What to see in León in one day
León is a city rich in history, with a wealth of artistic and cultural buildings and other attractions that are well worth visiting. In this article, we focus on a one-day visit to the city for those who are wondering what you can see in León in one day. This city on the banks of the river Bernesga is home to a rich historical heritage. It dates back to Roman times, and enjoyed a period of great splendour as the capital of the Kingdom of León from 910 until it came under the rule of the Crown of Castile in 1230.
We can see this heritage in monuments such as the Colegiata de San Isidoro, which houses the Pantheon of the kings of León, as well as in the Cathedral of Santa María, one of Spain’s great Gothic edifices.
So take note of our itinerary for a one-day visit to León!
Itinerary day 1
10.00 - 11.30
Colegiata de San Isidoro
Begin your one-day visit to León at one of the city’s most important buildings: the Colegiata de San Isidoro. This church dates back over 1000 years, and is considered one of Spain’s most important collections of Romanesque buildings. Inside, you will find the Royal Pantheon, with the tombs of many kings, princes and nobles of the Kingdom of León. Admission to the basilica is free, but there is a charge for entry to the Pantheon and the Museum.
11.45 - 13.45
Catedral de León
A few minutes’ walk will bring you to the Cathedral of Santa María de Regla, León’s most important monument. This Gothic jewel shows clear evidence of French influence. It is known as La Pulchra Leonina, and is an obligatory stop for pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela. Stop to admire the fantastic medieval stained-glass windows — the collection is one of the finest in the world, and covers a total of 1,800 square metres! There is also a charge to visit the Cathedral.
13.15 - 13.30
León’s city walls
Right behind the cathedral in Avenida de Los Cubos, you can see a section of León’s ancient Roman city walls in an excellent state of preservation.
Plaza Mayor
Following Calle Mariano Domínguez Berrueta for a few minutes brings us to the Plaza Mayor [main square]. Here you can admire a typical Castilian square, dominated by the El Mirador [viewing point] building. If you are there on a Wednesday or a Saturday, you could also enjoy seeing the market that is still held in the square.
13.45 - 14.30
Tapas in Barrio Húmedo
By now you’ll be getting hungry, and so we’ll make our way along Calle Plegarias to Barrio Húmedo, the city’s most popular tapas district. Our first stop will be La Bodega del Húmedo, still in the Plaza Mayor. A little further on, we will find classic spots such as El Botijo, El Jabugo, Los Cazurros, El Gaucho, and La Bicha.
15.30 - 15.45
Plaza del Grano
After recharging your batteries, you can resume your tour of León by walking along Calle Juan de Arfe to beautiful Plaza de Santa María del Camino, known to the locals as Plaza del Grano. The square owes its popular name to the fact that grain and other produce were formerly sold here. The highlights of the Plaza del Grano are the church of Nuestra Señora del Mercado and the fountain that represents the confluence of the rivers of Bernesga and Torío in the city.
16.00 - 16.15
Calla Ancha
A walk through Calle Regidores brings us to Calle Ancha, one of León’s main and best-known shopping streets. The street is completely pedestrianised, and has lots of shops, some long-established, selling clothes, accessories and other goods. Calle Ancha connects the Plaza de Regla (the cathedral square) with Plaza San Marcelo, which will be our next stop.
16.15 - 18-00
Palacio de los Guzmanes
In Plaza de San Marcelo, we find two of León’s most emblematic buildings: Casa Botines and the Palacio de los Guzmanes. Casa Botines is the famous building designed by Antonio Gaudí for León’s textile merchants. It looks oddly like a modern interpretation of a fairytale castle. We can visit the building, and see the FUNDOS collection of art works as well as a permanent exhibition on Gaudí. Next to Casa Botines stands the sixteenth-century Palacio de los Guzmanes, a Renaissance-style palace built for the noble Leonese family. The Palacio de los Guzmanes is the current headquarters of León’s Provincial Council.
18.30 - 19.30
Convento de San Marcos
Our one-day tour of León ends in the far west of the city, where we find another of its most famous buildings. The exquisitely beautiful convent of San Marcos, with its huge Plateresque façade, looks out onto the square of the same name with its monument to the pilgrim. Thisformer pilgrims’ hospital is now one of Spain’s most prestigious National Paradors [state-run, luxury hotels]. And, next to the convent, the San Marcos bridge crosses the river Bernesga as the city bids farewell to all the pilgrims making their way to Santiago de Compostela.This beautiful epilogue brings to a close our one-day tour of León. Farewell to the lovely city of León, to which we may well wish to return, thanks to its rich heritage and the pleasant atmosphere that reigns in its streets.
15.45 - 16.00
Plaza y Palacio del Conde Luna
Our next stop is Plaza de Conde Luna, to see the Palace of Conde Luna. This fourteenth- century palace was the headquarters of the Court of the Inquisition, and has been designated an Asset of Cultural Interest.