A Local's Guide to Leon's Barrio Húmedo, Spain

Barrio Humedo, Leon, Spain
Barrio Humedo, Leon, Spain | ©Arturo Castro / Flickr
Esme Fox

The Barrio Húmedo is located in the Spanish city of León and is part of its Old Town. The name roughly translates as the ‘Wet District’, so called because of the number of bars and pubs located in the area. Read our guide on how to best explore it.

What to see?

The Barrio Húmedo is a circular area in the centre of the city, running from Las Cercas street, up to Calle Ancha and across from La Rua to Caño Badillo street. At its centre sits the lively Plaza de San Martín, where you can find many bars and restaurants. There are also a number of sights to see, such as palaces and churches.

Palacio del Conde Luna

The Palacio del Conde Luna was built in the 14th century for Don Pedro Suarez de Quiñones and his wife Doña Juana González de Bazán. It’s built in a Gothic-Mudejar style and is available to view upon appointment.

Palacio del Conde Luna, Leon, Spain

Iglesia de San Salvador de Palat del Rey

The Church of San Salvador de Palat del Rey is the oldest church in the city. It was built in the 10th century by King Ramiro II, who originally constructed it as a monastery. The main chapel was built in the 16th century and is filled with remains of colourful murals.

Calle Conde Luna, 3, León, Spain

Iglesia de Palat el Rey, Leon, Spain

Where to eat?

El Rebote

If you like croquetas (deep-fried croquettes), then you’ll love El Rebote, as it’s famous for them. Instead of regular croqueta flavours such as ham or mushroom, they have innovative varieties such as pizza, beef or even jalapeño chili pepper.

Plaza San Martín, 9, León, Spain

https://instagram.com/p/9lZzP6j4nh/?taken-at=506288597

El Rincon Gaucho

This cute little bar offers a limited number of tapas options, which are all equally tasty. Try the traditional Leonese sopa de ajo (garlic soup). Thick and fragrant, it’s made from crusty bread and roasted garlic.

Calle de la Azabachería 1, León, Spain

Sopa de Ajo, Spain

Where to drink?

Ginger

Ginger sits right at the top of the Barrio Húmedo, a funky and colourful bar, filled with mismatched 1970s-inspired furniture. Sip delicious cocktails surrounded by palms, patterned wallpapers and bare brick. This fun bar definitely won’t disappoint.

Calle Ancha, 14, León, Spain +34 630 43 46 33

https://instagram.com/p/BW0UIKKFpxH/?taken-at=436910376

Luna 9

Another great bar for a drink in the Barrio Húmedo is Luna 9. It’s ideal for a coffee in the morning, as well as a cocktail or beer in the evening. With tables both indoors and outdoors on the terrace, it’s perfect for any time of the year too.

Calle Conde Luna, 9, León, Spain +34 687 45 03 16

https://instagram.com/p/BYOJZuvgdGB/?taken-by=luna9leon

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article