Discovering Leon's History & Charm

Experience the rich history and culture of Leon, Spain.

22 April 2023

Leon, Spain is a charming and historic city that offers plenty of attractions for tourists to enjoy. From the towering Gothic cathedral to the Roman walls and impressive architecture, there is no shortage of stunning sights to take in. Visitors can also sample the local cuisine, sip wine at a cozy bar, or explore nearby natural sites like the stunning Las Medulas red rock mountain range.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Historical Leon

  • Start the day with a visit to the Basílica de San Isidoro, a beautiful Romanesque church with impressive frescoes and tombs of Spanish kings and queens.
  • Next, head to the Catedral de Leon, whose stunning Gothic architecture will take your breath away.
  • Tired from all the walking? Grab a bite to eat at the charming and cozy Cafe Bar El Parque, which serves delicious Spanish dishes and local wines.
  • After lunch, stroll through the Barrio Húmedo, the city's bustling historic district, and stop for a drink and some tapas at a local bar like El Rincón del Conde.
  • End the day with a visit to the Palacio de los Guzmanes, a Renaissance-style palace that now serves as the provincial government headquarters.
  • Bonus: If you have extra time, take a short trip outside the city to the Monasterio de San Miguel de Escalada, a beautiful and peaceful 10th-century monastery with stunning frescoes.

Length of stay

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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

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Type of trip

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