Lecce stands out as a top destination for food lovers thanks to its unique combination of baroque architecture and rich culinary traditions. The city’s winding alleys, grand churches, and lively piazzas are perfect for exploring on foot, but what truly makes Lecce special are its traditional street foods and regional specialties. Whether you’re interested in a guided tour that combines history and tastings or a more active bike experience, Lecce offers options that suit different tastes and budgets. We particularly like the Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide for its in-depth look at both the city’s cultural highlights and its delicious cuisine.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of the best food tours in Lecce, each with its own flavor, style, and focus. Whether you want to walk, bike, or sample, there’s a perfect way to taste your way through this charming southern Italian city.
1. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
This tour combines an engaging walk through Lecce’s historic center with generous tastings of local street food. For around $338.89 per person, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours discovering the city’s baroque architecture, including highlights like the Basilica of Santa Croce and the cathedral, while sampling savory “rustico” pastries, frisella, and the famous “pasticciotto”. What sets this experience apart is the seamless mix of cultural sightseeing and culinary exploration—a perfect way to get acquainted with Lecce in a single outing.
The guided walk takes you past Porta San Biagio, Piazza del Duomo, and Porta Napoli, with commentary that brings Lecce’s history to life. The tastings are timed to serve as a light meal—ideal if you’re looking to combine sightseeing with food without overdoing it. Critics rave about the knowledgeable guide Antonella, who “brought Lecce to life” with her stories and historical insights. The tour’s price reflects its quality, making it a good choice for those wanting a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a guided experience that balances cultural highlights with authentic tastings, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable way to taste Lecce.
2. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
For roughly 2 hours, this guided street food walking tour offers a delightful dive into Lecce’s local snacks, historic sites, and regional wines. Starting at Porta Rudiae, the tour moves through the city’s winding alleys, with stops at the Santa Croce Church, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, and other key sights, all while sampling delicious pasticciotto, taralli, and regional treats.
A highlight is the visit to Santa Croce Basilica, where you can admire the Baroque façade and hear stories behind the architecture. The tour concludes with a glass of Apulian wine paired with a rustic snack, making it a well-rounded tasting experience. The reviews praise guide Lucianna’s warmth and knowledge, which helps bring the city’s history and food traditions to life. Though the tour’s duration is shorter, it’s packed with local flavor and scenic sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a flexible, food-focused walk around Lecce’s historic center paired with regional wines, all led by a friendly guide.
3. Lecce Street Food Group Tour (3h)
At 3 hours and with a 5-star rating, this Lecce Street Food Group Tour is great for those wanting a short, lively introduction to Lecce’s street food scene. The tour uses bikes or rickshaws to cover the main sights like Piazza del Duomo, Porta Napoli, and Santa Croce, making it a fun way to see the city without tiring your feet.
The focus here is on sampling local delicacies like puccia, taralli, and pettole, washed down with local wines or a refreshing drink. The guide will tell you stories about the city’s historic buildings and food traditions, blending sightseeing with tasting. The reviews highlight the interactive and friendly nature of the guide, and the ease of covering much ground in a short time.
While it’s shorter than some other options, it offers good value for the price and a memorable experience for active travelers. It’s particularly suitable if you want a quick, energetic tour with a focus on street food.
Bottom Line: A lively, efficient way to explore Lecce’s architecture and sample local street foods in just three hours.
4. Lecce: The Ultimate Street Food Tour with a Local
This 3-hour street food tour is designed for foodies eager to experience the best of Salento’s street fare in Lecce’s scenic streets. It visits carefully selected venues to taste authentic dishes like Rustico Leccese, Puccia, and regional pastries like fruttone and pastiers.
Starting at Porta Rudiae, the tour includes stops at the Lecce Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre, and several local shops famed for artisanal gelato. The guide shares stories about each dish’s origins and local customs, making it a rich cultural as well as foodie experience. Reviewers appreciate the delicious variety and knowledgeable guide, noting it’s a great way to learn about Lecce’s culinary scene.
Compared to other options, this tour offers a comprehensive tasting experience with a focus on high-quality, authentic street foods. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed pace, ample food, and local insights.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a flavorful, full-immersion tour into Salento street food, this is one of the best options.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Lecce
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and time constraints. If you prioritize a detailed, historical walk combined with tastings, the Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide offers a balanced experience. For a shorter but lively walk with wine, the Lecce Guided Street Food Tour with Food and Wine is an excellent choice.
Travelers who love active exploration might prefer the Bike or Rickshaw Street Food Tour, which combines sightseeing with quick tastings. If your focus is maximizing food variety in a relaxed pace, then the Ultimate Street Food Tour offers a deep dive into Salento’s culinary delights.
Consider your fitness level, budget, and how much time you want to spend. Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a diverse range of food experiences that appeal to different tastes and travel styles. For a comprehensive introduction to both its architecture and cuisine, the first tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a quicker, wine-enhanced experience, the second is perfect. Active travelers will enjoy the bike or rickshaw option, while serious foodies should consider the full-length street food tour for its variety and depth.
Whatever your choice, Lecce’s flavorful dishes and welcoming streets promise a memorable culinary adventure. Be sure to book early to enjoy this charming city’s food scene without stress.