If you’re currently traveling through Central America or planning a trip to Nicaragua, you’ll probably find yourself in León at some point. It’s genuinely one of the most stunning and well-preserved colonial cities in the region, making it a must-see for holiday tourists and even more so for backpackers like you and me.
León is packed with awesome hostels and hotels, and one of the most popular activities here is volcano boarding at Cerro Negro or visiting the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—seriously, it’s one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Central America.
I just got back from León, and I’m thrilled to share my insider tips with you. I’ll tell you everything about where to stay in Leon, Nicaragua, showing you the best hotels and areas for your next adventure.
- Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Best Leon Hotels
- Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Best Areas
- Where to Stay in Leon for Your First Visit: City Center (El Sagrario)
- Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua for Backpackers & Adventurers: Zaragoza
- Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua with Family: San Felipe
- Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua for Volcano Boarding: Esquina De Los Bancos
- Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Best Leon Hotels
León, an old colonial town in Nicaragua, is one of those spots where you’ll stumble upon some of the most stunning hotels set in beautiful Spanish-style buildings, and my top picks here are no exception! Whether you’re checking into a luxurious 5-star hotel or a cozy hostel, they all offer fantastic options in prime locations.
Hotel La Perla
One of those stunning hotels is Hotel La Perla, which is also one of the best León hotels. Hotel La Perla offers private rooms, an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and free parking in a central location. I also have to say that the staff here is super friendly and helpful, making your stay even more enjoyable.
Click here for more information & bookings
Hotel El Convento
One of my favorites, and also super unique-looking, is Hotel El Convento in the city center. Hotel El Convento has a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and loads of palm trees, kind of like a little oasis in the middle of the city. Hotel El Convento also offers private rooms with free WiFi, a swimming pool, and very helpful staff all within walking distance of the main square.
Click here for more information & bookings
Hotel Austria
Still super pretty, but maybe something for a tight budget is Hotel Austria. It’s definitely a little more basic than the previous options, but it’s perfect for a few nights. You can get a private room for super cheap, and they even include a free breakfast, which is always a huge plus for me.
Click here for more information & bookings
Hotel La Recoleccion
Another colonial beauty is Hotel La Recolección, one of the most popular hotels in León. It offers private rooms, free WiFi, and a breakfast buffet every morning. The location is perfect, right in the heart of León’s historic center.
Click here for more information & bookings
Poco a Poco Hostel
This is where I stayed during my time in Leon, and I absolutely loved it. It’s located right near the city center so you can easily walk to all the main sights, but it’s also situated on a quieter street so you won’t be disturbed by noise at night. They have a great rooftop terrace with hammocks and a small pool, making it the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring. They offer, of course, dorm rooms, but you can even get a private room if you need a break from dorm life.
Click here for more information & bookings
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Best Areas
León is definitely a city where, for tourists and travelers, the city center and historic core are the most interesting parts. That’s why all the areas I recommend staying in are either in the center or at least around it. You’ll find places to stay outside of it, which will probably be cheaper, but they’ll be more residential and might be less safe depending on the area you choose.
If you’re coming for the first time, go straight to El Sagrario, which is basically the most central area or “barrio” as they call it in Spanish.
If you’re planning on staying at one of the many hostels here, then I definitely recommend staying in Zaragoza, which is also in a very central location.
A little quieter is San Felipe, and therefore, it’s great if you’re traveling with kids or with family.
And lastly, if you’re only here for the Volcano Boarding, then stay in Esquina de los Bancos, the area of town where most tour operators are based.
All in all, no matter which area you choose to stay in, Leon is a relatively small city and you can easily explore it on foot or by bicycle. So don’t stress too much about finding the perfect location, as long as you stay in or near the city center!
Where to Stay in Leon for Your First Visit: City Center (El Sagrario)
If you’re heading to Leon for the first time, I’ve got the perfect spot for you: the city center, specifically the El Sagrario neighborhood. In my opinion, this is hands down the best area to stay in, especially if you’re new to the city.
