This lesser-known historic city in Mexico is currently breaking tourism records

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Just as the crystal clear sea is the main draw for beach lovers heading to Mexico, colonial towns are the sweet spot for culture lovers.

We’re sure you’ve heard of Mexico City and its vibrant neighborhoods, Merida with its towering stone cathedral, Oaxaca and its cobbled streets, and of course San Miguel de Allende, famous for its colorful mansions and a striking pink church.

That said, none of Mexico’s usual colonial tourist hotspots steal the spotlight. In fact, an unusual historic city in the state of Guanajuato, in the heart of the country, is the only one breaking records right now, and chances are you’ve never even thought about going there.

This now changes:

Did we sleep on León the whole time?

This year alone, León welcomed more than 6 million visitors, as reported by Milenioand it is on track to have a record year in tourism 450 years after its creation.

The largest city in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico, is best known among shopping tourists as the leather capital of the world.

People come from all over Mexico (and beyond) for affordable, high quality leather products in Zona Piel, a neighborhood known for its many leather markets, but León has so much more to offer than just cleaning up your seasonal wardrobes.

It may not have the appeal of Mexico City as a global cosmopolitan hub, nor does it share the fame of San Miguel de Allende as a romantic, scenic getaway, but it is one of Mexico’s most historically important cities, with plenty to see and do.

What to see in Leon

Amid the modern urban sprawl you will find a charming historic center dotted with colonial-era landmarks. Certainly not as well preserved as those in Guanajuato or San Miguel, but still worth seeing.

The most visually striking element here is without a doubt the cathedral.

Leon’s towering main building of the church was originally founded in the 18th century, right on the city’s main square, and presents a mix of neoclassical and baroque elements unique in Mexico.

However, some argue that the center of León’s religious life is the church Templo Expiatorio: It’s not as old as some other churches, as it was only built in the 20th century, but its neo-Gothic facade certainly evokes Old World charm.

Other must-sees in the Colonial Zone include Parroquia del Sagrarioone of the oldest churches in the city, the Municipal Palace, housed in an old building seminaryAnd El Arco, a triumphal arch located along the Causeway of the Heroes, a car-free promenade that runs through the center of León.

High-quality leather products for much cheaper

Of course, you haven’t really been to León until you’ve done some leather shopping, and believe us, this is as much a part of the local culture as going to a leather market.

The city was actually founded during Spain’s first expansion into central Mexico, around the same time they conquered Teotihuacan and founded Mexico City, and it was one of New Spain’s most important commercial zones.

All this to emphasize León’s role as a leather-producing city dates back centuriesand to some extent it even helped shape his identity.

The best neighborhood to immerse yourself and get a taste of León’s traditional craftsmanship is the aforementioned Zona Piel, a market with more than 4,500 merchant shops, selling leather boots, shoes, belts, wallets, bags and more.

There are So lots of options to choose from, from smaller stalls to large outlets, so you can compare quality and price and get the best deal possible. Shops usually open after 10.30am and we recommend that you get there close to opening time before it gets too busy.

Delicious food pretty much everywhere you look

Like any Mexican city, León also has its fair share of food markets where you can eat delicious street food without having to burn your dollars.

Our personal favorite, and seemingly everyone’s, is Mercado Aldama, one of the oldest in the areafounded as early as 1833. Think rows of stalls for fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as takeaway spots for tortas, tacos, pozole and every Mexican delicacy under the sun.

If you’re staying downtown, Mercado Central should be within walking distance of your hotel or accommodation, and while it’s much grander and arguably more chaotic, it does have a great food court where you can have a quick meal without having to travel far.

Now, for a meal at a locally frequented restaurant, without the ‘gringo prices’ you get at La Casona del Arco, try El Gaucho: it’s cozy, unpretentious, and their cuts of meat and wide range of sauces are mouth-watering.

Check the safety advice before you fly

Are you going to Mexico this season?

Check the safety advice applicable to your destination using our Travel Advisory Checker: simply type ‘Mexico’ into the search bar and then choose the Mexican state you are going to. In León’s case, that would be Guanajuato.

For those heading to Cancun or Tulum, Quintana Roo is your destination, and for travelers heading to Cabo, check out the latest safety report for Baja California Sur.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.