What to see in León. El Húmedo, the cathedral and more

 

Both the city of León and its surroundings are home to countless places worth visiting. This city is home to neighbourhoods steeped in history as well as monuments that have been declared World Heritage Sites. Are you really going to miss it? Read all about what to see in León!

What to see in León

  • León Cathedral: the cathedral of Santa María de Regla in León is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in all of Spain. Inside, its colourful stained glass windows will leave you speechless. This cathedral has been declared a World Heritage Site as it is located on the Camino de Santiago.
  • Casa Botines: another must-see spot in León is Casa Botines. It is home to just one of three works by Antonio Gaudí that can be seen outside Catalonia. This neo-Gothic building has modernist influences and you simply cannot miss it.
  • Convent of San Marcos: considered a masterpiece of the Spanish Renaissance, the convent of San Marcos is another must-see when in León. Make sure not miss its Gothic church, where you can enjoy works of art and archaeological collections at the museum of San Marcos that it houses.
  • Plaza Mayor: this square is one of the nerve centres in León. Many of the city's activities, including its free tours, depart from here. Also, a traditional market is held here on Saturdays and Wednesdays where you can experience Leonese culture to the fullest. Are you going to miss it?
  • El Húmedo: this neighbourhood is known for being one of the busiest in León. This is because it is located in the historic centre of the city and is also famous for being one of the best places to enjoy tapas typical of León.
  • Barrio Romántico: another popular place for tapas, on the left of the wide street as you head towards the cathedral. The neighbourhood is also home
    to some of the most important monuments in León, such as the Basilica of San Isidoro or Casa Botines.
  • Plaza del Grano: one of the city's most beautiful squares. Dating back to mediaeval times, this quiet and cobbled square boasts a particular charm. Its cobbled pavement, the oldest in León, will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. Sounds tempting, right?

León province

If you have your own means of transport or have no problem using public transport to get around León, we recommend you visit some of the nearby towns that are bound to leave you speechless:

  • Peñalba de Santiago: its stone houses with their wooden balconies, combined with its twisting streets, make this town one of the most beautiful in Spain.
  • Ponferrada: this city is one of the stops on the Camino de Santiago. Make sure not to miss its wonderful historic centre, topped off by one of the best preserved and most beautiful Templar Castles in Spain. When in Ponferrada, a trip to Las Médulas, a natural landscape and World Heritage Site, also comes recommended. A veritable feast for the eyes!
  • Astorga: here, you can enjoy another of Gaudí's three works that are not in Catalonia, the Episcopal Palace.
  • Molinaseca: a town populated by stone houses, cobbled streets and mediaeval magic. Taking a walk through Molinaseca is like travelling back in time: it will leave you speechless!

The best of Leonese gastronomy

As well as walking and visiting some of the magical places in this city, you cannot leave without sampling its gastronomy!

Here are a few typical dishes that you simply have to try when in León. Remember! To really discover a city is to also discover its typical cuisine.

  • One of the products that León is best known for when it comes to food is blood sausage. It features on the menu of most bars or taverns in the city and it is different in that it does not contain rice. You can't miss it!
  • Another dish you cannot miss is cocido maragato. This dish is known for being handmade and pretty heavy to digest. As a typical Leonese dish, you can find it in most of the city's restaurants.
  • Botillo del Bierzo: this meat-based product is made from pork. El Botillo is one of Castile and León's most famous cold cuts and its preparation dates back to time immemorial. It is typically used in rice dishes or sauteed, a sure fire hit!
  • And for those with a sweet tooth, León also boasts its own typical pastries. These products include: Yemas de la Bañeza, Ronchitos de León, Rosquillas de San Froilán, Hojaldres de Astorga, to name just a few.

How to travel to León with Renfe

You're in luck! You can travel to León both by AVE (high-speed) and by Larga Distance (long distance) train, enjoying all the amenities offered by Renfe. Sometimes, travelling by car can get tedious and tiring, which is why at Renfe, we offer you the best and most competitive prices on the market. So what are you waiting for to get your tickets and visit the beautiful city of León? Let us make your journey easier for you!

 

Get 50% off tickets to the Gaudí Casa Botines Museum

 


When travelling to León by AVE (high-speed) or Larga Distancia (long distance) train, discover Casa Botines at the best price: showing your AVE (high-speed) or Larga Distancia (long distance) ticket at the museum's ticket office, you get 50% off the ticket price. Consult all the conditions to get your ticket for half price.

There is no excuse for not travelling by train. Get your tickets in advance and customise your trip however best suits you with our Básico, Elige and Prémium tickets. With a variety of discounts: 8% for groups, 25% for seniors, 30% for young people, 40% for children and up to 50% for large families, always at the best price available. Travel comfortably, quickly and cheaply.

Casa Botines is one of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces and a visit is essential for anybody spending time in León. This is a building that combines art, history and architecture, and where the magic of the great Catalan architect can be seen all around, including in the vaults, the wrought iron columns, the stained glass windows of the first floor, the wooden and wrought iron staircases or the towers.

The Museum explores the history of the fascinating building, the figure of Antonio Gaudí and the art and paintings of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, with works by Francisco de Goya, Salvador Dalí, Ramón Casas y Carbó, Raimundo de Madrazo, Joaquín Sorolla or José Gutiérrez Solana, to name just a few.

Furthermore information about the Gaudí Casa Botines Museum.

 

 

Discover the Camino Olvidado a Santiago

 


The Camino Olvidado a Santiago was a pilgrim route frequently used in the Middle Ages, running between Bilbao and Villafranca del Bierzo, where it connects with the French Way, and was almost entirely forgotten about... Now it's your turn to rediscover it.

Remember that the metric gauge trains in León bring you closer to the start and end points of several stages of this Camino from stations including Guardo, Puente Almuney, Cistierna, Boñar, La Vecilla, La Valcueva. Choose to travel by train for the quickest, safest and most sustainable option.

Considered one of the oldest routes, the Camino Olvidado is packed with unique beauty that offers pilgrims a variety of experiences. Culture, history and nature all in one.

The nature for which Palencia is known, as well as its Romanesque churches, León and its incredible landscapes, declared Biosphere Reserves, the Bierzo Valley and its unique character, all this and much more is awaiting for you on the Camino Olvidado.

Read on and discover the Camino Olvidado with Renfe.