You’ll be right in the middle of all the action, surrounded by must-see sights like the famous Leon Cathedral and the busy main square. On top of that, you can explore almost everything on foot! Stroll to the local markets, dine at fancy restaurants, or grab a bite at one of the many affordable local eateries. There’s a great mix for all budgets and types of travelers, and that’s a huge plus in my book!
Things to Do in the City Center
In the city center, you’ll find most of the exciting activities to enjoy. My number one activity here was definitely exploring the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s free to enter, and you’re allowed to explore the entire cathedral, including the roof and towers, which is amazing.
Another must-visit is definitely one of the free walking tours. The best one, claiming to be the original walking tour, starts right from the main square. The guide speaks both Spanish and English, making it accessible for everyone!
If you’re interested in learning more about the culture or history of León or Nicaragua, two fascinating museums in the area are the local art museum and the Museum of Traditions and Legends. Both are super interesting, and I definitely recommend them, especially for rainy days.
Best Restaurants in the City Center
Manana Manana Cafe: If you’re craving a proper coffee, this is the place to go. I got a coffee here every morning as it was the best I found in town. They also have great breakfast sandwiches, perfect for starting the day. It’s actually owned by the same people who own Poco a Poco Hostel, so you can order their coffee and food to the hostel if you stay there, which is super convenient.
El Sesteo: In the city center, there are plenty of spots aiming to cater to tourists with pizza, pasta, and burgers. To be honest, they’re often not the best. Instead, I’d suggest checking out a local gem where they really know their stuff. El Sesteo dishes up traditional Nicaraguan cuisine at great prices. The portions are gigantic, so come ready to eat!
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua for Backpackers & Adventurers: Zaragoza
Just next to the city center is the neighborhood of Zaragoza, and honestly, if no one told you it’s a different neighborhood, you’d still think it’s part of the city center.
Here, you’ll find some of my favorite hostels in León, along with some of the best cheap eats and street food stalls around. It’s also a bit quieter than the area near the main square, which is great if you’re looking to catch some good sleep before getting up early to explore the next day.
Things to do in Zaragoza
During my visit to Zaragoza, I appreciated the neighborhood’s relaxed atmosphere. I spent much of my time wandering through local markets, where fresh produce and unique crafts are abundant. It’s a wonderful way to experience daily life in León.
The street art here is also pretty cool, with colorful murals all over town that add character to the area. For some relaxation, the small parks are ideal; Parque Zaragoza is a lovely spot to unwind after exploring. Overall, Zaragoza has a great mix of residential and tourist vibes, so it’s kind of fun pretending to be a local for the day.
Best Restaurants in Zaragoza
Casa Vieja: For some great authentic Nicaraguan food, I recommend Casa Vieja, a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Zaragoza. They serve up traditional dishes like gallo pinto and plantains. I had the chilaquiles there, and they were super tasty.
La Plancha: Another great spot for authentic Nicaraguan food is La Plancha, a tiny outdoor stall that serves up delicious Pupusas, which are thick corn tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients like cheese, beans, or meat. It’s a must-try in Nicaragua.
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua with Family: San Felipe
A little outside of the main city center, but only a short walk away, is the neighborhood of San Felipe. It’s a great area to stay in if you’re traveling with family or looking for a quieter atmosphere. The streets are lined with stunning colonial buildings and cute street art, making it a really nice place to wander around.
It also has some of the nicer hotels in Leon and some great Airbnb options that are perfect for families or groups.
Things to do in San Felipe
San Felipe is a charming residential area with not much to do, but wandering through the streets and experiencing local life is a must.
Fortunately, in San Felipe, you’re located within walking distance of all the main attractions in León, making it easy to explore the city from here. The main square and the Cathedral of León are just a short walk away, as well as the famous Central Market where you can find a variety of local goods and delicious street food.
