León is a city of surprises. It’s one of Mexico’s largest cities, and it’s also one of its most charming. The heart of the city is the main square, the Plaza de la Independencia, a beautiful, tree-lined space flanked by colonial buildings. The cathedral, one of the country’s most impressive, is at one end, and the city’s oldest church, the Iglesia de San Francisco, is at the other. Surrounding the square are narrow streets, lined with colonial houses, shops and restaurants. There are also a few interesting museums, including the Museo de Arte Colonial and the Museo de la Revolución, and a lively nightlife, fuelled by the city’s large student population.