012 Pte., Esq. Limbo y Australia, Col Obregon, León, GTO
Stay at this aparthotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Templo expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 2023/11/17

Australia Suites Ejecutivas
Amueblados San Isidro
Amueblados San Isidro
3 out of 5
196 Blvd. San Pedro San Isidro, León, GTO
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions León Stadium and Centro ...
Amueblados San Isidro
Residencias México Plaza Tepeyac
Residencias México Plaza Tepeyac
3 out of 5
Calle La Morena No.104, León, GTO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Heroes' Causeway Arch and Bicentennial Theatre ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
Value for Money for Sure
"Spacious appartment, friendly staff (not every one could speak english there) . It has two building blocks, one that faces a main road and I was living in there. Lots of noise coming in from the street/ road until Mexicans go home to sleep ! The appartment had more necessities for a solo traveler ..."

Reviewed on 2015/10/24

Residencias México Plaza Tepeyac
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of León

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
124
" "5 - Excellent 58.21596244131455%
4 - Good
70
" "4 - Good 32.863849765258216%
3 - Okay
14
" "3 - Okay 6.572769953051643%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9389671361502347%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 1.408450704225352%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

Es una Ciudad muy bonita, con muchas opciones culturales, de trabajo, restaurantes, limpieza

5/5 - Excellent

Cesar
Mar 1, 2020

Great city to visit, to go shopping, walk, have a nice meal, relax. You can have all in one.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 4, 2020

The condition of the hotel needs to be considered in light of the fact that it was the most economical hotel listed on the websights I visited. So, one might say, you get what you pay for.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 28, 2020

Ok

5/5 - Excellent

Fernando
Jan 21, 2020

Leon is known to be the leather capital of the world and the items were very affordable. Great history of over 440 years of existence. You have to take a vacation to this beautiful and growing city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 10, 2019

I love Leon. Very beautiful city. The downtown is very safe. Lots to see and eat. Great nightlife. Great deals at the Zona Piel on leather goods like jacket, belts, wallets. León is close to other towns with great attractions. Guanajuato, San Miguel.