Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico
The heart of Leonese tapas: medieval streets, thick glasses of wine and small plates that in many bars come with your drink.
León’s old town is split into two lively areas: the Barrio Húmedo, beside Calle Ancha and the cathedral, and the Barrio Romántico. Both are ideal for “ir de tapas”, which here means hopping from bar to bar sampling small portions that, in many places, come free with your drink.
The Húmedo spreads around Plaza de San Martín, the “square of the shops”. Its streets keep guild names: Zapaterías, Platerías, Azabachería. Many bars specialise in one product, such as blood sausage, and local wines are usually served in thick glass tumblers.
At night it is the city’s meeting point. For something quieter, cross over to the Barrio Romántico.
See our Where to eat section for specific places.