León's street system is numerical. The junction of Avenida Central and Calle Central Rubén Darío form an axis at the northeast corner of Parque Central. Streets going north or south are called calles and ascend numerically, as do avenidas that go west and east of Avenida Central. Generally speaking, this numbering system is ignored by locals; when giving directions, they will almost always describe a location in terms of landmarks. The main market, called Mercado Central, is situated behind the cathedral. The old indigenous town of Subtiava is now a western suburb.
Visitor Information
The Intur office (2a Av. NO; tel. 505/2311-3682) is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 12:30pm and 2 to 5pm. They have an excellent map of the city, and the staff members are very helpful, though they speak little English. Another Intur Tourist Information Office (tel. 505/2311-3992) has opened just north of the cathedral, and here, you may be lucky to find some North American volunteers to help you out with maps and directions.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
