This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
León was built as a Roman military camp a few decades before Christ. Since the tenth century, the Kingdom of León played a major historical role as an active champion in the Reconquista against the Muslims, becoming one of the key kingdoms in Spain. The city hosted the first Parliament in the history of Europe in the twelfth century. During the Middle Ages, the city lost its importance, mainly because it was no longer an independent kingdom.
León is a welcoming city for national and international tourism, thanks to its historical and monumental heritage; the various celebrations that take place throughout the year (most notably the Easter Festival); and León's location as a necessary travel point of the Camino de Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the ten days that elapse from Friday to Easter Sunday, thousands of people parade through the city with special costumes according to tradition.
The Museum of León, opened in the nineteenth century, is the oldest in the province and is dedicated to telling the city story through archaeology, art, and ethnography. The Museum of the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro is highlighted by the Pantheon of the Kings. The Sierra-Pambley Museum shows the domestic life of an enlightened nineteenth-century family. The Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Basilica of San Isidoro, the Convent of San Marcos, and other religious places are also worth visiting.
Hostels in León are scattered throughout the city and there is not a place where you can find concentration of León hostels. Generally, you can find a hostel in León in almost all neighborhoods and prices do not differ much among León hostels -- almost all of them have average prices without exceptions in the low- or high-price bracket. It is very beneficial for travelers that León hostels also offer great service and hostel conditions, as well as excursions in the city.
Written by local expertz for León
George Traveller
