Nicaragua · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Nicaragua
These are the places we would point a friend to in Nicaragua, from colonial classics and volcano hikes to quiet beaches and family kitchens. Check opening times before you go, as small places change often.
Places to Visit in Managua
Arts and Culture
- Palacio Nacional de la Cultura (Plaza de la Revolución)
The old parliament building now houses the national museum, with pre-Columbian statues and pottery. - Catedral Metropolitana de Managua (Carretera a Masaya)
A striking modern cathedral with dozens of small concrete domes, completely unlike the colonial churches elsewhere. - Museo Huellas de Acahualinca (Acahualinca)
Footprints left in volcanic mud thousands of years ago, preserved in a small museum near the lake. - Teatro Nacional Rubén Darío (Malecón)
The national theatre stages concerts, folk ballet and plays in a landmark that survived the 1972 earthquake.
Things to Do
- Loma de Tiscapa (Tiscapa)
A hilltop park above a crater lagoon with sweeping views across the capital and a canopy line over the water. - Puerto Salvador Allende (Malecón)
The lakeshore promenade fills with families, food stalls and boat rides at weekends.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Roberto Huembes (Huembes)
The easiest Managua market for visitors, with a large section of crafts, hammocks and pottery from across the country. - Galerías Santo Domingo (Carretera a Masaya)
A large, air conditioned mall with restaurants, a cinema and shops, handy on hot afternoons.
Nature and Outdoors
- Laguna de Xiloá (Mateare)
A crater lake on the edge of the city where Managua families swim and eat fried fish at weekends. - Reserva Natural El Chocoyero (Ticuantepe)
A forest reserve where hundreds of green parakeets nest in a cliff beside a waterfall.
Restaurants
- La Cocina de Doña Haydée (Los Robles)
A long running favourite for classic Nicaraguan dishes such as indio viejo, nacatamales and gallo pinto. - Quesillos at Nagarote (Nagarote)
Roadside stalls on the way to León serve quesillos, warm tortillas wrapped around soft cheese and pickled onion.
Cafés
- Café Las Flores (Galerías Santo Domingo)
A Nicaraguan coffee chain serving beans from the northern highlands, a reliable stop between errands.
Stays
- Real InterContinental Metrocentro Managua (Carretera a Masaya)
A large business hotel next to the Metrocentro mall, convenient for a first or last night.
Places to Visit in Granada
Arts and Culture
- Catedral de Granada (Parque Central)
The yellow and white cathedral is the symbol of the city and the backdrop to every evening in the park. - Convento San Francisco (Calle Cervantes)
One of the oldest churches in the Americas, now a museum with carved stone statues from Zapatera island. - Fortaleza San Pablo (Las Isletas)
A small Spanish fort on its own islet, built to defend Granada from pirates. - Mi Museo (Calle Atravesada)
A private collection of thousands of pieces of pre-Columbian pottery, free to visit.
Things to Do
- Iglesia La Merced bell tower (Calle Real Xalteva)
Climb the tower for the classic view over red roofs to the cathedral, the lake and Mombacho volcano. - Calle La Calzada (Centro)
The pedestrian street from the cathedral to the lake comes alive every evening with restaurants and music. - ChocoMuseo Granada (Calle Libertad)
Hands on bean to bar chocolate workshops that suit children and adults alike.
Nature and Outdoors
- Las Isletas (Lake Nicaragua)
Boat trips weave through hundreds of small volcanic islands with birds, fishing families and island homes. - Reserva Natural Volcán Mombacho (Mombacho)
Cloud forest trails around the craters of Mombacho, with howler monkeys, orchids and steaming fumaroles. - Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya (Masaya)
Drive to the rim of an active crater and, when conditions allow, look down at a glowing lava lake. - Laguna de Apoyo (Apoyo)
A warm, clear crater lake for swimming, kayaking and lazy days on a dock. - Mirador de Catarina (Catarina)
A lookout over the Laguna de Apoyo crater, best at sunset with a drink and a plate of food.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Municipal de Granada (Centro)
A busy, everyday market for fruit, cheese, cheap eats and a look at local life. - Mercado de Artesanías de Masaya (Masaya)
The old walled craft market in Masaya is the best place for hammocks, pottery and leatherwork. - Pottery workshops of San Juan de Oriente (San Juan de Oriente)
Family workshops in a village famed for its fine carved and painted ceramics.
Stays
- Hotel Plaza Colón (Parque Central)
A colonial hotel right on the main square with balconies over the cathedral. - Hotel Darío (Calle La Calzada)
A restored early twentieth century building with a courtyard pool, steps from the cathedral. - Hotel Con Corazón (Calle Santa Lucía)
A friendly social enterprise hotel that reinvests in local education projects. - Mansión de Chocolate (Calle Real Xalteva)
A grand colonial mansion with a chocolate themed spa and a big pool.
Cafés
- The Garden Café (Calle Libertad)
A leafy courtyard café with good coffee, a lending library and fair trade crafts.
