Lecce is a treasure trove of baroque architecture, lively streets, and delicious food. Its small size makes it ideal for walking tours, yet there’s enough variety in experiences to satisfy history lovers, foodies, and adventure seekers alike. We especially love the Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour for its mix of impressive buildings and hidden underground sites. For a more relaxed, personalized experience, the Discovering Lecce tour offers a deeper dive into local secrets. If you want to indulge your culinary side, the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce combines authentic recipes with regional wines. Whether you prefer exploring on foot, biking, or sailing along the coast, Lecce’s tours promise genuine, memorable encounters.
Quick Overview
Our list covers a variety of guided walking tours, including Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour and Strolling through Lecce, which reveal the city’s architectural marvels and hidden corners. For food lovers, there are guided street food tours and local wine tastings. Adventure options include boat trips to explore sea caves or kayaking along the coast. No matter your interest, Lecce offers engaging experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing—each one tailored to different tastes and schedules.
1. Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour
At number 1, this Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour immerses you in Lecce’s stunning Baroque buildings and hidden underground chambers. Over 1.5 to 2 hours, a guide shares insights into the city’s Roman roots, pointing out landmarks like the Roman Column and Santa Croce Church. The tour also includes a visit to the Jewish Museum in underground chambers, offering a rare glimpse into Lecce’s Jewish heritage. It’s a balanced mix of architecture, history, and culture, and reviews consistently praise the guide’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. You can choose between a shared group or private experience, which makes it flexible for different travelers.
Bottom line: This tour offers an excellent introduction to Lecce’s artistic grandeur and underground secrets—ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown.
2. Strolling through Lecce
For those who prefer a relaxed, personalized approach, the Strolling through Lecce tour offers a 2-hour walk in the city’s old town. Led by Sara, a local guide, you’ll explore the most important Baroque and Roman monuments and discover hidden corners that most visitors overlook. The itinerary includes highlights like Porta Napoli, Piazza del Duomo, and the Roman Theater, with plenty of tips about local traditions and lesser-known stories. The reviews highlight Sara’s engaging storytelling and extensive knowledge, making this tour both fun and educational. It’s perfect for solo travelers or private groups, with ample flexibility.
Bottom line: This tour is a lovely way to get to know Lecce’s character at your own pace with a guide who truly knows her city.
3. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
Number 3 on our list is the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce, hosted in a charming villa in Corigliano d’Otranto. Enza and her family welcome you into their home for a hands-on experience making oreghette and macaroni using traditional Apulian techniques. The class is immersive, involving seasonal ingredients and local wines, culminating in a homemade dinner. Reviewers rave about how warm and authentic the hosts are, and many say it became one of their trip highlights. The focus on regional recipes and local wines provides a real taste of Salento’s culinary traditions. The experience is suitable for food lovers eager to learn and eat well.
Bottom line: This is a memorable, authentic cooking experience that combines learning, eating, and local wine—ideal for culinary enthusiasts.
4. Discovering Lecce
The Discovering Lecce tour offers a 2-hour private exploration of the city’s streets, squares, and monuments. You’ll stroll through landmarks like Piazza del Duomo, the Roman Theater, and the Basilica di Santa Croce, with the guide sharing stories of Lecce’s medieval origins and Baroque splendor. This tour includes a special local treat—‘coffee Leccese’ on ice with almond milk—that adds a personal touch. Reviewers appreciate the warm guidance and ability to customize the experience. It’s a great choice for travelers who want an intimate, flexible introduction to Lecce’s art, history, and cuisine.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a tailored, relaxed overview of Lecce’s highlights with a personal touch.
5. Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare. Departing from Lecce
For a full-day escape, the Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare tour offers a scenic 8-hour trip. It’s ideal if you want to see multiple towns without the hassle of driving—transport is provided, and you explore each independently. Ostuni’s whitewashed medieval streets, Alberobello’s famous trulli houses, and Polignano a Mare’s stunning cliffside setting create a diverse experience. Travelers praise the well-paced schedule and local tips shared along the way. It’s best suited for those with limited time who want an overview of Puglia’s highlights.
Bottom line: A hassle-free way to see multiple iconic towns, especially good if you prefer self-guided exploration with guidance.
6. Street Food Tour of Lecce & City Sightseeing with Local Guide
Number 6 combines Lecce’s culinary delights and sightseeing in a 2.5-hour tour. It begins with a walk past the Basilica di Santa Croce, then stops to taste local street foods like rustico and pasticciotto. Your guide also shares stories behind the historic squares and churches, enriching your understanding of Lecce’s Baroque heritage. The reviews highlight how the tour is both fun and informative, with plenty of delicious samples. It’s recommended for foodies who want to experience Lecce’s cuisine and culture in one go. The tour timing pairs well with lunch or dinner, making it a tasty, efficient introduction.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a flavorful taste of Lecce’s culinary traditions alongside sightseeing.
