León

Travel Guide

Martyrs Plaza
Leon
Leon Cathedral
Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which includes heritage architecture, interior views and a church or cathedral
Martyrs Plaza

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 PlazaOpens in a new window or beneath the columns of the Heroes' Causeway ArchOpens in a new window (Triumphal Arch of Leon).

One of the Old Town’s most impressive sights is the Templo Expiatorio del Sagrado Corazon de JesusOpens in a new window, 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 TheatreOpens in a new window. 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
Bicentennial Theatre

La Martinica

If you're spending some time in La Martinica, León Stadium and Bicentennial Theatre are top sights worth seeing.

La Martinica
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San Miguel

While San Miguel might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Heroes' Causeway Arch.

San Miguel
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San Juan De Dios

While San Juan De Dios might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Expiatory Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Manuel Doblado Theater.

San Juan De Dios
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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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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
HS HOTSSON Hotel Leon
HS HOTSSON Hotel Leon
4.5 out of 5
Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos #1102 Ote, Colonia Los Gavilanes, León, GTO
$92 nightly
The price is $111 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$111 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

HS HOTSSON Hotel Leon
Hotel San Francisco Leon
Hotel San Francisco Leon
3 out of 5
Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos 2715, León, GTO
$25 nightly
The price is $29 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$29 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,301 reviews)
"Great, just needed better wifi connection and more then 3 channels on tv"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2025

Hotel San Francisco Leon
Galeria Plaza Leon
Galeria Plaza Leon
4 out of 5
304 Manuel J. Clouthier, León, GTO
$73 nightly
The price is $88 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$88 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions León Stadium and Plaza Mayor are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (273 reviews)
"Had a hiccup at check in regarding payment but it was resolved. Great staff. Bathroom sink stopper was not working/kept getting stuck."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Galeria Plaza Leon
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! (128 reviews)
"Very friendly front desk. Location."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Australia Suites Ejecutivas
Brisas
Brisas
2.5 out of 5
Brisas de la Bahia Brisa de la Bahía, León, GTO
Stay at this apartment in León. Enjoy free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions León Stadium and La Hacienda Driving Range are located nearby.
2/10 (2 reviews)
"La estancia me canceló, van 2 meses y no me han realizado la devolución del hospedaje ni del deposito por posibles daños. La plataforma de Xpedia tampoco se hace responsable. Es un total fraude, deberian tener politicas que protejan a los usuarios y que se de seguimiento legalmente a quien resulte ..."

Reviewed on Dec 18, 2024

Brisas
WUER Arco de la Calzada
WUER Arco de la Calzada
2 out of 5
Hernández Álvarez, 221, León, GTO
Stay at this aparthotel in León. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions León Stadium and Leon Metropolitan Park are ...
WUER Arco de la Calzada
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

Things to do

Reviews of León

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
124
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
70
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Cesar

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

Ok

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

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.

Cities near León