This Lesser-Known Historic City In Mexico Is Breaking Tourism Records Right Now

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Much like crystal-clear seas are the primary draw for seashore bums heading to Mexico, colonial cities are the candy spot for tradition lovers.

We’re certain you’ve got heard of Mexico City and its vibrant neighborhoods, Merida with the hovering, stone-built cathedral, Oaxaca and its cobblestone streets, and naturally, San Miguel de Allende, well-known for colorful townhouses and a landmark pink church.

That being mentioned, none of Mexico’s normal colonial tourism hotspots are stealing the limelight. In truth, an offbeat historic metropolis within the state of Guanajuato, within the coronary heart of the nation, is the one smashing information for the time being, and chances are high you’ve got by no means even thought of visiting.

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Have We Been Sleeping On León All Along?

This yr alone, León welcomed over 6 million guests, as reported by Milenio, and it is on monitor to have a record-breaking yr in tourism 450 years after its basis.

The largest metropolis within the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico, it’s best recognized amongst purchasing vacationers because the world capital of leather-based.

People come from throughout Mexico (and past), to purchase inexpensive, high-quality leather-based merchandise in Zona Piel, a district recognized for its many leather-based markets, however León has a lot extra to supply than only a seasonal wardrobe shake-up.

It could not have Mexico City’s enchantment as a world cosmopolitan hub, nor does it share San Miguel de Allende’s fame as a romantic, quaint getaway, but it surely is one among Mexico’s most traditionally important cities, with lots to see and do.

What To See In León

In the midst of the fashionable city sprawl, you will discover a charming Historic Center dotted with colonial-era landmarks. Not as well-preserved as these in Guanajuato or San Miguel, for certain, however value trying out, nonetheless.

The most visually putting factor right here is, with out query, the cathedral.

León’s hovering principal church constructing was initially based within the 1700s, proper on the town’s principal sq., and it presents a mixture of Neoclassical and Baroque parts that’s distinctive in Mexico.

However, some would argue the centerpiece of León’s non secular life is the Templo Expiatorio: it isn’t as previous as among the different church buildings, having been constructed solely within the twentieth century, however the Neo-Gothic facade positively evokes Old World attraction.

Other must-sees within the colonial zone embrace Parroquia del Sagrario, one of many oldest church buildings within the metropolis, the Municipal Palace, housed in an previous seminario, and El Arco, a triumphal arc set alongside the Causeway of the Heroes, a pedestrianized promenade working by means of central León.

High-Quality Leather Products For Much Cheaper

Of course, you have not actually been to León till you’ve got accomplished some leather-based purchasing, and belief us, that is each bit as a part of the native tradition as going to a leather-based market.

The metropolis was in reality established throughout Spain’s preliminary enlargement into central Mexico, at across the identical time they conquered Teotihuacan and based Mexico City, and it was one among New Spain’s most necessary business zones.

All of this to say León’s position as a leather-producing metropolis dates again centuries, and to a sure diploma, it even helped form its identification.

The finest district to immerse your self and get a style of León’s conventional craftsmanship is the aforementioned Zona Piel, a market housing over 4500 service provider retailers, the place they promote leather-based boots, footwear, belts, wallets, luggage, and extra.

There are so many choices to select from, from smaller stalls to main retailers, so you may examine high quality and value and get one of the best deal doable. Shops open after 10:30 AM normally, and we advise you get there near opening time earlier than it is too crowded.

Delicious Food Just About Everywhere You Look

Like any Mexican metropolis, León additionally has its fair proportion of meals markets the place you may gorge on some wonderful road meals, and by no means burn by means of your {dollars}.

Our private favourite, and seemingly everybody else’s, is Mercado Aldama, one of many oldest round, based as early as 1833. Think rows upon rows of stalls for recent fruit and greens, in addition to takeout spots for tortas, tacos, pozole, and each Mexican delicacy below the solar.

If you are staying downtown, Mercado Central must be inside strolling distance of your resort or lodging, and although far grander and arguably extra chaotic, it does have a nice meals court docket the place you may seize a fast meal with out touring far.

Now, for a sit-down meal in a local-frequented restaurant, with out the ‘gringo costs’ you will get in La Casona del Arco, attempt El Gaucho: it is cozy, unpretentious, and their meat cuts and big selection of sauces are mouth-watering.

Check The Safety Advice Before Flying

Heading to Mexico this season?

Check the protection recommendation that applies at your vacation spot utilizing our Travel Advisory Checker: merely kind ‘Mexico’ within the search bar, then decide the Mexican state you are headed to. In León’s case, that might be Guanajuato.

For these going to Cancun or Tulum, Quintana Roo is your vacation spot, and for the Cabo-bound vacationers, examine the newest safety report for Baja California Sur.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead author at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ nations below his belt (and at the moment weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative tales that may have you ever packing your luggage.