//
City in Guanajuato, Mexico
Photo: Lin Mei from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
León is a city in Guanajuato, Mexico, known for its leather goods. It is known as the "Pearl of the Bajío" and the "Footwear Capital of the World" because it is here where more footwear is produced nationally.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Catedral Metropolitana de León
This cathedral dates back to 1975 and has interior chapels and a baroque-style facade. The Virgin of Light, patron saint of León since 1849 is worshipped here.
Templo de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles
This church was built at the end of the 18th century and is churrigueresque in design.
Plaza de los Mártires
The name of this square commemorates a local power struggle between different political factions which took place in 1946. The square is surrounded on three sides by beautiful neoclassic archways.
Arco de la Calzada de los Héroes
Built in 1893 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Mexican Independence. The centerpiece of this neoclassic arch is a bronze lion which was donated by local bullfighter Antonio Valdez.
Templo y Jardin San Juan de Dios
This age-old romantic spot is regularly visited by local residents.
Jardín Botánico Leones
The gardens contain a variety of plants, orchid garden, greenhouse and orchards.
Explora Centro de Ciencias
This interactive science center and park is 9,500 m², and contains four large halls (Man, Water, Communication and Movement), IMAX theater science classroom, workshops and temporary exhibits.
Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato
Opened in 2008, this museum is dedicated to the history of the state of Guanajuato, and hosts rotating temporary exhibits.
Museo de la Ciudad de León
Devoted to the history of the city of León.
Museo de Arte Sacro
Museo Panteón Taurino
This restaurant and bar is distinguished by tables which are the headstones of bullfighter who died in the bullring. It is considered a museum as it contains a large collection of bullfighting history and memorabilia.
Parque Metropolitano
Over 260 hectares for recreation, sports and enjoying nature. The park has a pier, bicycle paths, train, rose garden, orchards, vegetable gardens, picnic tables and camp grounds. Also available are bicycle and boat rentals along with children's games.
Parque Zoológico de León
Over 2,000 animals are on display in this attractive park, such as polar bears, panthers, pumas, tigers and lions. There is also a lake with aquatic birds and a miniature train ride.
Home of professional baseball in Leon, the stadium is home field for the Bravos de Leon, who play a 114-game schedule from March through August as part of the Liga Mexicana de Beisbol (Mexican League).
The stadium is home field for Club León (sometimes known as the Panzas Verdes), a top-tier professional soccer team playing in the Liga MX. The stadium was built in 1967 to seat 31,297 cheering fans. Because Liga MX plays two seasons per year, you could catch a home game at almost any time of the year (assuming you can find tickets).
León and nearby Guanajuato host the Mexican round of the World Rally Championship.
International Festival de Balloons de León
A three-day festival held annually in November, featuring balloon rides, food, and musical entertainment.
Very tasty tostilocos with several ingredients. You can choose between spicy and non-spicy nachos. The price is M$50 (Dec 2021). Open in the evening. It's in the east of the centro, in front of the Triumphal Arch of the Causeway of the Heroes
They are tasty and for M$25 (Dec 2021). The stall serves every day from 11:00–19:00. It is right next to the Hotel Terranova in Salina Cruz 112.
The quesadillas have a nice cheese and are for M$18 (Dec 2021). Also available are tacos for M$12 and tortas for M$18 (Dec 2021). It's open daily from 8:00–22:30. The food stall is covered on Google Maps.
You get five crunchy tacos without meat and with tomatoes, avocado and further ingredients. Say if you don't want it spicy. It's usually open from 8:00–20:00 every day. The stall in front of the address Salina Cruz 111.
Tasty Chinese food. A main dish with two kinds of meat is for M$70 (Dec 2021). A rather small dish with one kind of meat is for M$55 (Dec 2021). It's right next to the MAY fashion store in Blvd. la Luz 1105.
You can choose between a variety of ingredients for your quesadilla. The price is M$19 (Dec 2021). It's open daily from 9:00–14:00.
It is popular among the locals. Open daily from 9:00-18:00. Offered are (prices as of Dec 2021):
Temporarily closed as of Dec 2021. Great food, great wine, great people.
A popular Italian restaurant.
formerly Hotel Mexico Plaza Campestre
Outdoor pool and gym, with an onsite restaurant. From the hotel to the main city around 20-25 minutes on a cab.
A large shopping center with a multitude of shoe shops, offering a large range of footwear for all tastes.
Another shopping center, with shops selling locally-made leather goods.
Salón de la Piel y del Calzado
A bi-annual, four-day shoe festival occurring every March/April and August/September.
By bus
If you want to look for an intercity bus ride in the app CheckMyBus, you need to select "León de los Aldama".
By bus
For finding a connection, Moovit is somewhat better than Google Maps, because Moovit shows you the frequency of the buses. You can pay every bus ride with the bus card or in cash.
By bicycle
The city's bicycle paths are extensive.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Silao · International · BJX
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about León (Mexico) and Mexico.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
InspirationExplore the best places to visit in November across autumn foliage, mild desert warmth, southern spring blooms, and off-peak travel bargains.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your Isla Holbox trip with our complete Mexico guide. Explore sand streets, Punta Cocos bioluminescence, whale sharks, beach clubs, and ferries.
8 min read
Travel tipsIs it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Compare safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Mexico City, and Oaxaca with official travel advisories and local tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.