Caribbean Coast
This rather lovely, beautifully tended and shady park is where couples come to whisper, cuddle and kiss beneath palm and ficus trees, and absorb a truly…
Must-see attractions in Nicaragua
Palacio de la Cultura y Biblioteca Nacional
Managua
The 1930s-era Palacio de la Cultura (Palace of Culture) housed the National Congress until 1994. The historic building now houses the national museum and…
Caribbean Coast
The renovated town church, about two blocks downriver from the dock, is not an architectural classic but has stained-glass windows and a neon cross. It…
Little Corn Island
An easy but unmarked walk through the bush leads to this fine secluded cove. Pass the former Casa Iguana and turn left where you see a small blue hut,…
León
Built on a spiritually significant site for indigenous people, this 1742 church was wrecked during the Somoza's bombardment of León in 1979. You can still…
Museo Arqueológico Julio César Salgado
Northern Highlands
Packed with ceramic bowls, studded incense burners, and stone tools dating back to AD 300. A map in the corner marks some 60 unexcavated or partially…
Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos
This simple corner building was the childhood home of revolutionary leader Augusto C Sandino. Now it's a library and small museum devoted to Sandino…
Mausoleo de los Héroes y Mártires
León
A monument to the local heroes, the eternal flame of the Mausoleum of Heroes & Martyrs rests within a small plaza just north of the Parque Central,…
Caribbean Coast
This waterfront area on the way to the airport offers views across Bluefields Bay and is a popular gathering place for families. It also pulls a crowd for…
Managua
The tomb of Carlos Fonseca, founder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). He was killed fighting Nicaraguan National Guard forces loyal to…
San Juan Del Sur
Check this arts center for salsa, merengue and bacchata (romantic Dominican dance music) dance lessons, arts exhibits and more. It's also the home of APC…
Caribbean Coast
It's possible to climb this hill on the edge of town for good views of the local rivers, but you'll need to navigate the poor neighborhoods that surround…
Northern Highlands
A remote farm set in the pines, laced with trails and split by a crystalline river flush with swimming holes. It offers accommodations in a pair of rustic…
The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname
Isla Sevilla, just west of Mancarroncito, is a haven for birdwatchers, with thousands of cormorants, tiger herons and pelicans here to enjoy some…
Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos
At the center the town is the 1750 Parroquia de La Asunción, an attractive but scarred late-baroque beauty that the Spanish government has offered to help…
Northern Highlands
This wonderfully understated adobe church fronting the shady Parque Central was constructed in 1661, making it one of the oldest places of worship in…
León
This 17th-century church occupies a whole block on the northern edge of downtown and was constructed to serve the spiritual needs of working-class…
Galería de Arte Casa de Artista
Isla de Ometepe
Near the beach, local artist Abel shows off his work – from nudes and still life to landscapes. Swing by and have a look; it's signposted from the main…
The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname
This fine museum up the hill from the church houses a small but intriguing collection of pre-Columbian metates, pottery and idols unearthed in the…
The Río San Juan & Islas Solentiname
A charming old Spanish observation post complete with cannons and panoramic views. To reach it, head up the staircase at the far end of the malecón.
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro
Caribbean Coast
This intriguing church on the lower level of town has brightly painted onion domes that hint at a Russian heritage, but it’s Catholic and always has been.
Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos
This waterfront complex offers amenities for beachgoers, from bars and restaurants to public restrooms. Just follow the only road west to the end.
León
Look for the faded mural at the headquarters for area indigenous communities and home to Museo Adiáct.
León
A Victorian-style chapel around the corner from Rubén Darío's one-time home, with a modernist, neoclassical exterior and appealing interior.
Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos
The modern Iglesia de San Miguel, whose resident San Miguel Arcángel makes the rounds during the procession of St Jerome, is worth a peek.
Masaya & Los Pueblos Blancos
Iglesia María Magdalena, sort of the sister church to San Sebastián, is where many of Monimbó's most important festivals begin or end.
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
Features an art deco exterior, a nice bell tower, a simple interior hung with chandeliers and a beautiful blue-and-white tiled ceiling.
Monumento Emannuel Mongalo y Rubio
Southwestern Nicaragua
This monument honors the local schoolteacher who was instrumental in the capture of William Walker during the Battle of Rivas in 1856.
Caribbean Coast
A modern white-and-green Catholic church that is more or less open to the elements. It also has an impressive matching clock tower.
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
This dramatic facade is painted pastel-yellow; inside, find delightful Easter egg–blue and yellow columns and arches.
Nicaragua
This is where you find ample visitor parking and access to Pochomil's dense cluster of beach restaurants and bars.
Granada
The imposing, twin towered Iglesia de Guadalupe was originally built as a fort in 1626 and refurbished in 1945.
Managua
A statue dedicated to national hero Ramón Montoya, a Nicaraguan soldier who died (at the age of 14) in 1907.
Little Corn Island
A gorgeous, secluded bay surrounded by jungle on the north side of the island that gets very few visitors.
León
This 17th-century neoclassical church was rebuilt more than once and boasts an impressive bell tower.
Caribbean Coast
A small park on the upper level of town offering fantastic views over the surrounding mountains.
Managua
Appealing art gallery specializing in paintings and carvings from the Solentiname Islands.
Monumento al Trabajador Nicaragüense
Managua
A monument to Nicaraguan workers – a man and a woman, taking part in manual labour.
Managua
The best place to catch really cutting-edge contemporary art in Managua.
Northern Highlands
It will take a history buff to appreciate this national monument, which is a shadeless 3km walk from the closest bus stop. The early-1800s Spanish…