Restaurants
- Kathy's Waffle House (Calle El Caimito)
A long standing breakfast spot facing the Convento San Francisco, famous with travellers. - Vigorón stalls at Parque Central (Parque Central)
Granada's signature street dish of yuca, chicharrón and cabbage salad, served on a banana leaf.
Events
- Fiestas de Agosto (Centro)
Granada's August celebrations bring parades, horse processions and music to the streets.
Places to Visit in León
Arts and Culture
- Catedral de León (Parque Central)
Central America's largest cathedral, with a white rooftop walk and the tomb of Rubén Darío. - Museo de Arte Fundación Ortiz Gurdián (Centro)
One of the region's finest art collections, spread through beautiful colonial houses. - Museo de Leyendas y Tradiciones (Centro)
Giant folklore figures in a former prison, with murals that tell the story of its prisoners. - Museo Archivo Rubén Darío (Centro)
The childhood home of Nicaragua's great poet, with his books and belongings. - Iglesia de la Recolección (Centro)
A bright yellow baroque facade, one of the most photographed churches in the city. - Iglesia de San Juan Bautista de Subtiava (Sutiava)
An old colonial church in the Indigenous barrio of Sutiava, with a carved sun on its ceiling. - Ruinas de León Viejo (Puerto Momotombo)
The ruins of the first León, a UNESCO site beneath Momotombo volcano.
Things to Do
- Cerro Negro volcano boarding (Cerro Negro)
Hike up a bare black cone and slide down its gravel slope on a board. - Quetzaltrekkers León (Centro)
A volunteer run guiding group whose volcano treks support local children's projects.
Nature and Outdoors
- Volcán Telica (Telica)
A sunset hike to the rim of an active crater, with a chance to see the glow below. - Las Peñitas (Las Peñitas)
A relaxed surf beach with seafood, hammocks and some of the best sunsets on the coast. - Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado (Las Peñitas)
Mangrove boat trips through a barrier island reserve, with turtle nesting in season. - Playa Poneloya (Poneloya)
A local favourite beach for León families, with simple seafood spots.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Central de León (Centro)
The market behind the cathedral for fruit, juices and quick local lunches.
Bars and Nightlife
- Vía Vía León (Centro)
A bar, café and guesthouse with a courtyard, music and a sociable crowd.
Stays
- Bigfoot Hostel León (Centro)
The hostel that popularised volcano boarding, with a pool and an easy, social feel. - Hotel El Convento (Centro)
A peaceful hotel built around a former convent garden, with antiques and a pool. - Hotel La Perla (Centro)
A restored nineteenth century mansion close to the cathedral.
Restaurants
- El Sesteo (Parque Central)
A classic café restaurant on the main square, ideal for people watching. - Fritangas around Parque Central (Centro)
Evening street grills selling meat, gallo pinto, fried cheese and plantain.
Cafés
- Pan y Paz (Centro)
A bakery serving real bread, pastries and coffee, a good breakfast stop.
Events
- La Gritería (Citywide)
On the eve of the Immaculate Conception in December, families open altars and hand out sweets to singers.
Places to Visit in San Juan del Sur
Things to Do
- Cristo de la Misericordia (Northern headland)
A giant statue of Christ above the bay with the best view over town.
Nature and Outdoors
- Playa Maderas (North of town)
The most popular surf beach, with consistent waves and surf schools. - Playa Marsella (North of town)
A calm, quiet beach for swimming and sunsets. - Playa Majagual (North of town)
A sheltered cove at the end of a dirt road, peaceful for a swim. - Playa Remanso (South of town)
Gentle waves make this the classic beach for first surf lessons. - Playa Hermosa (South of town)
A wide, beautiful private beach with a day entry and a relaxed restaurant. - Playa Yankee (South of town)
A wilder beach with stronger waves for intermediate surfers. - Refugio de Vida Silvestre La Flor (La Flor)
A protected beach where olive ridley turtles come ashore in large numbers to nest. - Playa Gigante (Tola)
A quiet fishing village beach with surf breaks and simple stays. - Popoyo (Tola)
One of Nicaragua's most famous surf breaks, on a quieter stretch of coast.
Shopping and Markets
- Mercado Municipal de San Juan del Sur (Centro)
Cheap, filling local lunches and fruit a block from the beach.
Restaurants
- El Timón (Beachfront)
A beachfront seafood restaurant, a classic for whole fried fish at sunset.
Cafés
- Gato Negro (Centro)
A café and bookshop with good coffee and breakfasts, popular with travellers.
Stays
- Pelican Eyes Resort (Hillside)
Hillside villas and pools with views over the bay. - Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge (Playa Ocotal)
A secluded eco-lodge on a private beach and forest reserve north of town. - Casa Oro Hostel (Centro)
A sociable hostel that also runs surf shuttles to the beaches.
Events
- Sunday Funday (Town and hillside)
The famous pool party crawl that draws backpackers every Sunday.
