Hola! We’re Margreet and Leonel, the people behind Casa Mundo Verde. León is more than just the place where we live and welcome travelers. It’s also the city where our story began.
We love this city for its colourful streets, volcanoes, history, coffee, music and the people you meet along the way. Whether you’re here for a few days or planning to stay a little longer, there is always something happening around the corner.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in León, from the famous volcanoes and beautiful cathedral to local museums, street art, beaches and places where you can simply enjoy the moment.
Join the Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to start your time in León is by joining a walking tour. Wander through the colourful streets, learn about the city’s history, see its murals, visit local spots and hear the stories that have shaped León.
At Casa Mundo Verde, we offer a free walking tour every day at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. It’s a great way to meet other travellers and get to know the city through local stories.
And who knows you might even find a few new favourite places to return to later.
Go Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro
If there is one experience that gets your heart racing, it’s Volcano Boarding at Cerro Negro. After hiking up Nicaragua’s youngest volcano, you’ll put on your protective gear, grab your board and head down the black volcano.
It’s fast, dusty, a little crazy and a lot of fun.
The views from the top are worth the hike alone, with volcanoes stretching across the horizon. Then comes the ride down. And yes… You’ll probably leave covered in volcanic dust!
Watch the sunset from the Cathedral
León’s famous white cathedral is impossible to miss and climbing to the rooftop is one of our favourite things to do in the city.
Take off your shoes and walk across the bright white domes while looking out over León and the surrounding volcanoes. Go later in the afternoon and stay for sunset as the sky changes colour above the city.
It’s one of those simple León moments that stays with you.
Hike Telica Volcano at sunset
Watching the sun go down beside an active volcano? That’s a pretty good way to spend an afternoon.
The Telica Sunset Tour takes you to the edge of the volcano, where you can look into its smoking crater before enjoying sunset with views across the volcanic landscape. Once it gets dark, you’ll hike back under the stars.
Bring good shoes, water, and your sense of adventure.
Visit the Art Museum
The Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz-Gurdián is a lovely surprise in the heart of León. Spread across beautiful colonial buildings, the museum combines European, Latin American and Nicaraguan art.
Even if you don’t normally spend your travels visiting museums, this one is worth a look. The art, architecture and peaceful courtyards make it a nice break from the heat and busy streets outside.
The museum has 3 buildings so take your time while strolling around!
Visit the Revolution Museum
León has played an important role in Nicaragua’s history, and the Museum of the Revolution gives you a closer look at that story.
The museum is full of photographs, objects, and memories from the revolution and many of the guides share their own personal experiences. It’s raw, personal and gives you a different perspective on the country.
If you want to understand León a little better, put this one on your list.
Explore Juan Venado Island
For a completely different side of León, join a Mangrove Tour at Juan Venado Island Nature Reserve.
Travel by boat through the mangroves and keep your eyes open for birds, iguanas, caimans and other wildlife. Depending on the season, you may even have the chance to see turtles.
It’s a beautiful way to spend time in nature and a great option if you want to swap the city streets for water, wildlife, and fresh air.
Go for a Street Art Tour
León’s walls have a lot to say.
Across the city, murals tell stories about revolution, politics, daily life, community, and Nicaragua’s past and present. On a Street Art Tour, you’ll learn what is behind the colours, symbols, and faces painted across the city.
Once you know the stories, you’ll never look at León’s walls in quite the same way again.
Visit El Fortin de Acosasco
A little outside the city centre, El Fortín de Acosasco sits on a hill overlooking León. It is the highest point in town.
The building has an important and difficult history, but today it is also a place to learn more about the city and enjoy views across León and the surrounding volcanoes.
From the fortress you can see the whole volcanic chain, the beach side and the city. Go later in the afternoon when the temperature starts to cool down and take your time exploring the area.
Stroll around the plaza and the mercado
For a real taste of everyday life in León, head to Mercado Central.
It’s busy, loud, colourful and full of everything from fresh fruit and local food to all kinds of things you probably didn’t know you needed.
Try a fresh juice, order some local food and just take in the atmosphere. It might feel a little chaotic at first, but that’s all part of the experience.
Our Favourite Thing About León
The best part about León is that you don’t have to plan every minute.
Spend one day climbing a volcano, another wandering through museums and colourful streets, then take a beach afternoon when you feel like slowing down. Grab a coffee, talk to locals, meet other travellers and see where the day takes you.
León is full of history, adventure, culture and little moments that often become the best memories of your trip.
Stay with us at Casa Mundo Verde, grab a coffee, join a walking tour, head to the beach, or let us help you plan your next adventure. León is waiting for you.
