Discovering Leon: A 5-Day Adventure

Exploring Leon's rich history and culture without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

Leon, Spain is a charming and historic city filled with rich culture and stunning architecture. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it is still possible to enjoy a trip here while on a limited budget. With affordable accommodations, free attractions such as visiting the stunning medieval Cathedral, and sampling delicious local cuisine at affordable prices, a trip to Leon, Spain is an excellent choice for frugal travelers.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Cathedral to Tapas

  • Check into Hotel Alda Centro Leon, a budget-friendly hotel in the heart of the city
  • Visit the stunning Gothic and Renaissance-style Leon Cathedral
  • Wander around the historic Barrio Húmedo neighborhood and pop into one of the many tapas bars for a bite to eat
  • Sip on a local cerveza at El Rincón del Blues, a lively bar with live music in the evenings
  • End the night with a stroll through San Marcos Plaza
Day 2

Art and Parks

  • Start the day with a coffee at La Cantina de Ruz, a cozy café with a beautiful outdoor terrace
  • Visit the contemporary art museum, MUSAC, and admire the unique architecture
  • Take a walk in the Botanical Garden of Leon, with over 300 species of plants and trees
  • Visit the stunning Parador de León, a historic 16th-century building turned luxury hotel
  • Enjoy a picnic in Parque Quevedo, a peaceful park with fountains and a playground
Day 3

History and Culture

  • Visit the historic Basilica de San Isidoro and admire the intricate frescoes and ornate architecture
  • Explore the Centro de Interpretación del León Romano museum to learn about the city’s Roman history
  • Check out the impressive Casa Botines, a building designed by Gaudi himself
  • Have a late lunch or early dinner at Casa Mando, an authentic restaurant serving traditional Leonese cuisine
  • End the day with a glass of wine at La Tetería del Barrio, a charming tea house with a cozy atmosphere
Day 4

Nature and Adventure

  • Take a day trip to Las Médulas, a nearby UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscapes formed by ancient Roman gold mines
  • Go hiking or biking in Picos de Europa National Park, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and wildlife
  • Try your hand at water sports like kayaking or rafting at Embalse del Porma reservoir
  • Have dinner at Restaurante El Capricho, known for its delicious suckling pig and other meat dishes
  • Catch a performance at Teatro San Francisco, a historic theater with a varied schedule of shows and events
Day 5

City Views and Farewells

  • Climb to the top of the San Isidoro y Panthéon Real tower for panoramic views of the city
  • Visit the nearby town of Astorga and explore the historic buildings and Roman ruins
  • Stroll through Plaza Mayor and pick up souvenirs at local boutiques and markets
  • Have a farewell meal at Taberna Hoces del Esva, a cozy bar with a wide selection of tapas and drinks
  • Say goodbye to Leon with a nightcap at El Gran Café Bar, a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Leon by plane is to fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and then take a connecting flight to León Airport.

Car

Driving to Leon is also an option, and the trip takes approximately 4 hours from Madrid. The best route is to take the A-6 and then switch to the AP-71 towards León.

Train

If traveling by train, Renfe offers a high-speed AVE train from Madrid to Leon, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Boat

As Leon is an inland city, there are no direct routes via boat to the city.

Bus

Taking a bus to Leon is a popular option. Some of the companies that offer service to Leon from Madrid include Avanza and Alsa. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours.

Destination

Leon

Nestled in the heart of a landlocked nation, Leon is like the ketchup to your fries - unexpectedly delightful and highly underrated. With its colonial charm and endless supply of gallo pinto, you'll wonder why you haven't visited sooner.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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