On the northwest side of the Iberian peninsula is the city of León, a historical spot, a place traversed by the history of the development of Spain, conquests, pilgrimages, and impressive architecture. Once the former capital of the medieval kingdom of the same name and still an essential path of the Pilgrimage of Compostela. Leon is remarkable, with its cathedrals, basilicas, convents, churches, and palaces. The city’s monumental architecture invites you to be part of it and enjoy the hidden secrets you will find on every corner. Take your time discovering this two millennia-old city, with plenty of activities, museums to visit, unmatched gastronomy, and culture to learn and enjoy.
Our recommendations on which areas to stay in
- Immerse yourself in the Leonese identity and enjoy the city’s best areas to discover by looking for a luxury stay near Plaza Mayor. Here you will be close to the great attractions of the city and its unique gastronomy in the heart of Barrio Húmedo.
- Are you traveling with your family? León is a great family-friendly destination to come upon. We recommend you stay close to Jardin De San Francisco and Avenida Lancia, where you and your family will enjoy proximity to the historical areas of the city in a laid-back family environment close to the train station and several parks.
- Explore the incomparable gastronomy culture of León by staying in the areas near Calle Ancha and Calle Conde Luna. Here you can experience the best spots in the city to understand León’s culture through its unique gastronomy and ingredients.
- Stay in León and keep your budget. Look for affordable accommodation all around the city and close to the main interest spots of León. Enjoy the local culture without hurting your wallet and celebrate the many activities held throughout the year with the locals.
These are our recommendations on accommodations in Leon, Spain, in 4 categories:
- Luxury stays:
- Family accommodation:
- Food experience:
- Budget-friendly stay:
Leon, a city between routes. – What to know before visiting
Maybe you have heard the phrase, “all the routes lead to Rome.” This time, all the routes lead to León, a city connected to the history of Spain and a former part of the Roman empire. It is still a great spot in the Pilgrimage of Compostela (or the Way of Santiago), with plenty of things to come upon and enjoy. The history of León is a travel through the year 29 BCE when it was established as a Roman military camp between the Bernesga River and the Torío River and later the military capital of the peninsula up until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. You can find in León the remnants of the Roman walls in Antigua Muralla León, discover the hidden Roman footprint of Huella testimonio de Calzado romano and the former Roman amphitheater Anfiteatro Romano Cripta de Cascalería. Learn from the city’s early history in the Museo de León and the later development of the town.
Leon was also an important spot during the reconquest process, in which it became the kingdom’s capital, and during this time, the architecture flourished in the city. Landmarks such as Basílica de San Isidoro from the XI century and the development of one of the routes of the Way of Santiago gave relevance to the city and prospered over centuries. Visit the gothic Catedral de León and discover the tremendous stained glass inside one of Spain’s most beautiful religious buildings. Or come upon the renaissance building of the Palacio De Los Guzmanes, from the XVI century, and now the home of the city’s governance. Discover the many plazas of Leon, such as the medieval Plaza del Grano and the grand Plaza Mayor, where you can connect with the city’s past among restaurants and buildings that will transport you back in time. Finally, discover the religious art history of Leon by visiting the museums of Museo Catedralicio Diocesano de León and the city’s religious traditions in the Museo Diocesano y Semana Santa, both within the city’s historical center.
Discover the modernity among the historical streets of León and visit Antoni Gaudí’s work in the city, Casa Botines, a modernist building from the late XIX century, surrounded by buildings from the different eras of the town and home of a museum of Spanish art. Then, enjoy this other face of the Leon cultural Identity and visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León to discover XXI-century art in an innovative building from 2005.
Start discovering León and all of its magic by staying in this fantastic city, full of unique places and plenty of things to do in the country’s north.
Discover the center of León in a luxury stay.
León is a great spot to feel like traveling back in time and discovering the wonders of other eras. Stay with luxury in Barrio Húmedo by staying near Plaza Mayor. This area is the heart of the city, where you can glimpse the best gastronomy, learn its rich history, and enjoy plenty of options suited to your needs at a short distance from everything. Plaza Mayor itself is a great spot to start discovering the city. It is a place par excellence full of good options to find the region’s identity. During your visit here, come upon the Mercado Tradicional de Productos Agrarios, a fresh produce market celebrated every Wednesday and Saturday since the X century, and one of the oldest in Europe where you can be in contact with the most traditional cultures of León.
Close to your stay, you will have several landmarks worth visiting, such as the local favorite of Catedral de León, located in Plaza Regla, 260 m away from your stay. Here you can discover gothic architecture and the 125 unique stained-glass windows decorating the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in Europe. On the other side are the Museo Catedralicio Diocesano de León and the Cloister of the Cathedral of León, where you can see stunning views of the cathedral and enjoy the best examples of Spanish Gothic style. You will be close to the medieval defensive walls of the city in Calle de Las Cercas, 6 minutes away from your luxury accommodation. Enjoy the proximity to Palacio del Conde Luna in Plaza Conde Luna, 350 m away from your stay, and discover a XIV-century renaissance building where you can now enjoy temporary exhibitions in a beautiful construction.
