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.

Hotel San Francisco Leon
Hotel San Francisco Leon
3 out of 5
Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos 2715, León, GTO
The price is CA $36 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $36
CA $44 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
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! (1,010 reviews)
"super bien por el precio, nada mas para llegar a dormir"

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Hotel San Francisco Leon
Ramada Plaza Leon
Ramada Plaza Leon
3 out of 5
Portal Bravo N 14 Zona Centro, León, GTO
The price is CA $76 per night from May 18 to May 19
CA $76
CA $91 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Didn’t get enough towels for 5 people, the gym was not available, otherwise it was a great place to stay."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Ramada Plaza Leon
Real de Minas Poliforum
Real de Minas Poliforum
3 out of 5
Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos No. 2211, Col. Las Bugambilias Ote, León, GTO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $81 per night from May 31 to Jun. 1
CA $81
CA $98 total
includes taxes & fees
May 31 - Jun 1
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! (1,004 reviews)
"The key room got failed like 10 times"

Reviewed on Apr. 28, 2024

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 León Stadium and Templo expiatorio del Sagrado ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (109 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Nov. 17, 2023

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 apartment in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions León Stadium and Centro Max Shopping Center ...
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 aparthotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions León Stadium and Heroes' Causeway Arch are located ...
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 Oct. 24, 2015

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.

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Reviews of León

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
" "5 - Excellent 53.84615384615385%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 38.46153846153846%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 7.6923076923076925%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 7, 2020

I love this city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Sep. 8, 2019

It's a beautiful city that is underrated. Not many tourists.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jun. 24, 2019

I found León to be a very clean city. The parks and landscaping along the streets is well maintained. People were happy, drivers were considerate. The shopping is overwhelming and amazing! Check out Creaciones Gabriel if you go, she is the best!

Cities near León