7. Lecce: Baroque and Underground Tour – Private Tour
This private tour offers a personalized 2-hour walk through Lecce’s historic center, with a private guide tailoring the visit to your interests. You’ll see key sites like Santa Croce Church, Sant’Oronzo Square, and go underground at the Jewish Museum. The flexibility and intimacy of this experience make it perfect for travelers who prefer a more private, in-depth look at Lecce’s architectural and historical treasures. The guide’s personal approach and detailed commentary earn high praise, and reviews note how well it maximizes your time.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking a custom, private experience with expert insights into Lecce’s hidden layers.
8. Boat Party at Sunset in the Waters of Salento with Drink
Number 8 takes you onto the water for a unique experience—an sunset boat party. With a lively atmosphere, music, and drink included, this 3-hour cruise offers spectacular views of Punta Meliso and the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas. It’s a fun choice for travelers wanting to enjoy Salento’s coastline away from the crowds. The reviews are glowing, with many mentioning the well-organized trip and the unforgettable sunset. It’s suitable for couples, groups, or anyone looking to relax and socialize while taking in the scenery. Private parties can also be arranged.
Bottom line: Perfect for a lively, scenic evening with music, drinks, and stunning coastal views.
9. Lecce Historical Attractions Tour in Group (2h)
Number 9 offers a 2-hour guided group bike or rickshaw tour through Lecce’s main attractions. It’s a practical way to cover the highlights like Piazza del Duomo, Basilica di Santa Croce, and Porta Napoli, with a guide sharing stories you might miss on your own. Reviewers note the guide’s engaging personality and the easy pace, making it a good option for all ages, including families. The use of eco-friendly transport adds a modern touch.
Bottom line: An efficient, fun way to see Lecce’s top sights with a friendly guide, especially if you prefer active exploration.
10. Leuca: Caves tour 1h 30 min
For a coastal adventure, the Leuca: Caves tour takes you by boat to explore Santa Maria di Leuca’s sea caves and coves. The 1.5-hour trip includes stops for swimming in crystal-clear waters. Reviewers praise the friendly guides and the chance to see spectacular rock formations. It’s great for outdoor lovers and those interested in geology. The tour runs in small groups, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for sea lovers wanting to combine sightseeing with swimming and cave exploration.
11. Wine Experience
Number 11 is a wine tasting tour at a family-run boutique winery outside Lecce. Over about an hour, you’ll walk through the vineyards, learn about native grapes, and sample a variety of reds, whites, and rosés paired with local snacks. Reviewers mention the warm hosts and high-quality wines, making it an authentic taste of Salento’s wine culture. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts or anyone wanting a relaxed, educational experience.
Bottom line: A wonderful, personal introduction to Puglia’s wine heritage, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
12. Lecce Bike Rental
If you prefer exploring on your own, the Lecce Bike Rental offers a flexible way to see the city at your own pace. With a wide range of bikes and safety gear, you can pedal through Lecce’s baroque streets or venture into the surrounding countryside. Reviewers praise the helpful staff and the ease of renting bikes for a full day. It’s best suited for independent travelers comfortable on two wheels.
Bottom line: The perfect way to cover more ground without rushing, especially if you enjoy cycling.
13. Leuca kayak tour + swimming + speleo-trek in cave
Number 13 offers a full outdoor adventure—a kayaking, swimming, and speleo-trek experience along Leuca’s coast. It’s suitable for beginners, as the guide provides a sea kayak course, and the tour explores hidden caves and ravines. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and breathtaking scenery. The 3-hour trip combines active fun with stunning views of sea caves and natural formations. It’s best for travelers who enjoy water sports and want an active day out.
Bottom line: An adventurous, scenic outing for water sports lovers and those seeking a physically engaging experience.
14. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
Our final pick is a guided street food tour that combines tasting local delicacies with sightseeing. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit iconic spots like Porta Rudiae, Piazza del Duomo, and Santa Croce, sampling dishes like pasticciotto, taralli, and local regional snacks. The tour concludes with a glass of Apulian wine, complementing the culinary experience. Reviewers enjoy the friendly guide and the chance to try multiple authentic foods in one outing. It’s suitable for foodies wanting a casual but rich taste of Lecce’s gastronomic culture.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a delicious, cultural stroll through Lecce’s culinary scene.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Lecce
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a rundown of Lecce’s architecture and underground sites, the Baroque and Underground Walking Tour is a top choice. For a relaxed, personalized experience, Discovering Lecce offers tailored insights. Food and drink enthusiasts should consider the Street Food Walk or the Wine Experience, which highlight Lecce’s culinary and viticultural traditions. Active travelers may prefer kayaking or biking, available through the Leuca caves tour or Bike Rental.
Book early, especially for popular activities like cooking classes or boat parties, and consider your fitness level and interests when choosing. If you’re short on time, guided walking or bike tours offer great value. For those seeking a more customized experience, private tours can be tailored to your preferences.
Lecce offers a wide range of tours and experiences that make exploring the city both fun and meaningful. From its iconic Baroque architecture to culinary delights and coastal adventures, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Two or three standout choices include the Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour for history buffs and the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting for food lovers. Whatever you choose, booking in advance will help you secure your spot and make the most of your time in this charming city.