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Camino Frances 5 May 2024 - Free day in Leon

A Rainy Day in León: Culture, Food, and Exploration

Sometimes, the best travel days are the ones where you embrace the weather and let the city guide you. Today was one of those days—a free day in León, spent wandering under gray skies and drizzling rain. But even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits.

A Slow Start and a Test of Rain Gear

We slept in a little and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at 8:00 AM. Afterward, we decided to test out our rain jackets and hit the streets of León. The rain added a cozy, reflective vibe to the city, and we were ready to explore.

A Journey Through History

Our first stop was the Basilica San Isidoro de León Museo, a historic site brimming with religious artifacts and stunning architecture. Walking through its halls felt like stepping back in time, and the intricate details left us in awe.

Next, we visited the Cathedral de Santa Maria de León, a magnificent Gothic cathedral renowned for its breathtaking stained glass windows. Even on a gloomy day, the colors from the windows lit up the interior, creating a magical atmosphere.

A Taste of Spain

After soaking in the history, we wandered through León’s medieval streets and stopped for a traditional Spanish lunch. Alison and Kim tried the Empanada de Jamón York y Queso con Tomate Natural (ham and tomato pie), while I opted for the Empanada de Pollo Barbacoa (barbecue chicken pie). Both were delicious, but the real star of the meal was Alison’s hot chocolate—so thick she had to eat it with a spoon! It was rich, indulgent, and absolutely worth every bite.

A Quick Stop at the Farmacia

On the flight from Dubai to Madrid, Alison had the misfortune of sitting next to a couple who coughed the entire way. Now, she’s battling a cold and has been using the cold and flu tablets I brought along. Unfortunately, my throat is starting to feel like sandpaper, so we made a quick stop at a farmacia to stock up on Strepsils for my sore throat and replacement cold and flu tablets for Alison.



Courtyard inside Catedral de Leon
Outside Catedral de Leon with the famous sign


Arco de la Carcel
Catedral de Leon


Inside Catedral de Leon

Kim's Dinner

My Dinner

Alison's Small! Dinner

An Evening Stroll and a Light Dinner

After lunch, we returned to the hotel to rest and escape the rain for a bit. By 7:00 PM, we were ready to hit the streets again. We strolled through the old town, soaking in the evening ambiance, and stopped for a light dinner. Alison ordered a starter of avocado and mango with corn chips, which came in a mortar and pestle—requiring a bit of effort to mash and blend before eating. Kim and I went for hamburgers, which were much easier to enjoy.

After dinner, we continued our walk, following the city wall around the outside of the old town. The rain had eased, and the city lights reflected off the wet cobblestones, creating a magical atmosphere.

Preparing for the Camino

We returned to the hotel for a good night’s sleep, knowing that tomorrow would mark the start of our Camino Frances adventure. Despite the rain, our day in León was a wonderful mix of culture, food, and exploration. We embraced the weather, made the most of our time, and fell even more in love with this charming city.

Travel Tip: Rainy days can be just as memorable as sunny ones—especially when you’re armed with a good rain jacket, a sense of adventure, and a thick hot chocolate to warm you up!




12,700 Steps 8.99km

Accommodation:  Real Colegiata de San Isidoro
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