Top Things to Do in Leon
Things to Do in Leon
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Leon.
Top Attractions in Leon
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Water Parks
Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
City Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
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Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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City Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
Multi-day Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
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City Tours • Multi-day Tours
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What travellers are saying
- Guro H1 contributionVery exciting, nice and talkative guide, and beautiful view! The hike was not to long, a bit steap, and the view was so worth it all.Written 15 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Rob RRehoboth Beach, DE49 contributionsWe stumbled into this on our last day in Léon, and you have to get tickets at the back of the building and enter on the side to get to it, but worth the shuffle. If possible, hit it at sunset, as it provides some of the most stunning pictures with the blinding white rooftop shaded with an auburn hue and views of mountains and volcanos everywhere.Written 5 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Denise B1 contributionExcellent food and excellent service very friendly would definitely recommend 😋when in murfreesboro ArkWritten 31 August 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- bucketlisttravellersSydney, Australia3,783 contributionsWe came here for the afternoon. You can go swimming here and we swam just out the front of Playa Roca to the right of the rocks. The swell was pretty big when we were there with 5-6ft waves. It looked perfect for experienced surfers but a little tough for swimmers. The stretch of beach is pretty though and makes for idyllic sunsets.Written 16 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- moviegeekjnPhoenix, AZ1,842 contributionsSurprisingly good museum with a plethora of art, it primarily features Central American artists. All are nicely placed in galleries facing each other across the street.
My favorite was a collection of 12 well preserved indigenous pottery items. I also found Rembrant, Picasso, Warhol, and Basquiat paintings. This is a museum that needs multiple visits, so there may be more internationally known artists as well.Written 8 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Starnurse2Crowthorne, UK670 contributionsWe arrived in time to take to the roof without realising just what we were in for. It is made of corrugated iron and is very rusty and not well bolted down. HOWEVER, there was a clear set of arrows to follow and the guide was pointing out all the vantage points that were had during the revolution. When you return to terra firma, there is an interesting section at the beginning of the museum which we should have seen first. The courtyard has some good fresco style paintings of the history of the revolution. The guide spoke very good English and is a veteran of that time (1980's)Written 15 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Megan L14 contributionsGreat setting in an old prison where you can learn about the revolution and the use of the prison from 1921-1979. You also learn about the myths and legends of whole of Nicaragua.Written 2 August 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- taboadarodrigoManagua, Nicaragua26 contributionsPoneloya is a beach located only 20km from the colonial city of León. You can enjoy nice views of the ocean and delicious fresh fish. You have to be careful with the waves which can be tough on high tide!Written 14 October 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- York476Fort Wayne, IN251 contributionsThis museo former house of Nicaragua’s most famous poet is free of charge recommend donation. Very pleasing cool spot in bustling Leon. Neat to see inside a home of that time with some period furniture. Very nice display- all spanish. Worth the trip for history, literature, architecture nerds. Coffee shop Libeula next door is really good.Written 30 December 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Craig-World-TravelleAgoura Hills, CA1,836 contributionsAmazing smoking volcano which can be seen from just about anywhere.
My favorite view was from the Ruins of Old Leon where you have a full view with Lake Managua in front.
It was a clear day so great photos.Written 15 January 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - maritimeexplorerNova Scotia, Canada3,799 contributionsPeople who know little about history and think that all ruins must be spectacular like Pompeii or the great Mayan cities should not come to Leon Viejo. Although it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is not in any way overwhelming, in fact the opposite. The reason its famous is because it does preserve the best ruins of a Spanish colonial city from the 16th century after it was abandoned in 1610 and then covered by layers of ash from nearby Momotombo volcano. Unlike Pompeii very little of Leon Viejo has been excavated and much of what you see is just the outlines of the buildings, not complete reconstructions.
However, if you use your imagination you can picture what life was like here almost 500 years ago. There is an excellent model of what the place looked like before it was abandoned. Chances are you might be the only people on the site which is quiet and sees very few visitors. For birders it is a great place to find some of the more spectacular Nicaraguan species like mot mots and trogons.
The views of Momotombo from atop the old citadel are also worth coming here to see as well as the monument to the Indigenous people.
So expect to be disappointed at first, but the more time you spend here the better you'll like it.Written 19 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Edin KrnicTuzi, Montenegro3,104 contributionsNice church in center of Leon. Only 300 meters from Leon cathedral. I couldn’t go inside because it was closed. Nice colors and architectureWritten 26 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- bucketlisttravellersSydney, Australia3,783 contributionsWe came during the day on a Wednesday and the gates were locked and doors were closed. It looks like a beautiful church from the outside with colourful painted scenes on the front.Written 12 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Allison B12 contributionsI love this ranch and the owners. They were so kind, and gave us a warm Nicaragua greeting. It is gorgeous, and I felt so at peace when here. The food was wonderful, and the staff was super friendly. You will not regret coming here!Written 28 October 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Leon
- The best outdoor activities in Leon according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Leon on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Leon according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Private Daytrip In Leon And Ruins Of Leon From Managua
- Cerro Negro Volcano Corinto Shore Excursion
- Cerro Negro and Asososca Lagoon
- Boat expedition across Juan Venado Island Reserve
- Horseback Riding Private Tour
- The most popular things to do in Leon with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Playa Las Penitas
- Origin Adventure Park
- Ztour Nicaragua
- Playa Poneloya