TOURISM IN LEON, GUANAJUATO
A modern and dynamic city
Founded in 1566, Leon counts with more than 1 000 000 million inhabitants. It is the biggest and most modern city in the state. Characterized by an important industrial and commercial development, Leon is renowned for its leather and shoes production. The city has many malls and some of them are focused exclusively in leather. Leon also has a beautiful historic center at downtown, where you can admire some of its beautiful architectural monuments or enjoy a meal in a terrace.
The pedestrian zone
Animated with a constant activity, the pedestrian zone of Leon offering many attractions, as the Principal Plaza with the Musicipal House's builtding, the Martyrs Plaza and the Founders Plaza with the Lions Fountain in the middle. Local people come here to take a walk or feed the numerous pigeons.
Downtown Area and the Lions Fountain
The House of Culture Diego Rivera
Located at the Founders Plaza, the House of Culture shows a baroque style front door, built in XIX century. The building, named as the Guanajuato’s famous painter, offers different cultural activities to the citizens such as dancing, art crafting, painting, etc.
Expiatorio temple
The construction of this gorgeous gothic style temple started last century and it is still under construction. This is an interesting place to visit, not only for its architecture, but also for its impressing stained glass windows and catacombs where rest in peace hundreds of persons. In order to an underground visit, you have to go before 1:00 p.m.
Leon's Fair
Every January, Leon’s Poliforum is animated by a great fair, where you can enjoy mechanical attractions, ability games, restaurants and commercial stands with a variety of merchandise. Also there are artcrafts expositions, famous artists concerts and different diversions such as rooster fights (its palenque is one of the greatest in Mexico), haunted mansions and other rarer things.
Triumphal Arc
Leon’s Triumphal Arc was built in neoclassic style to celebrate the 83th Mexican Independence’s anniversary. It is placed on Calzada de los Heroes, which was the old entry to the city before its expantion.
Manuel Doblado theater
Located near downtown, this neoclassic style theater presents notorious plays and art exhibitions.
The Basilic Cathedral
This beautiful cathedral built in 1765 shows a baroque front side. Leon's people praises to the Virgin of Light, the patron saint of Leon.
Museums and Parks
Museo de Arqueología y Archivo Histórico: Historical documents and artifacts from Chichimeca and Chupicuaro cultures.
Museo de la Ciudad de León: Artworks from contemporary artists.
Museo y Centro de Ciencias Explora: Interactive science center surrounded by an ecological park. It counts with an IMAX movie theater. It is a perfect choice for a family visit.
Parque Metropolitano: This Park surrounds a press (El Palote) and measures more than 260 hectares. It offers a place to recreational and sportive activities such as biking, skating, camping, pic-nics, mini-train rides, etc.
Leon's Zoo
Settled in a great natural area, Leon’s Zoo shows about 2 000 animals of 240 species. Its numerous trees and green areas are pefect for a pic-nic. It offers mini-train rides too.
Shopping Malls
Centro Max (photo): Clothes shops, gift shops, restaurants and movies. Blvd. López Mateos # 2518 Ote.
Downtown: Clothes shops, shoes shops and restaurants located in the pedestrian zone.
Galería del Zapato: Shoes and leather articles shops. Blvd. López Mateos #2518 Ote.
La Gran Plaza: Clothes shops, gift shops, restaurants and movies. Blvd. López Mateos #1902.
Plaza del Zapato: Numerous shoes and leather articles shops. Blvd. López Mateos #1601 Ote.
Plaza Piel: Many leather products shops (wallets, jackets, purses, shoes, etc.). Blvd. Hilario Medina #101.
Plaza Mayor: A diversity of well known clothes shops, jewelry, gifts, restaurants and movies. Blvd. Juan Alonso Torres #2002 Int. 1032.
Plaza León: Clothes shops, leather articles, restaurants and gift shops. Blvd. López Mateos #1102 Ote.
Plaza Vennezia Outlet: Outlet shops, restaurants and gondola rides. Blvd. López Mateos #3002 Ote.