The industrial city of Leon, 240 mi/380 km northwest of Mexico City, is the largest in the Mexican state of Guanajuato. It has little of interest to most tourists, however.
Shoe factories abound in Leon, and several specialized malls offer good prices on footwear (especially boots, which they export to the U.S.), purses and other leather items. The main bus terminal is right across the street from a collection of more than 1,000 shoe shops, making this an easy day trip for shopping from San Miguel de Allende or Guanajuato City.
The Explora Science Center, a hands-on science museum with an IMAX theater, is quite informative and fun for families. There's also a nice city park and zoo.
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