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…
Must-see attractions in Nicaragua
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.
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.
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.
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.
Caribbean Coast
This lovely partially dammed swimming hole, 4km north of town on the road to Managua, is framed in cascades of water and has been popular with picnickers…
Corn Islands
The museum in this wooden building next to the stadium won't hold your attention very long with its pictures of old beauty queens, preserved lobsters and…
Managua
Founded in 1960 as a Jesuit school, this is one of Nicaragua’s premier universities, with a curriculum heavy on science and alternative technologies, Che…
Caribbean Coast
The central plaza is constantly buzzing with man gossip thanks to the steady stream of ranchers, who come to get their boots shined next to El Lustrador,…
Caribbean Coast
The closest thing Bilwi has to a decent beach, this place is about as far from a Caribbean fantasy as it's possible to get, but folk still tramp up here…
Southwestern Nicaragua
Ask your taxi driver to point out this monument, suspended from a gleaming half-arch above the traffic, which marks the spot where conquistador Gil…
Caribbean Coast
You'll probably feel familiar with Pearl Lagoon's iconic church before you even reach the Caribbean, as it graces Nicaragua's 20 Cordoba banknote…
Granada
This lakefront tourist center has restaurants, discos, sandy beaches, kids' play areas, and picnic spots, though the location is no good for swimming and…
Granada
North of Parque Central is Plaza de la Independencia, also known as the 'Plaza de los Leones.' The obelisk is dedicated to the heroes of the 1821 struggle…
Caribbean Coast
Bluefields' best green space is a popular meeting point with impressive 25m-high trees sprouting bromeliads in the canopy and a monument to the six ethnic…
Managua
This not-particularly Japanese park, nestled in the back blocks of the Metrocentro area, is a great place for a bit of time out. There are plenty of trees…
Caribbean Coast
The beautiful wooden church has been replaced by a concrete structure, but it's still worth swinging past for Saturday-morning services to listen to the…
Managua
The Managua branch of Nicaragua’s oldest university (the original is in León, the former capital) was founded in 1958 and has more than 24,000 students.
Managua
The grocery store called 'La Vicky' doesn't stand here anymore, but locals still use it as a point of reference for navigating the town.
Little Corn Island
On the southern side of the island, this remote beach faces the open water, which has quite a few rocks. Scenic rather than idyllic.
Corn Islands
This diminutive church with its singular tower was founded in the 1850s and is a local landmark on the north side of the island.
Managua
A cute and shady little neighborhood park with the requisite benches, snack kiosks and even a laid-back bar in the middle.
Caribbean Coast
This elegant peach-colored colonial church fronts the leafy central park and is dedicated to the patron saint of Boaco.
Managua
A former casino (now closed) and current landmark that locals use to give directions in the area.
Granada
The city's old hospital ruins are a landmark locals often use when giving directions.
