Take a walk around the streets of Leon

Home to Nicaragua's National University, Leon is considered the country's intellectual capital, and also one of the best things to do in Nicaragua. The city is also known for its cathedral, art museums, and growing food scene. Leon's cathedral is Central America's biggest and merges Baroque and Neoclassical styles. Just a few blocks north of the cathedral is Iglesia de la Recoleccion, which is a beautiful church dating back to 1786. It is built in Mexican-style Baroque design and features a distinct, deep-yellow facade with cream trim. While strolling the walkable downtown, also keep an eye out for murals and graffiti dating back to the political war of the 1980s. The colonial baroque Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion was built between 1747 and 1814 and is the largest cathedral in Central America. Having endured earthquakes and bombings, it has become a symbol of the city itself.

Leon is a sophisticated baroque city in the West that somehow manages to be a home base for all of Nicaragua’s best adventures. Of course, visitors will want to spend some time taking in the historic architecture and excellent culinary scene. It buzzes with energy, it is lively, full of young people (it is a university city and in fact, Nicaragua’s first university was founded here in 1912), packed with interesting museums and murals, and gorgeous in a decadent kind of way. Leon served as the capital of Nicaragua during colonial times.