Places to Visit in Ometepe
Nature and Outdoors
- Ojo de Agua (Santo Domingo)
A clear natural spring pool shaded by trees, perfect after a hike. - Volcán Concepción (Moyogalpa)
A long, steep climb up a near perfect active cone with huge views over the lake. - Volcán Maderas (Balgüe)
A muddy cloud forest climb to a small crater lake on the island's older volcano. - Cascada San Ramón (San Ramón)
A forest waterfall reached by a hike up the flank of Maderas. - Punta Jesús María (Moyogalpa)
A long sand spit reaching into the lake, a favourite sunset spot. - Reserva Charco Verde (Charco Verde)
A small lagoon reserve with forest trails, monkeys and a beach. - Playa Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo)
A long dark sand beach on the isthmus with views of both volcanoes.
Things to Do
- Río Istián kayaking (Mérida)
Paddle through wetlands between the volcanoes, watching for caimans and birds. - El Pital Chocolate Paradise (Balgüe)
A chocolate farm with tastings and lake views.
Arts and Culture
- El Porvenir petroglyphs (Santa Cruz)
Ancient rock carvings in the fields of a hillside farm. - Museo El Ceibo (El Ceibo)
A collection of pre-Columbian pottery and old coins in a rural setting.
Stays
- Finca Magdalena (Balgüe)
A cooperative coffee farm with simple rooms and petroglyphs on its land. - Hacienda Mérida (Mérida)
A lakeside hostel with a long dock, kayaks and access to Maderas. - Totoco Eco Lodge (Balgüe)
Hillside eco-lodge with views of Concepción and a farm to table kitchen. - Villa Paraíso (Santo Domingo)
A long running beachfront hotel close to Ojo de Agua.
Cafés
- Café Campestre (Balgüe)
Farm grown salads, curries and coffee in a garden setting.
Restaurants
- Comedores of Moyogalpa (Moyogalpa)
Simple eateries near the ferry serving lake fish and plates of the day.
Places to Visit in Corn Islands
Nature and Outdoors
- Picnic Centre Beach (Big Corn)
A long white sand beach with calm water and simple restaurants. - Long Bay (Big Corn)
A sweeping curve of sand on the island's east side. - Southwest Bay (Big Corn)
A quiet beach for swimming and sunsets. - Otto Beach (Little Corn)
A remote north shore beach, reached through the forest on foot. - Sally Peaches snorkelling (Big Corn)
A rocky shoreline with reef close enough to snorkel straight from the beach.
Things to Do
- Dive Little Corn (Little Corn village)
A long established dive shop running reef trips and beginner courses.
Stays
- Yemaya Island Hideaway (Little Corn)
A secluded beachfront hideaway on the island's north end. - Derek's Place (Little Corn)
Simple wooden cabins on the east coast with a relaxed, barefoot feel. - Little Corn Beach and Bungalow (Little Corn)
Beachfront bungalows on the windward side with a lively restaurant. - Arenas Beach Hotel (Big Corn)
A beachfront hotel on Big Corn's calmest bay.
Events
- Crab Festival and Emancipation Day (Big Corn)
Late August celebrations of freedom from slavery with parades, music and crab dishes.
Restaurants
- Rundown at local kitchens (Big Corn)
Try rundown, a coconut stew with seafood, plantain and cassava, in small family kitchens.
Places to Visit in Estelí
Shopping and Markets
- Estelí cigar factory tours (Estelí)
Watch the rolling of Nicaragua's famous cigars in the northern highlands.
Places to Visit in Somoto
Nature and Outdoors
- Cañón de Somoto (Somoto)
Swim, float and jump through a dramatic river canyon near the Honduran border.
Places to Visit in Matagalpa
Stays
- Selva Negra Ecolodge (Matagalpa)
A cloud forest coffee estate with cabins, trails and a working farm.
Places to Visit in Río San Juan
Arts and Culture
- Fortaleza de la Inmaculada Concepción (El Castillo)
A Spanish fortress on the San Juan river, reached by boat.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Hotel Crowne Plaza Managua (Centro, Managua)
The pyramid shaped hotel is a city landmark with a long history, set near the old centre. - La Casa de los Mejía Godoy (Plaza El Sol, Managua)
Live folk and protest song nights from one of Nicaragua's best known musical families. - Isla Zapatera (Lake Nicaragua, Granada)
A large, wild lake island with pre-Columbian sites, reached on guided boat trips. - Reilly's Irish Tavern (Calle La Calzada, Granada)
A lively bar on La Calzada, popular for an evening drink and sports. - Holy Week sawdust carpets in Sutiava (Sutiava, León)
During Holy Week, residents make colourful sawdust carpets for the processions. - Bambú Beach Club (Beachfront, San Juan del Sur)
A beachside bar and restaurant at the north end of the bay. - Barrio Café (Centro, San Juan del Sur)
A friendly corner café restaurant serving breakfasts and Nicaraguan plates. - Tranquilo Café (Little Corn village, Corn Islands)
A village café and bar by the dock with good food and a social evening crowd. - Little Corn lighthouse lookout (Little Corn, Corn Islands)
A short walk to a viewpoint over the whole island and reef.