Best Restaurants in San Felipe
Sundance: I stumbled upon this spot one night while wandering around for a dinner place and was pleasantly surprised by the delicious dishes they served! They have a little bit of everything—from pasta to burgers, steaks, and tacos. I tried the rump steak and the tacos, and both were absolutely tasty! Plus, it was reasonably priced, making it a perfect spot to bring the kids along too.
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua for Volcano Boarding: Esquina De Los Bancos
In the east of the city center, you’ll find the lively neighborhood of Esquina De Los Bancos. This is where most travelers stay when visiting León, as it’s close to all the main attractions and has a great backpacker vibe.
What makes this area so great is that it’s also the perfect location for volcano boarding. Most of the tour operators are located here, and some of them are even hostels, such as the Bigfoot Hostel, which is one of the most popular places to stay.
Things to Do in Esq. De Los Bancos
If you’re eyeing some epic Volcano Boarding, Esq. De Los Bancos is the place to be! Sure, the operators can pick you up anywhere in Leon, but it’s awesome to stay right here and just stroll over. The big names in town for volcano boarding are Bigfoot Hostel and Volcano Day Nicaragua. Honestly, they’re pretty similar in terms of organization and pricing. The only real difference is basically the color of the overall you’ll be wearing—yellow or orange. I clearly went for yellow here!
Leon has plenty of other amazing tours, which I highly recommend, though. We opted for a combo: volcano boarding on day one, and then we went straight to a hike up Volcano del Hoyo. I won’t lie, it was exhausting but so rewarding. Camping on top of the volcano was absolutely incredible, and we got the most beautiful sunset.
Best Restaurants in Esq. De Los Bancos
Coco Calala: I know it can often be hard to find vegetarian or vegan food in Latin America, and that’s why I was so pleased to discover Coco Calala. This cute café serves up healthy and delicious bowls, toasties, and wraps that cater to various dietary requirements. They also have a great selection of fresh juices and smoothies.
Pan & Paz: Oh my god, if you’re craving some freshly baked bread and pastries, this is the place to go. Pan & Paz is a French bakery owned by Frenchmen and has a great selection of sweet and savory treats, all made in-house daily. Plus, their coffee is top-notch. Big recommendation from me!
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Frequently Asked Questions
🛏️ What are the best hotels and hostels in Leon?
I’ve already shared my favorite spots earlier in this blog, with Poco a Poco as my top hostel and La Perla as my favorite hotel. If you’re still looking for more, then Hostal el Jardin is probably my second favorite hostel! You can check it out here. For a fantastic hotel that’s great on a tight budget, Hotel Cacique Adiact or Hotel Real Leon are great options. Check it out here.
✅ Is Leon worth visiting?
Leon is absolutely worth visiting! On one hand, you get to explore a beautiful historic city brimming with culture and stunning colonial architecture. And on the other hand, there are all the exciting activities around Leon like volcano boarding, hitting the beach, and hiking. It’s definitely a place that offers a bit of everything!
🚶♂️ What is the best way to get around in Leon?
The best way to get around in León is by walking or taking a taxi. The city center is quite compact, so it’s super easy to explore on foot. Taxis are also an affordable and convenient option for longer distances or if you need to travel at night. You can easily find taxis on the streets or ask your hotel to call one for you.
🏖️ How far is Leon from the beach?
León is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the nearest beach, Playa Las Peñitas. The good thing is that there is a public bus going directly from the main square in León to the beach, costing only a couple of dollars to get there.
Where to stay in Leon Nicaragua – Final Words
Leon is such an awesome spot to visit, whether you’re passing through from El Salvador or Honduras on your Central America backpacking adventure, or if you’re heading straight here for the epic volcano boarding.
I absolutely love this city because there’s just so much to do. You can hike Volcan del Hoyo, try volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, or simply chill on the nearby beaches.
I hope my guide on where to stay in Leon, Nicaragua will help you find the perfect spot, and maybe even inspire you with some great places to eat and things to do while you’re here. Enjoy your trip to Nicaragua and happy travels!