Taste León at a short distance from your lodging in the center of the city by visiting the many great food options near your accommodation. Discover Leonese gastronomy by visiting the highly rated La Bodega del Húmedo in Calle Plegarias, just a few meters from your stay. Enjoy the center of Plaza Mayor by having dinner at Restaurante Castrillo. Enjoy the Cocido Maragato, a classic dish of this region made up of a selection of sausages and meats, followed by chickpeas, cabbage, and potatoes, and a delicious noodle soup. Finally, visit In Situ, a traditional Tapas bar in Calle Matasiete,160 m away from your stay. Here you can enjoy a small menu of delicious tapas accompanied by a great beer or a glass of the best Spanish wine.
Explore León and stay in the center of the city near Plaza Mayor to have everything to visit within a short distance from your accommodation.
Family-friendly accommodation close to the center.
The city of León is a great place to enjoy a family stay with all the amenities you need to enjoy your visit. We recommend you stay close to Jardin De San Francisco and Avenida Lancia. This area is close to the historical center of León, and you will find plenty of options to stay surrounded by parks, grocery shops, restaurants, and the city’s main attractions nearby.
- You will have two parks near your accommodation for leisure and enjoyment. Visit Jardin De San Francisco in Plaza Jardin de San Francisco, just a few meters from your stay. Enjoy this lively urban garden with plenty of cultural activities, concerts, playgrounds, and food stands. Take a visit to Parque del Paseo Papalaguinda and enjoy the proximity to the Bernesga river and the natural areas close to the city center, at 6 minutes away by foot to your accommodation.
- Here you will be close to the city’s main train and bus station, the León Station, in Avenida de Palencia. With a 6-minute car ride, you can get to the station and move quickly in and out of the city.
- You will find several grocery options in this area, such as Carrefour Express in Avenida República Argentina, at a 3-minute walk away, or Masymas Supermarket in Calle Covadonga, at 170 m from your lodging.
- The city’s main attractions will be a short distance from your stay. Visit Plaza Mayor at a 10-minute walk away, or take a day to discover Museo de León in Plaza Santo Domingo to discover the city’s history at 650 m from your accommodation.
- For convenience, there are pharmacies and health centers close to your accommodation. Visit Lancia Pharmacy in Calle Villa Benavente, 70 m away from your accommodation, or the Adeslas Medical Center in Calle Juan Lorenzo Segura, at a 4-minute car ride from your stay.
- Enjoy the delicious Leonese food with your family by visiting Sorrento Restaurant in Calle Bernardo del Carpio, 120 m away from your stay. Or have more casual dining at La Pampa Pizza Shop in Calle Marqueses de San Isidro, 300 m from your lodging.
Have a great time with your family in León and discover this family-friendly destination by looking for accommodation close to Jardin De San Francisco and Avenida Lancia.
Taste León during your stay.
The gastronomy of León is country-wide famous, and if you want to experience the area’s identity, there is no better way than staying where the magic happens. The areas near Calle Ancha and Calle Conde Luna are great options if you’re waiting to discover the most incredible food in this city. Even the name of Barrio Húmedo is a celebration of this part of the Leonese identity. Translated as “wet neighborhood,” there is no conclusive evidence, but some say that the name came from the spilling of wine during its transportation to the cellars and this ended up on the streets, making them wet from wine. Nowadays, these streets are full of bars and restaurants with the identity of León.
Star your gastronomy journey in Mercado del Conde Luna, in Plaza Conde Luna, and discover fresh products in this local market, just 160 m away from your stay. Experience excellent gastronomy by staying close to your stay. Visit Clandestino Gastrobar in Calle Cervantes and enjoy local tapas and international food in a laid-back environment. Enjoy the Spanish restaurant Lumière in Calle Ancha, a few steps away from your accommodation. Or, try the great Italian food at La Piccola Stanza in Calle Sierra Pambley, 2 minutes away from your stay.
Start a tapas night at Flechazo Bar in Calle Platerias, famous for its homemade potato chips. Next, just a few minutes away, discover the best croquettes in the city in Rebote Bar in Plaza San Martín. Finally, taste the best local beers at Carta Magna in Calle López Castrillón, 140 m away from your lodging in this area.
Discover the many restaurants and tapas bars in this area and fall in love with the food culture of León. Don’t forget to visit the Mercado Tradicional de Productos Agrarios in Plaza Mayor every Wednesday and Saturday to keep discovering this excellent spot for local eats. Enjoy your stay near Calle Ancha and Calle Conde Luna to be at the right place for the best meals.
Low-cost stay in León.
León is a great place to discover the Spanish culture and not hurt your wallet while doing so. Enjoy an affordable stay anywhere in the city as it offers plenty of options near the main sights and attractions. Look for accommodation near the places of your interest and near great spots to eat in the city. Please take advantage of the local fresh produce markets to discover the local identity through its ingredients and food.
